{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}} {{Short description|1995 video game}} {{Infobox video game |title=Super Skidmarks |image= Super skidmarks cover.png |caption = |developer=[[Acid Software]] |publisher=[[Acid Software]]<br />[[CDS Software|Guildhall Leisure]]<br />[[Codemasters]] |platforms=[[Amiga]], [[Amiga CD32]], [[Mega Drive]] |released = 1995 |genre=[[Racing video game|Racing]] |modes= }}
'''''Super Skidmarks''''' is a [[racing video game]] developed by [[Acid Software]] and released in 1995. The game is the sequel to ''[[Skidmarks (video game)|Skidmarks]]'' and as such was also termed '''''Skidmarks 2''''' and '''''Super Skidmarks 2''''' by commentators. The game features "minimally realistic"<ref name="ACAR"/> action viewed from an isometric perspective as well as novelty vehicles such as wheeled cows and caravans. Various methods such as joypad adapters and link systems are employed to allow multiple players to compete, up to a maximum of 8. The game was critically acclaimed and a best-seller in the UK. Several upgrades to the [[Amiga]] original were released as well as conversions for the [[Amiga CD32]] and [[Sega]] [[Mega Drive]], the latter published by [[Codemasters]].
==Development== ''Super Skidmarks'' was developed by New Zealand-based Acid Software, predominantly designed and written by Chris Blackbourn. The game is the sequel to ''Skidmarks'' and was originally intended as an expanded version containing new tracks and a track editor before being developed into a full sequel (though the final game featured no track editor).<ref name="CU95"/> The first game suffered from problems with disk accessing and crashes which were fixed for ''Super Skidmarks'', partly through the ability to install the game on a hard drive. The game includes twice the number of tracks as in the original as well as an increased number of vehicles and competitions and a more difficult single-player mode. The artificial intelligence was made to be more intelligent and realistic. ''Skidmarks'' has a two-player split screen mode while the sequel allows a three-way split screen or four players to play using a whole screen in a mode inspired by ''[[Micro Machines (video games)|Micro Machines]]''. Players can use multiple joysticks rather than share a keyboard. Another additional feature is the ability to attach a caravan to the player's vehicle, dramatically affecting the handling.<ref name="AP46"/> A Mega Drive conversion was published by Codemasters.<ref name="gamespot"/>
==Reception== ''[[Amiga Power]]'' said that the widescreen link mode, which allows up to 8 players simultaneously, "elevates the game to near divine status" though pointed out that only a small minority of players who owned two [[A1200]]s could experience the feature and gave the A1200 version a higher score.<ref name="AP48"/> The game went on to be ranked the 24th best game of all time in the magazine.<ref>Amiga Power magazine issue 64, Future Publishing, August 1996</ref>
''[[Amiga Computing]]'' praised the variety of humorous vehicles such as cows, caravans, [[Volkswagen]]s and [[Mini]]s. The magazine wrote that the graphics were simple but enjoyable, but felt the menus could have benefited from a more functional user-interface. It concluded: "This is one of the most playable and fun race-em-ups around with the vast amount of new features added it's certainly worth a look".<ref name="computing86"/> ''[[Amiga Format]]'' called the game "nigh on perfect" and "a completely social sport" which "couldn't be realised through any medium other than a computer". It felt the game was best when played by multiple people and said: "Do yourself a favour, buy this game".<ref name="format71"/> ''[[CU Amiga]]'' called the wheeled cows "tremendous fun" but complained of a difficult learning curve. On balance the magazine felt ''Super Skidmarks'' was "one of the best games I've ever played, certainly the best so far this year".<ref name="CU95"/> ''[[ACAR]]'' said: "''Super Skidmarks'' is where it's at in fun to play, thoroughly unrealistic race games. Brilliant fun."<ref name="ACAR"/> The game was a best-seller in the UK.<ref name="format73"/>
==References== <references>
<ref name="ACAR">''[[ACAR]]'', Sept 1995 (vol. 12 no. 9), pp. 66–67</ref> <ref name="AP46">Jonathan Davies, ''[[Amiga Power]]'', Feb 1995 (issue 46), pp. 16–17</ref> <ref name="gamespot">[http://www.gamespot.com/genesis/driving/superskidmarks/index.html?tag=result;title;1 Super Skidmarks], [[GameSpot]], Accessed 19 October 2010</ref> <ref name="AP48">Cam Winstanley, ''[[Amiga Power]]'', April 1995 (issue 48), pp. 30–32</ref> <ref name="computing86">''[[Amiga Computing]]'', May 1995 (issue 86), pp. 116–118</ref> <ref name="format71">Steve McGill, ''[[Amiga Format]]'', May 1995 (issue 71), pp. 44–46</ref> <ref name="format73">Steve Bradley, ''[[Amiga Format]]'', July 1995 (issue 73), p. 64</ref> <ref name=CU95>Rik Skews, ''[[CU Amiga]]'', May 1995, pp. 50–51</ref>
</references>
[[Category:1995 video games]] [[Category:Acid Software games]] [[Category:Amiga 1200 games]] [[Category:Amiga CD32 games]] [[Category:Amiga games]] [[Category:Sega Genesis games]] [[Category:Sequel video games]] [[Category:Video games developed in New Zealand]] [[Category:Video games with isometric graphics]]