Indy 500 (Sears title: Race) is a racing video game developed by Atari for the Atari 2600, released in 1977. The game offers various modes for players to enjoy:
- Standard Racing: In this mode, players can either race against the clock to complete as many laps as they can or compete against another player to finish 25 laps. The game features several courses, each with an “Ice Race” variation that includes slippery physics for an added challenge.
- Crash and Score: This mode requires two players, but one of them can be computer-controlled. The objective is to find and drive into a white square that is randomly placed on the track. Whichever player hits the square earns points, and the square is then placed in another random location.
- Tag: This mode is exclusively for two players. Similar to the classic game of tag, one player’s car will blink, and their objective is to avoid being “tagged” by the other player’s car. The player with the blinking car earns points by evading the other player, while the other player gains points by tagging the blinking car. Once the blinking car is tagged, the roles are reversed, and the game continues.
Indy 500 offers an engaging racing experience with different game modes that cater to various play styles and preferences. The game is a classic example of early racing games on the Atari 2600 console.