If there’s one coin-op that sums up my childhood it’s Super Sprint. Frantic 3 player wheel-spinning action combined with that satisfying clack as you stomp down on the accelerator pedal, as an 80’s kid, this was the pinnacle of arcade gaming.
Released in 1986, the Amiga never saw an official port of Super Sprint, however, it was released on Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, C64, NES and ZX Speccy.
Amiga developer Graeme Cowie is looking to change that with his port: Super Sprint DRS for Amiga AGA.
We were given the chance to interview the developer Graeme Cowie to learn a little more about the development of this iconic game.
How long has it been in development?
About 2 weeks now, I started 13th April
Wow – OK that’s some going! It’s looking epic. Did you start from scratch or are you adapting a previous port?
I started from scratch, but many of the routines I’m using are taken from my previous games and my amiga game dev series. Development has been rapid because of that. It’s a direct arcade port, but is using the amiga hires interlaced mode
OK, judging by your YT channel (link here)Â you’re not new to the Amiga. Do you have any other games or worked on any published titles?
Yeah, I previously ported Bomb Jack Beer Edition and more recently Rygar AGA. (download page here). They’re public domain titles, nothing specifically published
Why Super Sprint?
I was looking for a nice small project while I’m in lockdown. Plus I used to love playing the game with my friends on the atari st. But the amiga never got an official port from the arcade so that’s another good reason.
I remember it as a kid and used to love the coin-op – all those wheels! Will it support 3 players?
Ohh yeah, no point doing it if it doesn’t support 3 players. Gonna try and get hold of some paddles too to see if i can get them to work.
Like the pong paddles? That would be epic!
Yes, you know the ones from the atari 2600 / pong. See if I can get them to work
Will you be keeping it true to the original or adding any extras?
I like formula 1 so I’m adding drag reduction system to it which means that in specific zones on the track the cars can get a turbo boost to overtake. Apart from that it will be faithful to the arcade as much as I can.
That’s a great idea, it’ll certainly add a new dynamic to the game. That covers my next question about what DRS stands for
Yeah, I think it will be really good
How long until you expect a release? Will it be free – I see people can donate on your website
It will be free like my other games. I don’t want to commit on a release date but I’m hoping to get it done by September. It will need a lot of testing – especially on netplay.
So you’re planning a for a true multiplayer experience?
Yes, gameplay multiplayer will be king on this one, if people are in lock down due to covid then they gotta be able to netplay.
Will it run OK on a stock 1200 or would you suggest some extra ram / accelerator?
Yes stock machines, all my games are like that – I write them like they were back in the day. No need for accelerators. It will be supported on A1200, 4000 and the CD32.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us about Super Sprint DRS for Amiga AGA. We’ll be sure to keep our readers posted with your progress and look forward to a release
Nice one and thanks for your interest in the port, really appreciated.
No mate thank you. It’s great to see the Amiga scene really thriving
Thanks buddy, agree the amiga scene is getting much better these days.
Further updates and support
If you feel like donating to support the project, donations and be made through his website.
