BadLands

About

Badlands is a chaotic racing game turned combat arena set in a dusty, lawless wasteland. Three players battle to finish first in three-lap races across a single-screen track littered with hazards. You collect wrenches to buy speed boosts, better tires, or weapons in between rounds. Each car has a cannon, but firing it wastes time. Real disruption comes from purchasing missiles that can disable rivals, forcing their cars to drop out and spawn replacements with a delay. Tracks throw in mines and shifting barriers to keep things unpredictable. The game stands out for its messy fun, blending arcade racing with shoot-'em-up tactics. Its 1989 release on budget platforms like the C64 and Spectrum made it a cult hit, especially for head-to-head play. Critics at the time praised its simplicity and competitive edge, though some found the handling rough. With its grungy aesthetic and weapons-based sabotage, it feels like a gritty cousin to early 90s kart racers, though best played with friends arguing over whose missiles are too cheap.