User:RetroArcadeMan/sandbox

Background

BMX Flyer is one of 4 different games in the 'Multi colorlaser-6000' series and was released in 1983^[1]. These games were manufactured by Tomy and licensed by Grandstand for sale in the UK. Their most notable feature is a multi-coloured backlit Vacuum fluorescent display (VFD). The 6 titles in this series are:

Tomy's Mr Do! (also known as Mr. Go!^[2]);
Tomy's Wheelie Crosser (also known as Grandstand's BMX Flyer^[3]);
Tomy's Monster Burger;
Grandstand's Thomas the Tank Engine.

The packaging features the licensed use of the Falcon Pro BMX bike in its illustrated artwork (see image).

It is notable that in Japan (where the game was called 'Wheelie Crosser'), the artwork features an illustration of a character riding motorbike^[4] instead, though the in-game graphics remain unchanged and gameplay is identical.

Hardware

The game can be powered by four AA batteries or a DC power supply (6v, 200mA) with centre negative plug. The Vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) provides a bright clear image that allows multi-coloured graphics to be displayed. The microcontroller is labelled as ‘BIKE 6948’.

The games provides a power switch, as well as a sound on/off switch.

User inputs are made using a four control keys: - Jump, Drift, Down, Wheelie.

Gameplay

Released at a time when the popularity of the BMX had boomed, BMX flyer was clearly target to appeal to the growing number of young children obsessed with BMXs and BMX racing. the player controls the 'Super rider' - a daring BMX stunt rider – as he traverses hazardous terrain and obstacles in his path, as well as dangers in the air. The player is able to wheelie over small obstacles, such as small holes in the ground and cans (represented by triangles on the ground). Larger obstacles in the form of large holes in the ground or other riders in front of the player must be jumped. The player also has the option of slowing down other riders who approach from the rear by causing dirt to rise from the ground. Points are awarded for manoeuvres successfully completed. Airborne hazards consist of a ‘gangster’ in a helicopter who arrives to drop bombs on the player (which can be avoided by pulling a wheelie), and crows that cross the screen periodically and represent a hazard when jumping. Jumping up to a girl who occasionally appears in a hot air balloon who will gain bonus points. A new life is earned whenever the total score increases by 10,000 but only 4 lives can be available at any one time.

In each level there are a number of route choices that can be selected by either jumping into the air or riding down into the ‘water supply area’, where water bottles can be collected to increase the player’s energy. Strategic use of these areas can provide welcome relief from the obstacles above.

Play proceeds across a number of laps featuring more challenging pre-defined combinations of obstacles and enemies, and increased cycling speed. The player is given 3 lives at the beginning of the game and loses one each time an obstacle is hit or the player falls down a hole etc.

Emulation

A faithful recreation of BMX Flyer was created by George Gardiner (code) and David Hennigan (Graphics) using Flash and was released in 2009. Unfortunately their site is no longer available and so this version can no longer be played. There are no other known emulations of this game available currently.

[1] ttps://www.handheldmuseum.com/Grandstand/BMXF.htm

[2] ttps://www.handheldmuseum.com/Tomy/MrDo.htm

[3] ttps://www.handheldmuseum.com/Tomy/Wheelie.htm

[4] ttps://www.handheldmuseum.com/Tomy/Tomy-WheelieCrosserBoxFront.jpg

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