Released in 1982, Hyper Chase is one of the rare racing games in the Vectrex catalog, and one of the only ones set on Earth rather than in space. No spaceships, no planets to explore… just a Formula 1 car speeding along a winding road. A surprising choice for a console known for its futuristic games. In Hyper Chase, you accelerate, brake, avoid crashes, and aim for the best possible performance.
Hyper Chase
Developer : GCE (General Consumer Electronics)
Year : 1982
Genre : Racing / Arcade
Modes : Single-player, 1 to 2 players alternating
Two Modes, Two Approaches
The game offers two variations :
- Game 1 : The player has unlimited cars. The goal is to cross the finish line as quickly as possible.
- Game 2 : The player has 5 cars and must avoid mistakes to score as many points as possible.
You must manage your trajectory, accelerate and brake… Cars can also appear from behind, so the player must stay alert, as there’s no warning when they arrive. This can be frustrating at first, but it also adds a tense, reactive element to the driving.
Controls That Take Time to Master
Hyper Chase also stands out due to its unusual handling. It’s one of the very few Vectrex games to take advantage of the console’s analog stick capabilities. In other words, it’s not just about tapping left or right : you need to continuously manage the stick’s tilt to stay on course.
But this unique sensitivity takes some getting used to. When you release the stick, the car automatically returns to the center, which can be surprising for players used to more “rigid” driving. Focus is key to controlling your vehicle precisely.
A Road That Comes to Life Before Your Eyes
Visually, Hyper Chase provides an effective representation of a road in perspective. Although the road is linear in structure, it’s never straight, and the continuous curves really give the feeling of driving.
On the sides, a few decorative elements enhance the scenery (trees, lampposts…). Everything scrolls by quickly, reinforcing the sense of speed. Despite the rather minimal environment, it works, and the colorful overlay that comes with the game adds a welcome splash of life.
What Stands Out
✅ Strengths :
- An original attempt at racing on the Vectrex.
- Utilizes the console’s analog controls.
- Two game modes with different goals.
❌ Weaknesses :
- Sensitive and unintuitive handling at first.
- Cars coming from behind without warning can make races frustrating.
A Must-Try for Retro Speed Enthusiasts
Hyper Chase may not be the most fun racing game ever made, but it remains a unique experience on the Vectrex. It dares to do something different, relying on adrenaline and focus. With a bit of patience and quick reflexes, Hyper Chase reveals a distinct rhythm and a style all its own.
For more, check out this fan video on YouTube :
