Trans American Rally

About

Trans American Rally is a 1983 arcade racing game that challenges players to navigate a multi-city road trip across the United States. Played on the Odyssey 2/Videopac system, it features top-down perspective tracks with varying terrain and obstacles. Controls focus on speed and precision, with players balancing acceleration and braking to maintain momentum through tight turns and elevation changes. Each stage ends with a cityscape finish line, pushing players to shave seconds off their best time. The game’s cult status stems from its limited release, exclusive to Europe and the G7400 console, and its surprisingly polished design for its era. While early 80s racing titles often prioritized basic mechanics, this one adds layering to its tracks with pseudo-3D scaling effects and environmental hazards. Despite being overshadowed by later arcade hits, it remains a curious artifact for retro gaming circles, with some speedrunning communities noting its surprisingly consistent difficulty curve. Its Rad Racer-like ambition feels ahead of its time, even if the technology couldn’t fully match the vision.

Storyline

This racing simulation came out only in Europe, and plays only on the G7400. An impressive, Rad Racer-esque title that sets players on a cross-country, multi-city tour of the United States.