Thrill Drive, released by Konami in 1998, offers a fascinating mix of arcade racing and a strong message about road safety. While it advises players to drive "sensibly and carefully" in real life, the game thrives on dramatizing crashes. It enhances the impact with sound effects of screaming passengers, calculates damage costs, and displays images of petrified drivers, one of whom bears an uncanny resemblance to Barry Chuckle.
The game's vehicle lineup is best described as peculiar. Options like the Volvo V70, Fiat Barchetta, and a rather ordinary Vauxhall Corsa suggest the car selection process didn't venture far from the office car park.
Despite its oddities, Thrill Drive is enjoyable. The game offers:
- Quasi-simulation handling
- A robust speed sensation
- Three extensive open-road tracks with unique international settings
A distinctive "Worst Drivers" leaderboard tracks players who cause the most damage, adding an unusual twist to the competitive spirit.
The game is memorable for its extreme depiction of crashes. Inspired by the gory nature of Mortal Kombat, Thrill Drive's accident replays feature drivers being thrown through the windshield—a spectacle that suggests its potential as a mandatory experience for learner drivers to promote safer roads.
Thrill Drive stands out as an arcade game combining pulse-racing action with a stark message on road safety. Its memorable crashes, unusual vehicle selection, and engaging gameplay ensure it remains a classic worth revisiting.
