Hang-On
Hang-On (ハングオン Hangu On?) is an arcade game released by Sega in 1985. It is the world's first full-body-experience video game. In the game, the player controls a motorcycle against time and other computer-controlled bikes. It was one of the first arcade games to use 16-bit graphics and Sega's "Super Scaler" technology that allowed pseudo-3D sprite-scaling at high frame rates. The game was also built into some versions of the Sega Master System. The title is derived from when the biker is turning and has to "hang on" to the bike while the bike is leaning, which Suzuki had read in a Japanese bike magazine, though Suzuki learned later the technique was called "hang off" in North America. Nevertheless, he chose to keep the former name.
The pseudo-3D sprite/tile scaling was handled in a similar manner to textures in later texture-mapped polygonal 3D games of the 1990s. Designed by Sega AM2's Yu Suzuki, he stated that his "designs were always 3D from the beginning. All the calculations in the system were 3D, even from Hang-On. I calculated the position, scale, and zoom rate in 3D and converted it backwards to 2D. So I was always thinking in 3D." The original arcade version was controlled using a cabinet resembling a motorbike, which the player moved with their body. This began the "Taikan" trend, the use of motion-controlled hydraulic arcade cabinets in many arcade games of the late 1980's, two decades before motion controls became popular on video game consoles.
Gameplay
Using a behind the motorcycle perspective, the player races a linear race track divided into several stages within a limited time. Reaching a checkpoint at the end of each stage extends the time limit. The game ends if the time runs out.
The arcade game contains in-game billboards for Bridgestone (and their Desert Dueler tires), Shell, Garelli Motorcycles, TAG, John Player Special cigarettes, Forum cigarettes, and for "Marbor", an obvious parody of Marlboro cigarettes. There would be a controversy over cigarette ads in games marketed to children upon the release of another Sega racing game, Super Monaco GP in 1989.
Arcade cabinet
There were three arcade cabinet designs—the usual upright machine only with a handlebar and brake levers (instead of a joystick and buttons),the upright machine with the addition of a seat and a third version which looked roughly like a real motorcycle. To steer, the player leaned to tilt the bike, which then steered the in-game bike. The screen was mounted into the windshield area of the bike.
1 Player Start 1 Coin 1 5 Coin 2 6 Service 1 9 Service Mode F2 Paddle Analog Mouse X Paddle Analog Dec LEFT Paddle Analog Inc RIGHT P1 Pedal 1 Analog N/A P1 Pedal 1 Analog Dec None P1 Pedal 1 Analog Inc LCONTROL P1 Pedal 2 Analog N/A P1 Pedal 2 Analog Dec None P1 Pedal 2 Analog Inc LALT
Released
Jul, 1985
Also For
MSX, PC-88, SEGA Master System
Developed by
SEGA-AM2 Co., LTD.
Published by
SEGA Enterprises Ltd.
Gameplay
Arcade
Perspective
Behind view
Interface
Direct control
Genre
Racing / driving
Vehicular
Motorcycle
Description
Hang-On is an arcade racing game, also bundled with the Master System and reminiscent of Pole Position, but with bikes. The player races against time, battling an unlimited amount of opponents on a highway. While the clock ticks down, he should try to maneuver past his opponents and to steer clear of obstacles on the side of the road. Beating the clock extends the time and draws a new backdrop to race in.
From Mobygames.com. Original Entry
