Games Database
NES
Sport: Athletics
| Also for: | Game Boy, C64, Spectrum 48K, Amstrad CPC, Atari 5200, Atari 400/800/XL/XE, Atari 2600/VCS | ||
| Viewed: | 2D Side-on, Scrolling | Genre: | Sport: Athletics |
| Arcade origin: | Yes | ||
| Publishers: | Konami
(GB/US/JP) |
Released: | 1987
(GB/US) Unknown (JP) |
Summary
Track and Field was originally an arcade game with an athletics based theme that was developed by Konami for several platforms. The NES version would become one of the best-selling games of its time.
The game is extremely easy to get to grips with, due to the simple controls, which are based on pressing the A and B buttons as quickly as humanly possible. In this, Track and Field set the precedent for sequels and similar games in the genre. There are eight different events that test your finger pressing skills to the maximum: 100 Meter Dash, Long Jump, 100 Meter Hurdles, Javelin Throw, Skeet Shooting, Triple Jump, Archery and High Jump. In each of these disciplines, there is a qualifying time or distance that you must achieve to advance to the next event. If you fail to qualify, the game ends and you have to start again: this is perhaps the only bad thing about Track and Field. Up to four players can participate in the game, competing in pairs for running events, and on their own for others, which really adds to the overall longevity.
The graphics are good for the NES and the sprites are clear. The music is not great but it is fitting (it's the Chariots of Fire theme) and complements the gameplay. Overall, Track and Field deserves its accolade of classic game, with its simple game mechanic being its main asset. On your own or with friends, Track and Field is a sure winner.
The game is extremely easy to get to grips with, due to the simple controls, which are based on pressing the A and B buttons as quickly as humanly possible. In this, Track and Field set the precedent for sequels and similar games in the genre. There are eight different events that test your finger pressing skills to the maximum: 100 Meter Dash, Long Jump, 100 Meter Hurdles, Javelin Throw, Skeet Shooting, Triple Jump, Archery and High Jump. In each of these disciplines, there is a qualifying time or distance that you must achieve to advance to the next event. If you fail to qualify, the game ends and you have to start again: this is perhaps the only bad thing about Track and Field. Up to four players can participate in the game, competing in pairs for running events, and on their own for others, which really adds to the overall longevity.
The graphics are good for the NES and the sprites are clear. The music is not great but it is fitting (it's the Chariots of Fire theme) and complements the gameplay. Overall, Track and Field deserves its accolade of classic game, with its simple game mechanic being its main asset. On your own or with friends, Track and Field is a sure winner.
