Starting Blocks

About

Starting Blocks is a sports game from Coktel Vision, released in Europe in 1988. It plays on DOS and Amstrad CPC, focusing on track and field competitions. Players guide athletes through sprints and relays, balancing speed and accuracy. Simple controls and a top down view keep the action direct, with the goal of shaving seconds off race times. The retro graphics and chiptune soundtrack fit the 80s home computer era. The game stands out as an early example of Coktel Vision’s sports catalog. While it lacks the polish of later titles, it captures the straightforward fun of 80s arcade style athletics. Community archives note its basic mechanics and short play sessions, making it a curiosity for retro enthusiasts. Its DOS and CPC versions are still playable through emulators, offering a glimpse at the early days of competitive gaming.