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{{about|the video game|the novel|Final Lap (novel)}}
{{refimprove|date=August 2009}}
{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
| title = Final Lap
| title = Final Lap
Line 6: Line 4:
| caption = Arcade flyer
| caption = Arcade flyer
| composer = [[Shinji Hosoe]]
| composer = [[Shinji Hosoe]]
| developer = [[Namco]]
| developer = [[Namco]]<br>[[Arc System Works]] (FC)
| publisher = {{vgrelease|JP|Namco|NA|[[Atari Games]]}}
| publisher = {{vgrelease|JP/EU|Namco<ref name="CVG77"/>|NA|[[Atari Games]]}}
| released = {{vgrelease|JP|December 1987|NA|May 1988}}
| released = {{vgrelease|JP|September 1987|EU|February 1988<ref name="CVG77"/>|NA|May 1988}}
| genre = [[Racing video game|Racing]]
| genre = [[Sim racing|Racing simulation]]<ref name="CVG77"/>
| series = ''Final Lap''
| series = ''Final Lap''
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
| cabinet = Upright, sitdown
| arcade system = [[Namco System 2]]
| arcade system = [[Namco System 2]]
⚫
| platforms = [[Arcade game|Arcade]]<br>[[Family Computer]]
| cpu = 2 × [[Motorola 68000|68000]]
| sound = Namco C140
| display = 288 × 224 [[Display resolution|resolution]]
⚫
| platforms = [[Arcade game|Arcade]], [[Family Computer]]
}}
}}
⚫
{{nihongo foot|'''''Final Lap'''''|ファイナルラップ|Fainaru Rappu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a [[racing video game]] developed by [[Namco]] and released in Japan in 1987. [[Atari Games]] published the game in the United States in 1988. It was the first game to run on Namco's then-new [[Namco System 2|System 2 hardware]] and is a direct successor to Namco's ''[[Pole Position]]'' (1982) and ''[[Pole Position II]]'' (1983). A port for the Nintendo Famicom was developed by [[Arc System Works]].


⚫
{{nihongo foot|'''''Final Lap'''''|ファイナルラップ|Fainaru Rappu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 1987 [[Sim racing|racing simulation]] [[video game]] developed and published by [[Namco]].<ref name="CVG77" /> [[Atari Games]] published the game in the United States in 1988. It was the first game to run on Namco's then-new [[Namco System 2|System 2 hardware]] and is a direct successor to Namco's ''[[Pole Position]]'' (1982) and ''[[Pole Position II]]'' (1983). It was ported to the [[Famicom]] by [[Arc System Works]], making it Arc System Works' debut game.
⚫
''Final Lap'' was the first racing game to allow up to [[multiplayer video game|eight players]] to simultaneously race on the [[Suzuka Circuit]], in a [[Formula One]] race. This was, at the time, considered a revolutionary feature and was implemented by linking together up to four two-player sitdown-style arcade cabinets. It was also arguably{{vague|date=July 2017}} the first racing game to implement "rubber banding" to ensure that less talented players were never too far behind the leader. There was also a single-player mode, in which the player's [[score (gaming)|score]] was based on how far the car traveled until time ran out or if the player completed four laps (on default settings; the arcade operator can set the lap number to be as low as three or as high as six).

⚫
''Final Lap'' was the first racing game to allow up to [[multiplayer video game|eight players]] to simultaneously race on the [[Suzuka Circuit]] in a [[Formula One]] race. This was, at the time, considered a revolutionary feature, and was implemented by linking together up to four two-player sitdown-style arcade cabinets. There was also a single-player mode, in which the player's [[score (gaming)|score]] was based on how far the car traveled until time ran out or if the player completed four laps. It was a major commercial success in Japan, becoming the third highest-grossing [[1988 in video games|arcade game of 1988]], the highest-grossing dedicated [[1989 in video games|arcade game of 1989]], and second highest dedicated [[1990 in video games|arcade game of 1990]].


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
[[File:FinalLap.png|thumb|left|The player preparing to turn a corner (arcade version)]]
[[Image:FinalLap.png|thumb|left|Preparing to turn a corner (arcade)]]
The player pilots Formula One cars of the 1987 season and may choose between [[Williams FW11|Williams-Honda]], [[Lotus 99T|Lotus-Honda]], [[McLaren MP4/3|McLaren-Porsche]], or [[March 871|March-Cosworth]]. 1987 was also the first time a Formula One grand prix was held on the [[Suzuka Circuit|Suzuka track]]. The track is reproduced very similarly to even down to sponsor [[billboard (advertising)|billboard]]s to the original track but greatly shortened, as it takes less than forty seconds to complete one lap in the game.
The player drives Formula One cars of the 1987 season and may choose between [[Williams FW11|Williams-Honda]], [[Lotus 99T|Lotus-Honda]], [[McLaren MP4/3|McLaren-Porsche]], or [[March 871|March-Cosworth]]. 1987 was the first year a Formula One grand prix was held on the [[Suzuka Circuit]], the main track in the game. The track layout is reproduced accurately, going so far as to include sponsor [[billboard (advertising)|billboard]]s. However, the length is greatly shortened, and it takes less than forty seconds to complete one lap in the game.

The Famicom version is mostly unrelated to the original arcade game, including more tracks and somewhat simpler game play. The Famicom version features both a single-player and two-player split screen mode. The game uses an upgrade system, rather than different cars. The game will slowly increase the computer controlled car's difficulty, requiring the player to continuously upgrade the car in order to keep up. The upgrades consist of engine upgrades, brake upgrades, tire upgrades, and extra boost. The game was released in Japan on August 12, 1988.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/final-lap/3030-37092/releases/|title=Final Lap International Releases|website=Giant Bomb|language=en|access-date=2020-04-12}}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
{{Video game reviews
| Allgame = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name="Allgame">{{cite web |last1=Cook |first1=Brad |title=Final Lap - Review |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=10062&tab=review |website=[[Allgame]] |accessdate=14 October 2019 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115222539/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=10062&tab=review |archivedate=15 November 2014 |date=1998}}</ref>
| Allgame = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name="Allgame">{{cite web |last1=Cook |first1=Brad |title=Final Lap - Review |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=10062&tab=review |website=[[Allgame]] |access-date=14 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115222539/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=10062&tab=review |archive-date=15 November 2014 |date=1998}}</ref>
| CVG = Positive<ref name="CVG77">{{cite magazine |title=Arcade Action |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |date=February 1988 |issue=77 (March 1988) |pages=90–3 |url=https://archive.org/details/cvg-magazine-077/page/n89/mode/2up}}</ref>
| SUser = 9/10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Coin Ops |magazine=[[Sinclair User]] |date=18 May 1988 |issue=75 (June 1988) |pages=82–3 |url=https://worldofspectrum.org/archive/magazines/sinclair-user/75#82}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[Commodore User]]''
| rev1 = ''[[Commodore User]]''
| rev1Score = 5/5<ref name="Commodore User">{{cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Nick |title=Arcades: Final Lap |url=https://www.solvalou.com/arcade/reviews/267/614 |accessdate=13 October 2019 |agency=[[Commodore User]] |date=May 1988 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202105913/https://www.solvalou.com/arcade/reviews/267/614 |archivedate=2 February 2019}}</ref>
| rev1Score = 5/5<ref name="Commodore User">{{cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Nick |title=Arcades: Final Lap |url=https://www.solvalou.com/arcade/reviews/267/614 |access-date=13 October 2019 |agency=[[Commodore User]] |date=May 1988 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202105913/https://www.solvalou.com/arcade/reviews/267/614 |archive-date=2 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
}}
{{Expand section|date=September 2021}}

''Final Lap'' was a major commercial success in Japan, where it remained one of the most-popular and profitable arcade games, being towards the top of arcade earnings charts for three consecutive years.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - アップライト, コックピット型TVゲーム機 (Upright/Cockpit Videos)|magazine=Game Machine|issue=325|publisher=Amusement Press|date=1 February 1988|page=23|lang=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - アップライト, コックピット型TVゲーム機 (Upright/Cockpit Videos) |magazine=Game Machine |issue=360 |publisher=Amusement Press |date=July 15, 1989|page=23|lang=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - アップライト, コックピット型TVゲーム機 (Upright/Cockpit Videos) |magazine=Game Machine |issue=368 |publisher=Amusement Press |date=November 15, 1989 |page=23 |lang=ja}}</ref> It was Japan's third highest-grossing [[1988 in video games|arcade game of 1988]] (below ''[[After Burner]]'' and ''[[Operation Wolf]]''),<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25: '88 ''/ "Game of the Year '88" By Game Machine'' |magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]] |issue=348 |publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]] |date=15 January 1989 |pages=10–1, 26 |lang=ja |url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19890115p.pdf#page=6}}</ref> and went on to become Japan's highest-grossing dedicated [[1989 in video games|arcade game of 1989]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Videos of The Year; "Tetris", "Chase H.Q." |magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]] |issue=372 |publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]] |date=15 January 1990 |page=26 |lang=ja |url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19900115p.pdf#page=14}}</ref> It was later Japan's second highest-grossing dedicated [[1990 in video games|arcade game of 1990]] (below ''[[Super Monaco GP]]'').<ref>{{cite magazine |title="Tetris" Has Still Earned More Than "Final Fight" |magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]] |issue=396 |publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]] |date=1 February 1991 |page=22 |lang=ja |url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19910201p.pdf#page=12}}</ref>

The game received positive reviews from critics. Clare Edgeley of ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' called it "a first class racing sim" that is "tremendously addictive" especially in multiplayer mode and a "definitive must" for all racing drivers.<ref name="CVG77"/>


==Sequels==
==Legacy==
''Final Lap'' was followed by ''[[Final Lap 2]]'' in 1990 which featured courses in [[Japan]], the [[United States]], [[Italy]], and [[Monaco]]; ''[[Final Lap 3]]'' in 1992, which featured courses in [[England]], [[France]], [[San Marino]], and [[Spain]]; and ''[[Final Lap R]]'' in 1993, which featured courses in [[Belgium]], [[Brazil]], [[Germany]], and [[Hungary]].
''Final Lap'' was followed by ''[[Final Lap 2]]'' in 1990 which featured courses in [[Japan]], the [[United States]], [[Italy]], and [[Monaco]]; ''[[Final Lap 3]]'' in 1992, which featured courses in [[England]], [[France]], [[San Marino]], and [[Spain]]; and ''[[Final Lap R]]'' in 1993, which featured courses in [[Belgium]], [[Brazil]], [[Germany]], and [[Hungary]].


There were also a number of spinoffs: the unusual [[Racing video game#Racing role playing games|racing-RPG]] ''[[Final Lap Twin]]'' released for the [[TurboGrafx-16]] in 1989; and ''Final Lap 2000'' and ''Final Lap Special'', a pair of games released for the [[WonderSwan]] and [[WonderSwan Color]] respectively.
There were also a number of spin-offs: the unusual [[Racing video game#Racing role playing games|racing-RPG]] ''[[Final Lap Twin]]'' released for the [[TurboGrafx-16]] in 1989; and ''Final Lap 2000'' and ''Final Lap Special'', a pair of games released for the [[WonderSwan]] and [[WonderSwan Color]] respectively.


==Notes==
==Notes==
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* {{KLOV game|id=7797}}
* {{KLOV game|id=7797}}


{{Final Lap series}}
{{Final Lap series|state=expanded}}
{{Atari Games}}
{{Formula One games}}
{{Formula One games}}


[[Category:1987 video games]]
[[Category:1987 video games]]
[[Category:Bandai Namco Entertainment franchises]]
[[Category:Bandai Namco Entertainment franchises]]
[[Category:Arcade games]]
[[Category:Arcade video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Namco games]]
[[Category:Namco games]]
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[[Category:Racing video games]]
[[Category:Racing video games]]
[[Category:Formula One video games]]
[[Category:Formula One video games]]
[[Category:Video games set in Japan]]
[[Category:Sports video games set in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Shinji Hosoe]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Shinji Hosoe]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Cancelled Sega Saturn games]]

Latest revision as of 22:03, 7 May 2024

Final Lap
Arcade flyer
Developer(s)Namco
Arc System Works (FC)
Publisher(s)
Composer(s)Shinji Hosoe
SeriesFinal Lap
Platform(s)Arcade
Family Computer
Release
  • JP: September 1987
  • EU: February 1988[1]
  • NA: May 1988
Genre(s)Racing simulation[1]
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer
Arcade systemNamco System 2

Final Lap[a] is a 1987 racing simulation video game developed and published by Namco.[1] Atari Games published the game in the United States in 1988. It was the first game to run on Namco's then-new System 2 hardware and is a direct successor to Namco's Pole Position (1982) and Pole Position II (1983). It was ported to the Famicom by Arc System Works, making it Arc System Works' debut game.

Final Lap was the first racing game to allow up to eight players to simultaneously race on the Suzuka Circuit in a Formula One race. This was, at the time, considered a revolutionary feature, and was implemented by linking together up to four two-player sitdown-style arcade cabinets. There was also a single-player mode, in which the player's score was based on how far the car traveled until time ran out or if the player completed four laps. It was a major commercial success in Japan, becoming the third highest-grossing arcade game of 1988, the highest-grossing dedicated arcade game of 1989, and second highest dedicated arcade game of 1990.

Gameplay[edit]

Preparing to turn a corner (arcade)

The player drives Formula One cars of the 1987 season and may choose between Williams-Honda, Lotus-Honda, McLaren-Porsche, or March-Cosworth. 1987 was the first year a Formula One grand prix was held on the Suzuka Circuit, the main track in the game. The track layout is reproduced accurately, going so far as to include sponsor billboards. However, the length is greatly shortened, and it takes less than forty seconds to complete one lap in the game.

The Famicom version is mostly unrelated to the original arcade game, including more tracks and somewhat simpler game play. The Famicom version features both a single-player and two-player split screen mode. The game uses an upgrade system, rather than different cars. The game will slowly increase the computer controlled car's difficulty, requiring the player to continuously upgrade the car in order to keep up. The upgrades consist of engine upgrades, brake upgrades, tire upgrades, and extra boost. The game was released in Japan on August 12, 1988.[2]

Reception[edit]

Final Lap was a major commercial success in Japan, where it remained one of the most-popular and profitable arcade games, being towards the top of arcade earnings charts for three consecutive years.[6][7][8] It was Japan's third highest-grossing arcade game of 1988 (below After Burner and Operation Wolf),[9] and went on to become Japan's highest-grossing dedicated arcade game of 1989.[10] It was later Japan's second highest-grossing dedicated arcade game of 1990 (below Super Monaco GP).[11]

The game received positive reviews from critics. Clare Edgeley of Computer and Video Games called it "a first class racing sim" that is "tremendously addictive" especially in multiplayer mode and a "definitive must" for all racing drivers.[1]

Legacy[edit]

Final Lap was followed by Final Lap 2 in 1990 which featured courses in Japan, the United States, Italy, and Monaco; Final Lap 3 in 1992, which featured courses in England, France, San Marino, and Spain; and Final Lap R in 1993, which featured courses in Belgium, Brazil, Germany, and Hungary.

There were also a number of spin-offs: the unusual racing-RPG Final Lap Twin released for the TurboGrafx-16 in 1989; and Final Lap 2000 and Final Lap Special, a pair of games released for the WonderSwan and WonderSwan Color respectively.

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Japanese: ファイナルラップ, Hepburn: Fainaru Rappu

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Arcade Action". Computer and Video Games. No. 77 (March 1988). February 1988. pp. 90–3.
  2. ^ "Final Lap International Releases". Giant Bomb. Retrieved 2020-04-12.
  3. ^ Cook, Brad (1998). "Final Lap - Review". Allgame. Archived from the original on 15 November 2014. Retrieved 14 October 2019.
  4. ^ "Coin Ops". Sinclair User. No. 75 (June 1988). 18 May 1988. pp. 82–3.
  5. ^ Kelly, Nick (May 1988). "Arcades: Final Lap". Commodore User. Archived from the original on 2 February 2019. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  6. ^ "Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - アップライト, コックピット型TVゲーム機 (Upright/Cockpit Videos)". Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 325. Amusement Press. 1 February 1988. p. 23.
  7. ^ "Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - アップライト, コックピット型TVゲーム機 (Upright/Cockpit Videos)". Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 360. Amusement Press. July 15, 1989. p. 23.
  8. ^ "Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - アップライト, コックピット型TVゲーム機 (Upright/Cockpit Videos)". Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 368. Amusement Press. November 15, 1989. p. 23.
  9. ^ "Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25: '88 / "Game of the Year '88" By Game Machine" (PDF). Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 348. Amusement Press, Inc. 15 January 1989. pp. 10–1, 26.
  10. ^ "Videos of The Year; "Tetris", "Chase H.Q."" (PDF). Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 372. Amusement Press, Inc. 15 January 1990. p. 26.
  11. ^ ""Tetris" Has Still Earned More Than "Final Fight"" (PDF). Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 396. Amusement Press, Inc. 1 February 1991. p. 22.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Final_Lap&oldid=1222785014"