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City Connection, developed by Jaleco, is a classic arcade game that first hit the scene in 1985. Known for its unique blend of platforming and driving mechanics, City Connection quickly became a staple in arcades and eventually made its way to home consoles. This game has left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape with its quirky charm and challenging gameplay.

Story

City Connection sets you on a whimsical journey with a rather unusual goal: to paint the roads of various iconic cities around the world. The protagonist, a young driver named Clarice, embarks on this vibrant adventure in her agile Honda City hatchback. The narrative is simple yet engaging, serving as a perfect backdrop for the game’s unique mechanics.

Clarice is on a mission to travel the world, but not in the conventional sense. Her journey involves painting every stretch of highway in famous cities, including New York, London, and Paris. However, the task is far from easy. As you navigate the highways, police cars and spike traps become formidable obstacles, while cats on the road require quick reflexes to avoid. Each level represents a new city, and your goal is to paint all the roads by driving over them, avoiding hazards along the way.

Gameplay

City Connection’s gameplay is where the title truly shines. It combines elements of platforming with high-speed driving, offering a fresh take on both genres. The objective is straightforward: paint all the roads in each level by driving over them. This involves a strategic approach as you navigate multi-tiered highways filled with obstacles.

Driving Mechanics

The game utilizes a side-scrolling perspective where players control Clarice’s car. The vehicle can jump, allowing players to dodge obstacles and leap between different levels of the highway. Mastering the jump mechanic is crucial, as it helps in avoiding police cars and spike traps that litter the roads.

Obstacles

The challenge intensifies with the introduction of various obstacles. Police cars patrol the roads, attempting to apprehend Clarice. Colliding with them ends the game, so players must time their jumps perfectly to evade capture. Additionally, spike traps are strategically placed to hinder progress, requiring quick reflexes and sharp maneuvering.

Cats add a whimsical touch to the game. These felines randomly wander onto the road, and players must jump over them to avoid losing a life. Although they act as obstacles, successfully avoiding them adds to the challenge and charm of the game.

Scoring and Bonuses

City Connection employs a scoring system that rewards players for their skills and agility. Points are earned by painting roads and successfully avoiding obstacles. The game also features collectible items such as balloons that provide extra points when collected. These elements add a layer of complexity to the gameplay, encouraging players to refine their driving and jumping techniques to achieve high scores.

Graphics and Sound

City Connection boasts a vibrant and colorful art style that perfectly complements its quirky premise. Despite the hardware limitations of the 1980s, Jaleco managed to create a visually appealing game that stands out thanks to its distinct aesthetic.

Visuals

The graphics are simple but effective, with bright, contrasting colors that make each city backdrop pop. The design of the car, obstacles, and roadways is clean and easy to discern, allowing players to focus on the fast-paced action without visual confusion. Each city features distinct landmarks and backgrounds, giving a sense of travel and variety as players progress through the game.

Soundtrack

The game’s soundtrack is catchy and energetic, matching the high-speed antics of the gameplay. Each level features a unique tune that reflects the ambiance of the city it’s set in. The sound effects, from the revving of the car engine to the quirky meows of the cats, add to the game’s charm and overall experience.

Legacy and Reception

When City Connection was released in arcades, it quickly garnered a dedicated fanbase thanks to its unique concept and challenging gameplay. It was praised for its innovative blend of genres and its lighthearted, fun approach to arcade gaming.

Critical Reception

Critics and players alike lauded the game for its originality and engaging mechanics. Although it never reached the same level of fame as some of its contemporaries, City Connection carved out its niche in the arcade scene, appreciated for its ability to offer something different from the typical arcade fare of the time.

Home Console Ports

The game’s popularity in arcades led to several home console ports. It was released on platforms such as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and later appeared on various compilations and digital platforms, allowing new generations of gamers to experience its unique charm.

Influence on Future Games

City Connection’s innovative gameplay mechanics influenced future games in the genre, demonstrating the potential for combining elements of platforming and driving. It stands as a testament to how creative game design can lead to enduring appeal and influence.

Conclusion

City Connection remains a beloved classic in the world of arcade games. Its unique combination of driving and platforming, coupled with its charming graphics and catchy soundtrack, ensure its place in gaming history. Although it may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of its peers, its originality and engaging mechanics have left a lasting impact.

For those who appreciate retro gaming and want to experience a piece of arcade history, City Connection offers a delightful and challenging journey through some of the world’s most iconic cities. Its legacy as an innovative and entertaining title endures, reminding us of the creative potential inherent in the medium of video games.