BMX Flyer
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BMX Flyer is one of 4 different games in the 'Multi colorlaser-6000' series and was released in 1983[1]. These games were manufactured by Tomy and licensed by Grandstand (game manufacturer) for sale in the UK. Their most notable feature was a multi-coloured backlit Vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) which served to clearly distinguish them from very popular monochromatic LCD games of the time such as Nintendo's Game & Watch series.
The 6 titles in this series are:
- Tomy's Mr Do! (also known as Mr. Go![2]);
- Tomy's Wheelie Crosser (also known as Grandstand's BMX Flyer[3]);
- Tomy's Monster Burger;
- Grandstand's Thomas the Tank Engine.
The packaging features the licensed use of the Falcon Pro BMX bike in its illustrated artwork.
In Japan (where the game was called 'Wheelie Crosser'), the artwork features an illustration of a character riding motorbike[4] instead, though the in-game graphics remain unchanged and gameplay is identical.
Hardware
The game can be powered by four AA batteries or a DC power supply (6v, 200mA) with centre negative plug. The Vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) provides a bright clear image that allows multi-coloured graphics to be displayed.
Game controls include a sliding power switch, sliding audio on/off switch and four user inputs: - Jump, Drift, Down, Wheelie.
Gameplay
Released at a time when the popularity of the BMX had boomed, BMX flyer was clearly targeted to appeal to the growing number of young children obsessed with BMXs and BMX racing. the player controls the 'Super rider' - a daring BMX stunt rider – as he traverses hazardous terrain and obstacles in his path, as well as dangers in the air. The player is able to wheelie over small obstacles, such as small holes in the ground and cans (represented by triangles on the ground). Larger obstacles in the form of large holes in the ground or other riders in front of the player must be jumped. The player also has the option of slowing down other riders who approach from the rear by causing dirt to rise from the ground. Points are awarded for manoeuvres successfully completed. Airborne hazards consist of a ‘gangster’ in a helicopter who arrives to drop bombs on the player (which can be avoided by pulling a wheelie), and crows that fly across the screen periodically and represent a hazard when jumping. Jumping up to a girl who occasionally appears in a hot air balloon who will gain the player bonus points.
In each level there are a number of route choices that can be selected by either jumping into the air or riding down into the ‘water supply area’ where water bottles can be collected to increase the player’s energy. Strategic use of these areas can provide welcome relief from the obstacles above, for example bombs being dropped by the gangster in the helicopter.
Play proceeds across a number of laps featuring more challenging pre-defined combinations of obstacles and enemies, and increased cycling speed. The player is give 3 lives at the beginning of each new game and is rewarded with a new life whenever the total score increases by 10,000. A maximum of 4 lives can be available at any one time.
Emulation
A faithful recreation of BMX Flyer was created in flash in 2009 by George Gardiner (code) and David Hennigan (graphics) but unfortunately the site hosting the game is no longer available and so this version can no longer be played. There are no other emulations of this game available currently.
References
External links
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