280-ZZZAP - MAME machine

Arcade Video game published 48 years ago:

Datsun 280 Zzzap © 1976 Midway.

Thrilling action matches skills against tight bends...
fast straights... S-curves & more for real driving excitement!

• Realistic Engine, Crash & Accelerator Sound Effects
• 3-Dimensional Driving Game with HIgh & Low Gear Shift
• Constantly Changing Race Course
• High Score of the Day Feature
• Adjustable Extended PLay
• Adjustable Time Control
• Proven Midway Micro Processor Logic Cards

TECHNICAL
Midway Game ID: 610

Main CPU: Intel 8080 (@ 1.9968 Mhz)

Screen Orientation: Horizontal
Video Resolution: 260 x 224 pixels.
Refresh rate: 59.541985Hz.
Palette colours: 2

Cabinet Dimensions 26.5" Wide, 31.5" Deep & 64.7/8" High
23" Solid State TV Monitor

This game came in an upright format. The cabinet was painted blue with simple striped sideart. The marquee was integrated into the monitor bezel and may bear one of three different titles (with four distinct marquees/bezels). The most common one showed a picture of a yellow Datsun 280Z and said '280 Zzzap', the other three versions had stripes that matched the side of the machine, and were labeled either 'Midnight Racer', '280 Zzzap', or 'Datsun 280 Zzzap'. This game uses a 23'' black and white television as a monitor.

Controls:
Steering wheel, Gear shift (low & high), Gas pedal

TRIVIA
Datsun 280 Zzzap was released in November 1976.

Originally called 'Midnite Racer' when Midway acquired the right from Digital Games to create the game (January 1976). Midway released their final version 10 months after at the AMOA as 'Datsun 280 Zzzap'. Here is the reason for the game's name change: Midway came up with a marketing promotion where winners in various categories would win a Datsun 280Z. Realizing that their driving game would be a perfect tie-in, they renamed it Datsun 280 Zzzap.

TIPS AND TRICKS
You control a car through a night time scene, and the road is represented by simple posts at the edges. The top of the screen will display information about upcoming curves (like the maximum safe speed to take them at), while the bottom of the screen has a speedometer, timer, scoreboard, and may also display a few tips as well. Just drive, and don't crash. Pay attention to your speed on the corners to avoid crashing.

STAFF
Designed and programmed by: Jay Fenton, Dave Nutting

PORTS

• CONSOLES:

Bally Astrocade (1977)

CONTRIBUTE
Edit this entry: https://www.arcade-history.com/?&page=detail&id=600&o=2