''Full Throttle'', also known as ''Top Speed'', is a one-player

racing In sports, racing is a competition of speed, in which competitors try to complete a given task in the shortest amount of time. Typically this involves traversing some distance, but it can be any other task involving speed to reach a specific g ...

arcade game An arcade game or coin-op game is a coin-operated entertainment machine typically installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are presented as primarily game of skill, games of skill and in ...

developed by

Taito is a Japanese company that specializes in video games, Toy, toys, arcade cabinets, and game centers, based in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The company was founded by Michael Kogan in 1953 as the importing vodka, Vending machine, vending machines, and Juk ...

1987 Events January * January 1 – Bolivia reintroduces the Boliviano currency. * January 2 – Chadian–Libyan conflict – Battle of Fada: The Military of Chad, Chadian army destroys a Libyan armoured brigade. * January 3 – Afghan leader ...

. It is similar in style to the ''

Out Run (also stylized as ''OutRun'') is an arcade driving video game released by Sega in September 1986. It is known for its pioneering hardware and graphics, nonlinear gameplay, a selectable soundtrack with music composed by Hiroshi Kawaguchi, and ...

'' games in that it features a fast, red car hurtling through the US countryside. The key difference in

gameplay Gameplay is the specific way in which players interact with a game. The term applies to both video games and Tabletop game, tabletop games. Gameplay is the connection between the player and the game, the player's overcoming of challenges, and t ...

is the addition of a nitro boost button. The game was released under the title ''Full Throttle'' in Japan, ''Top Speed'' in North America, and both ''Full Throttle'' and ''Top Speed'' in Europe.

Reception

In Japan, ''Game Machine'' listed ''Full Throttle'' on their November 15, 1987 issue as being the second most-successful upright arcade unit of the month. Clare Edgeley of ''

Computer and Video Games ''Computer and Video Games'' (also known as ''CVG'', ''Computer & Video Games'', ''C&VG'', ''Computer + Video Games'', or ''C+VG'') is a British-based video game magazine, published in its original form between 1981 and 2004. Its offshoot web ...

'' gave ''Top Speed'' a positive review, comparing it favorably to ''Out Run'' and complimented its graphics and smooth handling. ''

Commodore User ''Commodore User'', (also referred to as ''CU'') later renamed to ''CU Amiga'', is a British magazine initially published by Paradox Group before being acquired by EMAP. Timeline ''Commodore User'' was launched in October 1983 with an initial pr ...

'', on the other hand, rated ''Full Throttle'' five out of ten, calling it a clone of ''Out Run'' and comparing it unfavorably to Sega's game.

Legacy

This game was the forerunner of the Taito Z system on which Taito's driving games were based from 1988–91. Director Hiroyuki Sakou went on to create Taito's '' Operation Thunderbolt'' a year later.

References

External links

* {{KLOV game, id=10161
GameFAQs
1987 video games Arcade video games Racing video games set in the United States Romstar games PlayStation (console) games X68000 games Taito arcade games Video games developed in Japan Video games scored by Masahiko Takaki Single-player video games