{{good article}} {{Short description|1997 video game}} {{Infobox video game |title = AirCars |image = Atari Jaguar AirCars cover art.jpg |developer = {{nowrap|MidNite Entertainment Group}} |publisher = ICD |platforms = Atari Jaguar |released = {{vgrelease|NA|June 18, 1997}} |genre = Shooter |modes = Single-player, multiplayer }}
'''''AirCars''''' is a 1997 shooter video game developed by MidNite Entertainment Group and published by ICD for the Atari Jaguar. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the player pilots a hovercraft to fight the E.B.N.E.R.S. organization and stop their plans for world domination. The player is tasked with destroying key targets while fighting enemies and bosses in multiple missions. Two players can play in a co-operative campaign, or up to eight players can participate in a deathmatch mode via local area network (LAN).
''AirCars'' is the first game compatible with CatBox, a peripheral designed by Tom Harker of ICD/Black Cat Design that allowed LAN play with other Jaguar consoles. MidNite initially cancelled the title at the last minute due to an indifferent press response and the company facing financial difficulties, leaving it unreleased despite being finished. ICD acquired the rights and published the game in a limited print run.
''AirCars'' received generally unfavorable reception from critics. Most highlighted the networked multiplayer, but the setup required before playing was considered a disadvantage, and others were mixed regarding the controls. Some reviewers also criticized the polygonal visuals and soundscapes. Retrospective commentators have called it the worst shooter on the Jaguar and one of the worst video games of all time. In 2010, a version submitted to the ESRB for review, containing several differences compared to the original, was discovered and released.
== Gameplay and premise == left|thumb|The player's aircar destroying a base installation before engaging in combat with an enemy tank in the first mission of ''AirCars'' ''AirCars'' is a three-dimensional shooter game played from a first-person perspective, similar to ''Spectre'' (1991), ''Cybermorph'', and ''Hover Strike''.<ref name="NGenAC"/><ref name="GameProAC"/><ref name="UFG3">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/ultimate-future-games-03_202012/page/n31/mode/1up|title=Trailers (Jaguar): Flung far into the future it's Aircars - Driving's never been so explosive|magazine=Ultimate Future Games|issue=3|publisher=Future Publishing|date=February 1995|page=32}}</ref><ref name="TAT7">{{cite magazine|last=Powell|first=Wes|url=https://archive.org/details/The_Atari_Times_1997-05|title=AirCars For Jaguar!!|magazine=The Atari Times|issue=7|publisher=Gregory George|date=May 1997|page=1}} ([http://ataritimes.com/index.php?page=Home&ArticleIDX=66 Transcription] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619155059/http://ataritimes.com/index.php?page=Home&ArticleIDX=66|date=2023-06-19}}).</ref> The plot takes place in a post-apocalyptic world after a nuclear holocaust. An organization called E.B.N.E.R.S. was created, whose aim was to encourage humanity to live in peace and restructure society to eradicate any hostility. The government placed spies within the organization to follow its activities, learning about the development of force fields, teleportation devices, and armored vehicles called aircars. Government spies also revealed E.B.N.E.R.S.' plan to dominate the world by using their weapons and technology to bring the remaining humans under their rule. The player is tasked with eliminating the organization by piloting a prototype aircar, which is teleported to an E.B.N.E.R.S. base complex.<ref name="UFG3"/><ref name="STMagAC"/><ref name="GW8">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/games-world-08/page/n73/mode/2up|title=Games Watch: AirCars|magazine=Games World|issue=8|publisher=Paragon Publishing|date=February 1995|pages=74–75}}</ref><ref name="ACgm">{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/AirCars/mode/2up|title=AirCars|date=1997|publisher=ICD|edition=North American|type=Game Manual}}</ref>
The main objective of the game is to destroy key targets within each complex, such as strategic facilities and enemy vehicles.<ref name="STMagAC"/><ref name="VGSac"/><ref name="XGac"/><ref name="Allgame">{{cite web|author=Rovi Games|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=7197|title=Aircars - Overview|work=AllGame|publisher=Rovi Corporation|date=2007|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114113644/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=7197|archive-date=November 14, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The player controls the aircar in environments with enemies defending the facilities.<ref name="GW8"/><ref name="VGSac"/> The player can maneuver, strafe, switch between camera angles, and fire weapons.<ref name="ACgm"/> There are power-ups to improve or refill the vehicle's weaponry: a shotgun, a machine gun, cannons, a missile launcher, a radar jammer, mines, and a smoke screen.<ref name="ACgm"/><ref name="VGSac"/><ref name="XGac"/> Weapons can be changed on the left or right side of the aircar.<ref name="ACgm"/> There are also two power-up types: one is used immediately, but some have an effect for a limited time when collected, and the other is saved for later use. The dashboard and heads-up display of the aircar show various functions, such as an arrow pointing in the direction of a target, a radar map, as well as speed and armor indicators.<ref name="ACgm"/><ref name="VGSac"/><ref name="XGac"/>
After eliminating each key target, the player must exit the base complex through a teleportation gate and continue to the next area.<ref name="UFG3"/><ref name="VGSac"/><ref name="XGac"/> There are 32 missions in total, each divided into 28 missions on the Earth and 4 missions on Mars.<ref name="STMagAC"/><ref name="GW8"/><ref name="VGSac"/> In each mission with the letter G, the player must fight a boss after the last key target is eliminated before moving on to the next area.<ref name="ACgm"/> The game features unlimited continues; If the aircar is destroyed, the player is immediately sent to a new unit and respawns at a random point in the area.<ref name="ACgm"/><ref name="VGSac"/><ref name="XGac"/> Some missions have teleporters that warps the player from one map location to another depending on their color.<ref name="ACgm"/> Two players can play in a co-operative campaign using JagLink, or up to eight players can participate in a deathmatch mode via local area network (LAN) using CatBox.<ref name="GW8"/><ref name="Allgame"/>
== Development and release == ''AirCars'' was developed by the American company MidNite Entertainment Group (previously MidNite Software), one of the initial third-party developers for the Atari Jaguar.<ref name="GW8"/><ref name="STReport940">{{cite magazine|last=Mirando|first=Joe|url=https://archive.org/details/st-report-940/page/n12/mode/1up|title=On CompuServe: From the Atari Productivity Forum|magazine=Silicon Times Report|issue=40|publisher=STR Electronic Publishing Inc.|date=October 1, 1993|volume=9 }}</ref><ref name="GameFanv2i3">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_2_Issue_03/page/n103/mode/1up|title=Atari Jaguar At The Show|magazine=GameFan|volume=2|issue=3|publisher=DieHard Gamers Club|date=February 1994|page=104}}</ref><ref name="Gen464">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/generation4-magazine-064/page/n31/mode/1up|title=News: La Jaguar ronronne|magazine={{ill|Génération 4|lt=Génération 4|fr|Gen4}}|issue=64|publisher=Pressimage|date=March 1994|page=32|language=fr}}</ref> MidNite had previously worked on titles such as ''Food Fight'' and ''Airball'' for Atari 8-bit computers, an adaptation based on the 1988 dark fantasy drama film ''Willow'' for Atari ST, as well as ''Hard Drivin''' and ''Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom'' for Atari Lynx.<ref name="GDRI">{{cite web|author=CRV|url=http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/MidNite_Software|title=MidNite Software|work=Game Developer Research Institute|date=October 15, 2009|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140828202045/http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/MidNite_Software|archive-date=August 28, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> It is the first game compatible with CatBox, a peripheral designed by Tom Harker of ICD/Black Cat Design that allowed local area network (LAN) play with other Jaguar consoles.<ref name="GamePro59">{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:GamePro_US_059.pdf&page=186|title=ProNews: Jaguar's Cat Box|magazine=GamePro|issue=59|publisher=IDG|date=June 1994|pages=184–186|access-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731213533/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:GamePro_US_059.pdf&page=186|archive-date=July 31, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="EGM27">{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:EGM2_US_07.pdf&page=28|title=Press Start: Cat Box About To Freshen Up Jaguar Market|magazine=EGM<sup>2</sup>|issue=7|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=January 1995|page=28|access-date=June 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140555/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:EGM2_US_07.pdf&page=28|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="AEOv3i13">{{cite magazine|last1=LaBarge|first1=Dimitri Mark|last2=Svensson|first2=Christian|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=Jaguar Tackboard: Jaguar Press Releases; Surfing the Jagged Edge: Notes from the BattleSphere; Jaguars at ToadFest 94: Details — Aircars|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=3|issue=13|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=December 4, 1994|access-date=July 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=dead}} ([https://www.atarimax.com/freenet/freenet_material/6.16and32-BitComputersSupportArea/8.OnlineMagazines/showarticle.php?499 Transcription] by The Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG Historical Archive. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060516015114/https://www.atarimax.com/freenet/freenet_material/6.16and32-BitComputersSupportArea/8.OnlineMagazines/showarticle.php?499|date=2006-05-16}}).</ref><ref name="AEOv4i4">{{cite magazine|last=Santora|first=Mark|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=California 4Play: Mark Santora talks with the West Coast half of the BattleSphere Dream Team|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=4|issue=4|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=March 28, 1995|access-date=May 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=live}} ([http://jaguar.gamebygamepodcast.com/aeo/aeo_0404.txt Transcription] by The Atari Jaguar Game by Game Podcast. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714235918/http://jaguar.gamebygamepodcast.com/aeo/aeo_0404.txt|date=2023-07-14}}).</ref> The game was first announced at the 1994 Winter Consumer Electronics Show under the name ''Car Wars'', while CatBox was scheduled to be released in the second quarter of 1994.<ref name="Gen464"/><ref name="GamePro59"/><ref name="APE14">{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Clinton|year=1994|title=Atari at Winter CES|url=https://www.ataricompendium.com/archives/newsletters/ape/ape_winter9394.pdf|work=Atari Power Entertainment|issue=14|publisher=Clinton Smith|page=1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122230338/https://www.ataricompendium.com/archives/newsletters/ape/ape_winter9394.pdf|archive-date=2025-01-22|access-date=2025-01-22}}</ref><ref name="VGS30">{{cite magazine|last=Zengerle|first=Robert|url=https://archive.org/details/video-games-de-1994-05/page/n74/mode/1up|title=Warpzone: Demnächst für Eure Konsolen - Atari Jaguar|magazine={{ill|Video Games (German magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}}|issue=30|publisher=Magna Media|date=May 1994|page=79|language=de}}</ref> It was shown alongside CatBox at ToadFest '94 under its final title, ''AirCars'', and planned for release on January 30, 1995.<ref name="AEOv3i13"/>
The game was present at the 1995 Winter CES, but received a poor response, and its launch was delayed until April 1995, while Telegames planned a European release.<ref name="GW8"/><ref name="AEOv4i1">{{cite magazine|last=LaBarge|first=Dimitri Mark|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=Surfing the Jagged Edge: Online Atari WCES Reports|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=4|issue=1|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=January 16, 1995|access-date=May 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=dead}} ([https://www.atarimax.com/freenet/freenet_material/6.16and32-BitComputersSupportArea/8.OnlineMagazines/showarticle.php?506 Transcription] by The Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG Historical Archive. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060516022254/https://www.atarimax.com/freenet/freenet_material/6.16and32-BitComputersSupportArea/8.OnlineMagazines/showarticle.php?506|date=2006-05-16}}).</ref><ref name="JP39">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/joypad-magazine-039/page/n31/mode/1up|title=Tout Le C.E.S. Comme Si Vous Y Étiez|magazine={{ill|Joypad (magazine)|lt=Joypad|fr|Joypad (magazine)}}|issue=39|publisher={{ill|Yellow Media (publisher)|lt=Yellow Media|fr|Yellow Media}}|date=February 1995|pages=32–35|language=fr}}</ref><ref name="CAINewsv2i4">{{cite news|url=https://archive.org/details/central-atari-12/page/n45/mode/1up|title=Internet E3 Show Reports|work=Central Atari Information Network|volume=2|issue=4|publisher=Cain Publishing|date=April–May 1995}} ([https://www.atariarchives.org/cfn/12/08/0018.php Transcription] by AtariArchives.org. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030329053301/https://www.atariarchives.org/cfn/12/08/0018.php|date=2003-03-29}}).</ref> It later appeared in an almost complete state at E3 1995 and was scheduled for release in July 1995, while Harker demonstrated CatBox alongside ''BattleSphere''.<ref name="CAINewsv2i4"/><ref name="AEOE31995">{{cite AV media|people=Guy, Travis (producer)|year=1995|title=AEO at E3 1995|work=Atari Explorer Online|medium=VHS|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioG07qR6T7k|access-date=July 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811065435/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioG07qR6T7k|archive-date=August 11, 2020|url-status=live|time=1h11m44s|location=United States|publisher=Subspace Publishers}}</ref><ref name="VGTUGM79">{{cite magazine|last=Gore|first=Chris|author-link=Chris Gore|url=https://archive.org/details/Video_Games_The_Ultimate_Gaming_Magazine_Issue_79_August_1995/page/n13/mode/1up|title=The Gorescore - Industry News You Can: Upcoming Jaguar Software Titles|magazine=VideoGames|issue=79|publisher=Larry Flynt Publications|date=August 1995|page=14}}</ref> Although CatBox was released, MidNite pulled ''AirCars'' at the last minute due to an indifferent press response and the company facing financial difficulties, leaving it unreleased despite being finished and passing certification.<ref name="TAT7"/><ref name="GamePro73">{{cite magazine|author=The Lab Rat|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_073_August_1995/page/n109/mode/1up|title=GamePro Labs: No Litterbox|magazine=GamePro|issue=73|publisher=IDG|date=August 1995|page=108}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://songbird-productions.com/jagdomain/acorder.html|title=ICD, Inc. is pleased to announce a limited release of Aircars for the Atari Jaguar|website=The Jaguar's Domain|publisher=ICD|date=May 24, 1997|access-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418092851/http://songbird-productions.com/jagdomain/acorder.html|archive-date=April 18, 2018|url-status=live}} ([https://archive.org/details/st-report-1322/page/n54/mode/1up Transcription] by Silicon Times Report).</ref><ref name="AAttackTF-Bi">{{cite web|last=Wallett|first=Adrian|url=https://www.arcadeattack.co.uk/tal-funke-bilu-atari/|title=Tal Funke-Bilu (Atari) – Interview|work=Arcade Attack|date=September 6, 2019|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406215305/https://www.arcadeattack.co.uk/tal-funke-bilu-atari/|archive-date=April 6, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1996, the game's trademark was abandoned.<ref>{{cite web|last=McCaleb, Jr.|first=Malcolm|url=https://trademarks.justia.com/745/64/aircars-74564703.html|title=AIRCARS - Trademark Details|website=Justia.com|date=March 6, 1996|access-date=August 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817023355/https://trademarks.justia.com/745/64/aircars-74564703.html|archive-date=August 17, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> ICD acquired the rights to the game and published it on June 18, 1997, as a limited run of 200 copies.<ref name="TAT7"/><ref name="Allgame"/><ref name="AGHnb1997">{{cite web|url=http://www.atarihq.com/news/1997/index.html|title=News Briefs - 1997 ARCHIVE|work=Atari Gaming Headquarters|year=1997|access-date=January 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990203224102/http://atarihq.com/news/1997/index.html|archive-date=February 3, 1999|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="dAGH0102">{{cite web|url=http://www.atarihq.com/othersec/mail/archives/2000/0102.html|title="DEAR AGH" (January/February, 2000)|work=Atari Gaming Headquarters|date=January–February 2000|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010305194904/http://www.atarihq.com/othersec/mail/archives/2000/0102.html|archive-date=March 5, 2001|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was also distributed by La Terre du Milieu in France.<ref name="STMagAC"/> Each copy came in a cartridge with a full-color label and a manual wrapped in an insert with no outer box.<ref name="XGac"/><ref name=":0"/><ref name="HCGv4i4">{{cite magazine|last=Thomasson|first=Michael|url=https://archive.org/details/hardcore-gamer-magazine-v4i4/page/n17/mode/1up|title=Feature: Let's RetroGamer Holiday|magazine=Hardcore Gamer|volume=4|issue=4|publisher=Prima Games|date=December 2008|pages=34–41}}</ref> Due to its very limited print run, copies of the game are sought after by collectors and command high prices on the secondary game collecting market.<ref name="XGac"/><ref name="EuroGde">{{cite news|last=Woger|first=Martin|url=https://www.eurogamer.de/die-wertvollsten-seltensten-und-teuersten-videospiele?page=13|title=Die wertvollsten, seltensten und teuersten Spiele für den Atari Jaguar|work=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|date=May 9, 2017|page=13|language=de|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214030027/https://www.eurogamer.de/die-wertvollsten-seltensten-und-teuersten-videospiele?page=13|archive-date=December 14, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2003, B&C ComputerVisions, a California-based company founded by Bruce and Cathy Carso in 1979, acquired the rights to several ICD products, including ''AirCars'', and released reproduction copies without a box or manual.<ref name="XGac"/><ref name="Matranet16">{{cite magazine|author=S.T.A.R.|url=https://www.matranet.net/webzine/BACK/ABR2K3/03/index.php|title=Atari Jaguar: Prototipos|magazine=Matranet|issue=16|publisher=Matra Computer Automations|date=April 2003|access-date=November 22, 2023|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802112935/https://www.matranet.net/webzine/BACK/ABR2K3/03/index.php|archive-date=August 2, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="B&Ccv">{{cite web|url=https://www.myatari.com/ebay/atarijag.txt|title=Price Lists: Jaguar|publisher=B&C ComputerVisions|date=September 27, 2015|access-date=May 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504201054/https://www.myatari.com/ebay/atarijag.txt|archive-date=2024-05-04|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="AJT">{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Jason|url=http://www.jaguarsector.com/index.php?autocom=ibwiki&cmd=article&do=print_article&id=379|title=Atari Jaguar Timeline|website=Jaguar Sector II|access-date=May 4, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629025431/http://www.jaguarsector.com/index.php?autocom=ibwiki&cmd=article&do=print_article&id=379|archive-date=June 29, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2010, AtariAge user Gary Taylor released an early prototype under the name ''AirCars '94'', complete with packaging mimicking officially licensed Jaguar releases.<ref name="Revival46">{{cite magazine|title=En Bref: Les News|magazine=ReVival|issue=46|publisher=Association RayXambeR|date=Spring 2011|pages=27–32|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Baranski|first=Björn|url=https://ejagfest.de/european-atari-jaguar-festival-2010/?lang=en|title=European Atari Jaguar Festival 2010|website=ejagfest.de|date=April 11, 2015|access-date=May 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630081120/https://ejagfest.de/european-atari-jaguar-festival-2010/?lang=en|archive-date=June 30, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="EJagFest">{{cite news|last=Baranski|first=Björn|url=http://ejagfest.de/new-run-of-ka-aircars-for-jaguar-is-coming-soon/?lang=en|title=New run of KA Aircars for Jaguar is coming soon|website=ejagfest.de|date=May 31, 2016|access-date=June 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142500/http://ejagfest.de/new-run-of-ka-aircars-for-jaguar-is-coming-soon/?lang=en|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> That same year, the group Team Jaguar discovered a version which was submitted to the ESRB for evaluation, called ''KA AirCars'', releasing a limited run of 100 copies packaged in a clamshell case in conjunction with B&C ComputerVisions.<ref name="AJT"/><ref name="Revival46"/><ref name="EJagFest"/><ref name="BPG">{{cite web|url=http://betaphasegames.com/Jaguar_KA_Aircars.html|title=KA AIRCARS|publisher=Beta Phase Games|access-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418094558/http://betaphasegames.com/Jaguar_KA_Aircars.html|archive-date=April 18, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> It contains several differences compared to the original release, such as a redesigned dashboard and explosion animations with debris that can damage the player at close range.<ref name="EJagFest"/><ref name="BPG"/> In 2016, a second print run of ''KA AirCars'' was released by Beta Phase Games.<ref name="EJagFest"/><ref name="STC">{{cite web|url=https://www.st-computer.org/news/jaguar-ka-aircars-bekommt-eine-neue-auflage|title=Jaguar: KA AirCars bekommt eine neue Auflage|publisher={{ill|ST-Computer|lt=ST-Computer|de|ST-Computer}}|date=May 18, 2016|access-date=August 12, 2023|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812231407/https://www.st-computer.org/news/jaguar-ka-aircars-bekommt-eine-neue-auflage|archive-date=August 12, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Reception == {{Video game reviews |EGM = 3.5/10{{efn|''Electronic Gaming Monthly''{{'}}s review was by four critics with different ratings out of 10: 4, 4, 3, and 3.<ref name="EGMac">{{cite magazine|last1=Semrad|first1=Ed|last2=Carpenter|first2=Danyon|last3=Manuel|first3=Al|last4=Williams|first4=Ken|url=https://archive.org/details/electronic-gaming-monthly-issue-67-february-1995/page/n35/mode/1up|title=Review Crew - Jaguar (Midnite Entertainment): Air Cars|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=67|publisher=Sendai Publications|date=February 1995|page=36}}</ref>}} |GI = 1/10<ref name="GIac">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/game-informer-issue-26-june-1995/page/n52/mode/1up|title=At a Glance: Aircars|magazine=Game Informer|issue=26|publisher=Sunrine Publications|date=June 1995|page=51}}</ref> |GP = 48%<ref name="GPac">{{cite magazine|last=Baggatta|first=Patrick|url=https://archive.org/details/Game_Players_Issue_54_July_1995/page/n54/mode/1up|title=Review - Jaguar: Air Cars|magazine=Game Players|issue=73|publisher=Imagine Media|date=July 1995|page=51}}</ref> |NGen = 3/5<ref name="NGenAC">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/nextgen-issue-007/page/n71/mode/1up|title=Finals - Jaguar: Aircars|magazine=Next Generation|issue=7|publisher=Imagine Media|date=July 1995|page=68}}</ref> |VGS = 52%{{efn|''Video Games'' (DE) provided scores of 52% for single-player and 80% for multiplayer.<ref name="VGSac">{{cite magazine|last=Zengerle|first=Robert|url=https://archive.org/details/video-games-de-1995-02/page/n83/mode/1up|title=Reviews - Atari Jaguar: Außen Pfui, innen Hui - Aircars|magazine={{ill|Video Games (German magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}}|issue=39|publisher=Magna Media|date=February 1995|page=88|language=de}}</ref>}} |rev1 = ''Jaguar Explorer Online'' |rev1Score = 2.5/5<ref name="JEOac">{{cite magazine|last=Halliwell|first=Clay|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=Review: AirCars|magazine=Jaguar Explorer Online|volume=1|issue=3|publisher=White Space Publishers|date=October 15, 1997|access-date=2026-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214011243/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=2022-12-14|url-status=live}}</ref> |rev2 = ''Ultimate Future Games'' |rev2Score = 19%<ref name="UFGac">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/ultimate-future-games-08/page/n86/mode/1up|title=Ultimate review sector: Just a load of hot Aircars or what? (Jaguar • Telegames)|magazine=Ultimate Future Games|issue=8|publisher=Future Publishing|date=July 1995|page=87}}</ref> |rev3 = ''VideoGames'' |rev3Score = 3/10<ref name="VGTUGMac">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Video_Games_The_Ultimate_Gaming_Magazine_Issue_77_June_1995/page/n92/mode/1up|title=Capsule Reviews - Jaguar: Air Cars|magazine=VideoGames - The Ultimate Gaming Magazine|issue=77|publisher=Larry Flynt Publications|date=June 1995|page=85}}</ref> }}
''AirCars'' was met with generally unfavorable reviews.<ref name="GIac"/><ref name="JEOac"/><ref name="STCac">{{cite magazine|last=Bollinger|first=Helge|title=Unterhaltung - Jaguar: Air Cars|magazine={{ill|ST-Computer|lt=ST-Computer|de|ST-Computer}}|issue=136|publisher={{ill|Falkemedia|lt=Falkemedia|de|falkemedia}}|date=November 1997|page=61|language=de}} ([https://stcarchiv.de/stc1997/11/air-cars Transcription] by Computer-Magazin-Archiv. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819171117/https://stcarchiv.de/stc1997/11/air-cars|date=2016-08-19}}).</ref><ref name="2001YEI">{{cite book|last=George|first=Gregory D.|date=December 2001|chapter=My Most Hated Jaguar Games: Avoid these games like the plague - Aircars|chapter-url=http://ataritimes.com/jaguar/reviews/cf_ac_hs_synd.html|title=2001 Year End Issue|publisher=The Atari Times|pages=1–100|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040509194922/http://ataritimes.com/jaguar/reviews/cf_ac_hs_synd.html|archive-date=May 9, 2004|url-status=dead|access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref> ''Electronic Gaming Monthly''{{'}}s four reviewers panned the game's primitive visuals, lack of in-game music, limited action, and unrefined controls, but felt that the multiplayer component was its only redeeming quality.<ref name="EGMac"/> ''Video Games''{{'}} Robert Zengerle found the graphics very poor and the audio barely acceptable, but compared its gameplay favorably to ''Starglider'' and highlighted the networked multiplayer.<ref name="VGSac"/> ''VideoGames'' lambasted the game's overall audiovisual presentation and found it unbearable to play, stating that "even the multi-player link capabilities aren't enough to save it".<ref name="VGTUGMac"/>
''Game Players''{{'}} Patrick Baggatta criticized the game's polygonal graphics for its monochrome landscapes, minimalist but generic music, and unsophisticated gameplay. Baggatta made positive comments about its multiplayer networking feature, but saw the hardware requirements as a negative aspect.<ref name="GPac"/> ''Next Generation'' noted the semi-realistic feel of the hovercraft's movement, but found the environment needed for multiplayer to be a disadvantage and faulted the game's simplistic visuals.<ref name="NGenAC"/> ''Ultimate Future Games'' were dismayed by the graphics and compared it unfavorably to ''Cybermorph''.<ref name="UFGac"/> ''GamePro''{{'}}s Tommy Glide criticized the visuals due to the sparse environment and bland enemies, but felt that its good controls made it bearable.<ref name="GameProAC">{{cite magazine|last=Glide|first=Tommy|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_074_September_1995/page/n67/mode/1up|title=ProReview - Jaguar: Aircars|magazine=GamePro|issue=74|publisher=IDG|date=September 1995|page=66}}</ref>
Writing for ''Atari Gaming Headquarters'', Carl Forhan regarded ''AirCars'' to be a fun title in its genre and praised its controls, weapon variety, enemy AI, and networked multiplayer functionality, but saw the sporadic missions, difficulty, minimal texture mapping in its visuals and repetitive sound effects as negative points.<ref name="AGHac">{{cite web|last=Forhan|first=Carl|url=http://www.atarihq.com/reviews/jaguar/air_cars.html|title=AGH Jaguar Review: AIR CARS|work=Atari Gaming Headquarters|date=June 30, 1997|access-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010303091418/http://atarihq.com/reviews/jaguar/air_cars.html|archive-date=March 3, 2001|url-status=dead}}</ref> Pascal Berrocal of French ''ST Magazine'' commended the game's lack of slowdown, sound effects, and multiplayer mode, but criticized its simple graphics and music department.<ref name="STMagAC">{{cite magazine|last=Berrocal|first=Pascal|url=https://archive.org/details/st-magazine-120/page/76/mode/2up|title=Cahier Loisirs / Test: Aircars|magazine={{ill|ST Magazine|lt=ST Magazine|fr|ST Magazine}}|issue=120|publisher=La Terre du Milieu|date=October 1997|pages=76–77|language=fr}}</ref> Writer Seanbaby placed it as number 13 in his "20 worst games ever" feature, while author Andy Slaven regarded it as the worst shooter on the Atari Jaguar.<ref name="EGM150">{{cite magazine|author=Seanbaby|author-link=Seanbaby|url=https://archive.org/details/electronic-gaming-monthly-issue-150-january-2002/page/158/mode/1up|title=EGM's Crapstravaganza: 20 Worst Games Ever|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=150|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=January 2002|pages=154–166}} ([http://www.seanbaby.com/nes/egm13.htm Transcription] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060707231735/http://www.seanbaby.com/nes/egm13.htm|date=2006-07-07}}).</ref><ref name="VGB19852002">{{cite book|last1=Slaven|first1=Andy|last2=Barnes|first2=Lucus|year=2002|chapter=JAG - Atari Jaguar|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oShzmF1Pxc4C&pg=PA47|title=Video Game Bible, 1985-2002|volume=1|publisher=Trafford Publishing|pages=47–53|isbn=9781553697312|access-date=May 4, 2024|archive-date=February 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211213017/https://books.google.com/books?id=oShzmF1Pxc4C&pg=PA47|url-status=live}}</ref> Reviewing the game in 2009, ''neXGam'' commented positively on the networked multiplayer, but criticized its dull polygonal environments, limited soundscapes and sluggish controls.<ref name="XGac">{{cite web|last=Poppen|first=Heiko|url=https://www.nexgam.de/games/2009/Aug/03-Mon/Aircars|title=Aircars im Test|work=neXGam|date=August 3, 2009|access-date=May 4, 2024|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129015732/https://www.nexgam.de/games/2009/Aug/03-Mon/Aircars|archive-date=January 29, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Legacy == ''AirCars'' was one of three projects by MidNite Entertainment Group planned for the Atari Jaguar, but was the only one to be released.<ref name="Gen464"/><ref name="HCGv4i4"/><ref name="ASTU99">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Atari_ST_User_Issue_099_1994-04_Europress_GB/page/n66/mode/1up|title=ST Action: Jaguar Previews - Also coming soon...|magazine=Atari ST User|issue=99|publisher=Europress|date=April 1994|pages=64–69}}</ref><ref name="MG20">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/MANIAC.N020.1995.06/page/n39/mode/1up|title=Feature: XT Generation Report - Atari Jaguar|magazine={{ill|M! Games|lt=MAN!AC|de|M! Games}}|issue=20|publisher=Cybermedia|date=June 1995|page=40|language=de}}</ref> The others were ''Dungeon Depths'' (an action role-playing game), which was intended to be compatible with CatBox for multiplayer, and ''Assault'' (a strategy game).<ref name="Gen464"/><ref name="EGM27"/><ref name="ASTU99"/> Both titles were announced in 1994 and scheduled for release in the second quarter of 1995, but neither was released.<ref name="ASTU99"/><ref name="MG20"/><ref name="EGM26">{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:EGM2_US_06.pdf&page=203|title=Special Feature: Jaguar - Let The Games Begin|magazine=EGM<sup>2</sup>|issue=6|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=December 1994|page=203|access-date=June 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612135816/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:EGM2_US_06.pdf&page=203|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Notes == {{notelist}}
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == {{Portal|1990s|United States|Video games}}
* {{Official website|http://www.icd.com/jaguar/aircars.htm}} * [https://atariage.com/software_page.php?SoftwareLabelID=1059 ''AirCars''] at AtariAge * [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/jaguar/917837-aircars ''AirCars''] at GameFAQs * [https://www.mobygames.com/game/9972/aircars/ ''AirCars''] at MobyGames
{{DEFAULTSORT:AirCars}} Category:1997 video games Category:Atari Jaguar games Category:Atari Jaguar-only games Category:Cooperative video games Category:MidNite Software games Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games Category:North America-exclusive video games Category:Post-apocalyptic video games Category:Science fiction video games Category:Shooter games Category:Video games developed in the United States Category:Video games set in the future