Battlecars

Battlecars is a vehicle combat game released for the ZX Spectrum in 1984, based on Games Workshop’s Battlecars miniature wargame. Set in 2084, it presents violent gladiatorial contests between drivers using 20th-century automobiles.

Players can battle the computer or another player using cars equipped with armor and weapons such as missiles, mines, machine guns, lasers, oil, and smoke. Races and battles take place on a narrow racetrack, in the Autodrome arena, or through the streets of Slug City. The racetrack emphasizes navigation, rough terrain, and time, while the Autodrome and Slug City focus on locating and destroying an opposing car.

Fuel and repairs are available at gas stations and service garages, though stopping leaves a car vulnerable. Vehicles realistically drift when turning at high speed, and the display provides driving-area and venue maps along with speed, fuel, damage, and weapon information. The game includes eight car configurations and the Designer program for customizing vehicles.