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|composer = Hiroyuki Kawada
|composer = Hiroyuki Kawada
|platforms = [[Arcade game|Arcade]]
|platforms = [[Arcade game|Arcade]]
|released = {{vgrelease|JP|December 1988|EU|January 1989|NA|Early 1990<ref name="RePlay"/>}}
|released = {{vgrelease|JP|December 1988|EU|January 1989|NA|September 1989}}
|series = ''Winning Run''
|series = ''Winning Run''
|genre = [[Racing simulation]]
|genre = [[Racing simulation]]
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|arcade system = [[Namco System 21]]
|arcade system = [[Namco System 21]]
}}
}}
{{nihongo foot|'''''Winning Run'''''|ウィニングラン|U~iningu Ran|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a first-person arcade [[racing simulation]] game developed and released by [[Namco]] in late December 1988 in Japan, followed by a January 1989 release in Europe and early 1990 release in North America. The player pilots a [[Formula One]] racer, with the objective being to complete each race in first place, all while avoiding opponents and other obstacles, such as flood-hit tunnels, pits and steep chambers. It was the very first game to run on the [[Namco System 21]] arcade hardware, capable of 3D shaded polygons.
{{nihongo foot|'''''Winning Run'''''|ウィニングラン|U~iningu Ran|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a first-person arcade [[racing simulation]] game developed and published by [[Namco]] in December 1988 in Japan, before releasing internationally the following year. The player pilots a [[Formula One]] racer, with the objective being to complete each race in first place, while avoiding opponents and other obstacles, such as flood-hit tunnels, pits and steep chambers. It was the first game to run on the [[Namco System 21]] arcade hardware, capable of 3D shaded polygons.


Development of the game began in 1985, taking three years to complete. Upon release, ''Winning Run'' received a favorable critical reception, many complimenting its impressive 3D graphics for the time period, alongside its realism to Formula One racing. It is considered a milestone in 3D polygonal graphics technology, being able to draw 60,000 individual polygons per second. ''Winning Run'' would go on to receive numerous awards from gaming publications, and be followed up by two arcade sequels; ''Winning Run Suzuka GP'' (1989) and ''Winning Run '91'' (1991). A similar arcade game, ''[[Driver's Eyes]]'', was released in 1990.
Development of the game began in 1985, taking three years to complete. Upon release, ''Winning Run'' was a major commercial success in Japan and a fairly moderate success in the West. The game received a favorable critical reception, with many complimenting its impressive 3D graphics for the time, alongside its [[Formula One video games|Formula One racing]] realism. It was considered a milestone in 3D polygonal graphics technology, being able to draw 60,000 individual polygons per second. ''Winning Run'' would go on to receive numerous awards from gaming publications, and be followed up by two arcade sequels; ''Winning Run Suzuka GP'' (1989) and ''Winning Run '91'' (1991). A similar arcade game, ''[[Driver's Eyes]]'', was released in 1990.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
[[File:Winning Run screenshot.png|thumb|left|Gameplay screenshot.]]
[[File:Winning Run screenshot.png|thumb|left|Gameplay screenshot]]
⚫
''Winning Run'' is a first-person [[Formula One]] simulation [[racing video game]]. The player controls a Formula One racer, with the objective being to make it to the end of each race while in first place.<ref name="CommodoreUser">{{cite magazine |last1=Harrison |first1=Phil |author1-link=Phil Harrison |title=Arcades: Namco's Winning Streak |magazine=[[Commodore User]] |date=August 1989 |issue=72 (September 1989) |pages=90–1 |url=https://archive.org/stream/commodore-user-magazine-72/Commodore_User_Issue_72_1989_Sep#page/n89/mode/2up |access-date=21 June 2017}}</ref> Two gameplay modes are present: Easy and Technical, both of which affect the speed of the player's car.<ref name="CVG">{{cite news |title=Winning Run |url=https://www.solvalou.com/arcade/reviews/240/398 |date=1 March 1989 |issue=March 1989 |publisher=Computer and Video Games}}</ref> A "qualifying lap" will need to be completed first in order to begin the final race, which will pit the player against twelve opponents.<ref name="CVG"/><ref name="CommodoreUser"/> Common obstacles include pits, flood-hit tunnels and steep cambers.<ref name="CVG"/>


⚫
The game is housed in an "environmental" arcade cabinet, capable of twisting and moving according to the player's direction input.<ref name="CVG"/> Unlike previous cabinets of its type, that commonly used hydraulics, ''Winning Run'' instead used a series of electric rams and runners to make the machine move, which has been cited as giving off a more realistic sense of driving.<ref name="CommodoreUser"/> A steering wheel is provided for input, which is a staple for racing arcade games.<ref name="CVG"/>
⚫
''Winning Run'' is a first-person [[Formula One]] [[racing simulation]] video game. The player controls a Formula One racer, with the objective being to make it to the end of each race while in first place.<ref name="CommodoreUser">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/commodore-user-magazine-72/Commodore_User_Issue_72_1989_Sep#page/n89/mode/2up|title=Commodore User Magazine Issue 72|website=archive.org|access-date=21 June 2017}}</ref> Two gameplay modes are present – Easy and Technical, both of which affect the speed of the player's car.<ref name="CVG">{{cite news |title=Winning Run |url=https://www.solvalou.com/arcade/reviews/240/398 |date=1 March 1989 |issue=March 1989 |publisher=Computer and Video Games}}</ref> The player will need to first complete a "qualifying lap" in order to begin the final race, which will have the player pitted against twelve opponent vehicles.<ref name="CVG"/><ref name="CommodoreUser"/> Common obstacles include pits, flood-hit tunnels and steep chambers.<ref name="CVG"/>

⚫
The game is housed in an "environmental" arcade cabinet, capable of twisting and moving according to the player's direction input in the game itself.<ref name="CVG"/> Unlike previous cabinets of its type, which commonly used hydraulics, ''Winning Run'' instead used a series of electric rams and runners to make the machine move, which has been cited as giving off a more realistic sense of driving.<ref name="CommodoreUser"/> A steering wheel is provided for input, as is staple for racing arcade games.<ref name="CVG"/>


==Development and release==
==Development and release==
Development of ''Winning Run'' officially began in 1985 – it was being developed for the Namco System 21 arcade board, later nicknamed "Polygonizer",<ref name="CommodoreUser"/><ref name="ACE">{{cite news |title=Winning Run |url=https://www.solvalou.com/arcade/reviews/41/398 |date=1 October 1989 |publisher=Advanced Computer Entertainment}}</ref> which allowed for 3D shaded graphics and ability to draw a total of 60,000 individual polygons per second, considered a milestone for its time<ref name="ACE"/> – ''Winning Run'' would become the first game to use the hardware.<ref name="CommodoreUser"/> Music for the game was composed by Hiroyuki Kawada, who previously composed the original score for ''[[Galaga '88]]''.<ref name="NGSM">''Namco G.S.M. 2 – Winning Run''. Promotional booklet. 21 July 1989.</ref> It was officially released in Japan late in December 1988<ref name="Gamest">''[[:jp:Gamest|Gamest]]'', ''The Best Game 2: Gamest Book Vol. 112'', pp. 6–26</ref> and later in Europe in January 1989, where it was presented at the [[Amusement Trades Exhibition International]] trade show in London.<ref name="ACE"/> It was released in North America during early 1990, topping the ''RePlay'' arcade chart for new video games in March 1990.<ref name="RePlay">{{cite magazine |title=RePlay: The Players' Choice |magazine=RePlay |date=March 1990 |volume=15 |issue=6 |page=4 |url=https://archive.org/details/re-play-volume-14-issue-no.-6-march-1990-600dpi/RePlay%20-%20Volume%2014%2C%20Issue%20No.%206%20-%20March%201990%20%28Compressed%29/page/4}}</ref>
Development of ''Winning Run'' officially began in 1985. It was being developed for the Namco System 21 arcade board, later nicknamed "Polygonizer",<ref name="CommodoreUser"/><ref name="ACE">{{cite news |title=Winning Run |url=https://www.solvalou.com/arcade/reviews/41/398 |date=1 October 1989 |publisher=Advanced Computer Entertainment}}</ref> that allowed for 3D shaded graphics and the ability to draw a total of 60,000 individual polygons per second, which was considered a milestone for its time;<ref name="ACE"/> ''Winning Run'' would become the first game to use the hardware.<ref name="CommodoreUser"/> Music for the game was composed by Hiroyuki Kawada, who previously composed the original score for ''[[Galaga '88]]''.<ref name="NGSM">''Namco G.S.M. 2 – Winning Run''. Promotional booklet. 21 July 1989.</ref> It was officially released in Japan in December 1988<ref name="Gamest">''[[:jp:Gamest|Gamest]]'', ''The Best Game 2: Gamest Book Vol. 112'', pp. 6–26</ref> and later in Europe in January 1989, where it was presented at the [[Amusement Trades Exhibition International]] trade show in London.<ref name="ACE"/> In North America, it was released in September 1989.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Akagi |first1=Masumi |title=アーケードTVゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971–2005) |trans-title=Arcade TV Game List: Domestic • Overseas Edition (1971–2005) |date=October 13, 2006 |publisher=Amusement News Agency |lang=ja |location=Japan |isbn=978-4990251215 |page=124 |url=https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n125}}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
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| rev2Score = Positive<ref name="tgm"/>
| rev2Score = Positive<ref name="tgm"/>
| award1Pub = [[Gamest|''Gamest'' Awards]]
| award1Pub = [[Gamest|''Gamest'' Awards]]
| award1 = Special Award <br> Best Graphics (nomination)
| award1 = Special Award <br /> Best Graphics (nomination)
| award2Pub = ''[[Computer and Video Games]]''
| award2Pub = ''[[Computer and Video Games]]''
| award2 = [[1989 in video games|Top Arcade Games of 1989]] (#3)<ref name="CVG98"/>
| award2 = [[1989 in video games|Top Arcade Games of 1989]] (#3)<ref name="CVG98"/>
Line 44: Line 43:
}}
}}


⚫
===Commercial performance===
⚫
''Winning Run'' received critical acclaim from gaming publications, with critics applauding its realism and 3D graphics, considered revolutionary for its time period. In the March 1989 issue of ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'', Clare Edgeley and [[Julian Rignall]] gave it a positive review, favorably comparing it to Atari's ''[[Hard Drivin']]'' – they labeled ''Winning Run''{{'}}s graphics as "simply stunning", concluding that it is "easily the best racing game yet seen – it's thoroughly realistic and totally exhilarating".<ref name="CVG"/> ''[[The Games Machine]]'' was also positive in their review, calling it one of the most impressive arcade games of the era, referring it as "an astonishing coin-op". Praise was also given to its sense of realism to Formula One racing.<ref name="tgm">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/thegamesmachine-16/TheGamesMachine_16_Mar_1989#page/n69/mode/2up|title=The Games Machine Magazine Issue 16|website=archive.org|access-date=21 June 2017}}</ref>
⚫
In Japan, ''Game Machine'' listed it on their March 1, 1989 issue as being the most-successful upright [[arcade cabinet]] of the month.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - アップライト, コックピット型TVゲーム機 (Upright/Cockpit Videos)|magazine=Game Machine|issue=351|publisher=Amusement Press, Inc.|date=1 March 1989|page=29|lang=ja}}</ref> ''[[Famitsu]]'' placed the game at the top of their arcade earnings chart for August 1989.<ref>''[[Famitsu|Famicom Tsūshin]]'', issue 17 (August 1989)</ref> In September, it dropped to number two, with [[Sega]]'s racer ''[[Super Monaco GP]]'' placing at the top.<ref>''[[Famitsu|Famicom Tsūshin]]'', issue 19 (September 15, 1989)</ref> In October 1989, it dropped to the third spot, just under ''Super Monaco GP'' and [[List of Tetris variants|Sega's arcade version of ''Tetris'']].<ref>''[[Famitsu|Famicom Tsūshin]]'', issue 22 (October 27, 1989)</ref> ''Winning Run'' ended the year as the second highest-grossing [[1989 in video games|arcade game of 1989]] in Japan, just below Sega's ''Tetris''.<ref>{{cite magazine |script-title=ja:第３回 ゲーメスト大賞 – インカム部門ベスト10 |trans-title=3rd Gamest Awards – Income Category: Best 10 |magazine=[[Gamest]] |date=December 27, 1989 |volume=41 (February 1990) |url=https://archive.org/details/gamest0041/page/79 |pages=49-79 (79) |language=ja|title=Gamest 0041}} [http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~dummy/gamest/magazine/gamest/v041.html alternate url]</ref> The September 1989 issue of ''[[Commodore User]]'' said the game was "flooding" arcade centers across Europe.<ref name="CommodoreUser"/> In North America, ''Winning Run'' was successful in early 1990,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Belam: America's National and International Distributor of All Amusement Machines |magazine=RePlay |date=March 1990 |volume=15 |issue=6 |page=137 |url=https://archive.org/details/re-play-volume-14-issue-no.-6-march-1990-600dpi/RePlay%20-%20Volume%2014%2C%20Issue%20No.%206%20-%20March%201990/page/137/mode/2up}}</ref> topping the ''RePlay'' arcade earnings chart for new video games in March 1990.<ref name="RePlay">{{cite magazine |title=RePlay: The Players' Choice |magazine=RePlay |date=March 1990 |volume=15 |issue=6 |page=4 |url=https://archive.org/details/re-play-volume-14-issue-no.-6-march-1990-600dpi/RePlay%20-%20Volume%2014%2C%20Issue%20No.%206%20-%20March%201990%20%28Compressed%29/page/4}}</ref>


===Critical response===
⚫
The September 1989 issue of ''[[Commodore User]]'' labelled its gameplay and graphics as "literally breathtaking" – much like ''Computer and Video Games'', it was positively compared to ''Hard Drivin'''.<ref name="CommodoreUser"/> ''Advanced Computer Entertainment'' labeled it as superior to ''Hard Drivin{{'}}'', stating it usurps the title's graphics and gameplay, concluding it was one of the best racing arcade games in the market.<ref name="ACE"/> The March 1990 issue of ''[[Your Sinclair]]'' applauded the game's technical capabilities, but said it was not as enjoyable as Atari's game, stating the lack of a stunt course had "diminished the appeal somewhat".<ref name="YS">{{cite news |title=Your Sinclair's Top of the Slots '89 |url=https://www.solvalou.com/arcade/reviews/69/398 |date=March 1990 |publisher=Your Sinclair}}</ref>
⚫
''Winning Run'' received critical acclaim from gaming publications, with critics applauding its realism and 3D graphics, considered revolutionary for its time. In the March 1989 issue of ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'', Clare Edgeley and [[Julian Rignall]] gave it a positive review, favorably comparing it to Atari's ''[[Hard Drivin']]''. They labeled ''Winning Run''{{'}}s graphics as "simply stunning", concluding that it is "easily the best racing game yet seen – it's thoroughly realistic and totally exhilarating".<ref name="CVG"/> ''[[The Games Machine]]'' was also positive in their review, calling it one of the most impressive arcade games of the era, referring to it as "an astonishing coin-op". Praise was also given to its sense of realism to Formula One racing.<ref name="tgm">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/thegamesmachine-16/TheGamesMachine_16_Mar_1989#page/n69/mode/2up|title=The Games Machine Magazine Issue 16|website=archive.org|date=March 1989|access-date=21 June 2017}}</ref>


⚫
The September 1989 issue of ''[[Commodore User]]'' labelled its gameplay and graphics as "literally breathtaking". Much like ''Computer and Video Games'', it was positively compared to ''Hard Drivin''.<ref name="CommodoreUser"/> ''Advanced Computer Entertainment'' labeled it as superior to ''Hard Drivin{{'}}'', stating that it usurps the title's graphics and gameplay, and concluding it was one of the best racing arcade games on the market.<ref name="ACE"/> The March 1990 issue of ''[[Your Sinclair]]'' applauded the game's technical capabilities, but said it was not as fun as Atari's game, stating the lack of a stunt course had "diminished the appeal somewhat".<ref name="YS">{{cite news |title=Your Sinclair's Top of the Slots '89 |url=https://www.solvalou.com/arcade/reviews/69/398 |date=March 1990 |publisher=Your Sinclair}}</ref>
⚫
===Commercial performance===
⚫
In Japan, ''Game Machine'' listed it on their March 1, 1989 issue as being the most-successful upright [[arcade cabinet]] of the month.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - アップライト, コックピット型TVゲーム機 (Upright/Cockpit Videos)|magazine=Game Machine|issue=351|publisher=Amusement Press, Inc.|date=1 March 1989|page=29|lang=ja}}</ref> ''[[Famitsu]]'' placed the game at the top of their arcade earnings chart for August 1989<ref>''[[Famitsu|Famicom Tsūshin]]'', issue 17 (August 1989)</ref> – in September, it dropped to number two, with [[Sega]]'s racer ''[[Super Monaco GP]]'' placing at the top.<ref>''[[Famitsu|Famicom Tsūshin]]'', issue 19 (September 15, 1989)</ref> In October 1989, it dropped to the third spot, just under ''Super Monaco GP'' and [[List of Tetris variants|Sega's arcade version of ''Tetris'']].<ref>''[[Famitsu|Famicom Tsūshin]]'', issue 22 (October 27, 1989)</ref> ''Winning Run'' ended the year as the second highest-grossing [[1989 in video games|arcade game of 1989]] in Japan, just below Sega's ''Tetris''.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=第３回　ゲーメスト大賞 – インカム部門ベスト10 |trans-title=3rd Gamest Awards – Income Category: Best 10 |magazine=[[Gamest]] |date=December 27, 1989 |volume=41 (February 1990) |url=https://archive.org/details/gamest0041/page/79 |lay-url=http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~dummy/gamest/magazine/gamest/v041.html |pages=49-79 (79) |language=ja}}</ref> The September 1989 issue of ''[[Commodore User]]'' said the game was "flooding" arcade centers across Europe.<ref name="CommodoreUser"/> In North America, ''Winning Run'' topped the ''RePlay'' arcade earnings chart for new video games in March 1990.<ref name="RePlay"/>


===Accolades===
===Accolades===
At the 1989 [[Gamest|''Gamest'' Awards]] in Japan, ''Winning Run'' received a Special Award, and was nominated for "Best Graphics" but lost to [[Taito]]'s shooter ''[[Darius II (video game)|Darius II]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=第３回　ゲーメスト大賞 |trans-title=3rd Gamest Awards |magazine=[[Gamest]] |date=December 27, 1989 |volume=41 (February 1990) |url=https://archive.org/details/gamest0041/page/49 |lay-url=http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~dummy/gamest/magazine/gamest/v041.html |pages=49-79 |language=ja}}</ref> ''Computer and Video Games'' listed it as one of the top three best arcade games of 1989.<ref name="CVG98">{{Cite magazine|date=16 December 1989|title=The C+VG Top Arcade Games of 1989|url=https://archive.org/stream/cvg-magazine-098/CVG_098_Jan_1990#page/n7/mode/2up|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|issue=98 (January 1990)|page=9}}</ref> The March 1990 issue of ''[[Your Sinclair]]'' listed it as one of the top five best arcade games of 1989.<ref name="YS"/>
At the 1989 [[Gamest|''Gamest'' Awards]] in Japan, ''Winning Run'' received a Special Award, and was nominated for "Best Graphics", but lost to [[Taito]]'s shooter ''[[Darius II (video game)|Darius II]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |script-title=ja:第３回 ゲーメスト大賞 |trans-title=3rd Gamest Awards |magazine=[[Gamest]] |date=December 27, 1989 |volume=41 (February 1990) |url=https://archive.org/details/gamest0041/page/49 |pages=49–79 |language=ja|title=Gamest 0041}} [http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~dummy/gamest/magazine/gamest/v041.html alternate url]</ref> ''Computer and Video Games'' listed it as one of the top three best arcade games of 1989.<ref name="CVG98">{{Cite magazine|date=16 December 1989|title=The C+VG Top Arcade Games of 1989|url=https://archive.org/stream/cvg-magazine-098/CVG_098_Jan_1990#page/n7/mode/2up|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|issue=98 (January 1990)|page=9}}</ref> The March 1990 issue of ''[[Your Sinclair]]'' listed it as one of the top five best arcade games of 1989.<ref name="YS"/>


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
The success of ''Winning Run'' would lead to the release of two follow-up games – ''Winning Run Suzuka GP'' was released in 1989 exclusively in Japan – as its title suggests, this game is centered around the [[Suzuka Circuit]]. This game instead used a sit-down cabinet as opposed to the one used in the original ''Winning Run'', bearing a resemblance to the ones used for Namco's own ''[[Final Lap]]'' three years prior.<ref>{{cite web |title=Winning Run Suzuka Grand Prix |url=https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=10449 |website=Killer List of Video Games |access-date=15 May 2019}}</ref> The second, ''Winning Run '91'', was released in 1991, again exclusive to Japan, using the same arcade cabinet the original game had.<ref>{{cite web |title=Winning Run '91 |url=https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=10447 |website=Killer List of Video Games |access-date=15 May 2019}}</ref> A similar 3D racing game, ''[[Driver's Eyes]]'', was released for Japan in 1990 – using a newly built arcade cabinet, it used a set of three panoramic monitors to give a more open view in the game.<ref>{{cite web |title=Driver's Eyes |url=https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=7657 |website=Killer List of Video Games |access-date=15 May 2019}}</ref> The soundtrack for the game was released by [[Victor Entertainment]] on July 21, 1989, compiling it with music from ''[[Splatterhouse]]'' and ''[[Metal Hawk]]''.<ref name="NGSM"/>
The success of ''Winning Run'' led to two follow-up games. ''Winning Run Suzuka GP'' was released in 1989 exclusively in Japan. As its title suggests, this game is centered around the [[Suzuka Circuit]]. This game instead used a sit-down cabinet as opposed to the one used in the original ''Winning Run'', bearing a resemblance to the ones used for Namco's own ''[[Final Lap]]'' three years prior.<ref>{{cite web |title=Winning Run Suzuka Grand Prix |url=https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=10449 |website=Killer List of Video Games |access-date=15 May 2019}}</ref> ''Suzuka GP'' became Japan's second highest-grossing dedicated [[1990 in video games|arcade game of 1990]], below ''Super Monaco GP''.<ref>{{cite magazine |title="Tetris" Has Still Earned More Than "Final Fight" |magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]] |issue=396 |publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]] |date=1 February 1991 |page=22 |lang=ja |url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19910201p.pdf#page=12}}</ref>
The second, ''Winning Run '91'', was released in 1991, again exclusive to Japan, using the same arcade cabinet the original game had.<ref>{{cite web |title=Winning Run '91 |url=https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=10447 |website=Killer List of Video Games |access-date=15 May 2019}}</ref> A similar 3D racing game, ''[[Driver's Eyes]]'', was released for Japan in 1990. Using a newly built arcade cabinet, it used a set of three panoramic monitors to give a more open view in the game.<ref>{{cite web |title=Driver's Eyes |url=https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=7657 |website=Killer List of Video Games |access-date=15 May 2019}}</ref> The soundtrack for the game was released by [[Victor Entertainment]] on July 21, 1989, compiling it with music from ''[[Splatterhouse]]'' and ''[[Metal Hawk]]''.<ref name="NGSM"/>


==Notes==
==Notes==
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{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


{{Formula One games|state=expanded}}
{{Bandai Namco franchises}}
{{Bandai Namco franchises}}


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[[Category:Racing video games]]
[[Category:Racing video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]

Latest revision as of 22:23, 15 November 2024

Winning Run
Japanese arcade flyer
Developer(s)Namco
Publisher(s)Namco
Composer(s)Hiroyuki Kawada
SeriesWinning Run
Platform(s)Arcade
Release
  • JP: December 1988
  • EU: January 1989
  • NA: September 1989
Genre(s)Racing simulation
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer
Arcade systemNamco System 21

Winning Run[a] is a first-person arcade racing simulation game developed and published by Namco in December 1988 in Japan, before releasing internationally the following year. The player pilots a Formula One racer, with the objective being to complete each race in first place, while avoiding opponents and other obstacles, such as flood-hit tunnels, pits and steep chambers. It was the first game to run on the Namco System 21 arcade hardware, capable of 3D shaded polygons.

Development of the game began in 1985, taking three years to complete. Upon release, Winning Run was a major commercial success in Japan and a fairly moderate success in the West. The game received a favorable critical reception, with many complimenting its impressive 3D graphics for the time, alongside its Formula One racing realism. It was considered a milestone in 3D polygonal graphics technology, being able to draw 60,000 individual polygons per second. Winning Run would go on to receive numerous awards from gaming publications, and be followed up by two arcade sequels; Winning Run Suzuka GP (1989) and Winning Run '91 (1991). A similar arcade game, Driver's Eyes, was released in 1990.

Gameplay

[edit]
Gameplay screenshot

Winning Run is a first-person Formula One simulation racing video game. The player controls a Formula One racer, with the objective being to make it to the end of each race while in first place.[1] Two gameplay modes are present: Easy and Technical, both of which affect the speed of the player's car.[2] A "qualifying lap" will need to be completed first in order to begin the final race, which will pit the player against twelve opponents.[2][1] Common obstacles include pits, flood-hit tunnels and steep cambers.[2]

The game is housed in an "environmental" arcade cabinet, capable of twisting and moving according to the player's direction input.[2] Unlike previous cabinets of its type, that commonly used hydraulics, Winning Run instead used a series of electric rams and runners to make the machine move, which has been cited as giving off a more realistic sense of driving.[1] A steering wheel is provided for input, which is a staple for racing arcade games.[2]

Development and release

[edit]

Development of Winning Run officially began in 1985. It was being developed for the Namco System 21 arcade board, later nicknamed "Polygonizer",[1][3] that allowed for 3D shaded graphics and the ability to draw a total of 60,000 individual polygons per second, which was considered a milestone for its time;[3] Winning Run would become the first game to use the hardware.[1] Music for the game was composed by Hiroyuki Kawada, who previously composed the original score for Galaga '88.[4] It was officially released in Japan in December 1988[5] and later in Europe in January 1989, where it was presented at the Amusement Trades Exhibition International trade show in London.[3] In North America, it was released in September 1989.[6]

Reception

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Commercial performance

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In Japan, Game Machine listed it on their March 1, 1989 issue as being the most-successful upright arcade cabinet of the month.[10] Famitsu placed the game at the top of their arcade earnings chart for August 1989.[11] In September, it dropped to number two, with Sega's racer Super Monaco GP placing at the top.[12] In October 1989, it dropped to the third spot, just under Super Monaco GP and Sega's arcade version of Tetris.[13] Winning Run ended the year as the second highest-grossing arcade game of 1989 in Japan, just below Sega's Tetris.[14] The September 1989 issue of Commodore User said the game was "flooding" arcade centers across Europe.[1] In North America, Winning Run was successful in early 1990,[15] topping the RePlay arcade earnings chart for new video games in March 1990.[16]

Critical response

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Winning Run received critical acclaim from gaming publications, with critics applauding its realism and 3D graphics, considered revolutionary for its time. In the March 1989 issue of Computer and Video Games, Clare Edgeley and Julian Rignall gave it a positive review, favorably comparing it to Atari's Hard Drivin'. They labeled Winning Run's graphics as "simply stunning", concluding that it is "easily the best racing game yet seen – it's thoroughly realistic and totally exhilarating".[2] The Games Machine was also positive in their review, calling it one of the most impressive arcade games of the era, referring to it as "an astonishing coin-op". Praise was also given to its sense of realism to Formula One racing.[7]

The September 1989 issue of Commodore User labelled its gameplay and graphics as "literally breathtaking". Much like Computer and Video Games, it was positively compared to Hard Drivin.[1] Advanced Computer Entertainment labeled it as superior to Hard Drivin', stating that it usurps the title's graphics and gameplay, and concluding it was one of the best racing arcade games on the market.[3] The March 1990 issue of Your Sinclair applauded the game's technical capabilities, but said it was not as fun as Atari's game, stating the lack of a stunt course had "diminished the appeal somewhat".[9]

Accolades

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At the 1989 Gamest Awards in Japan, Winning Run received a Special Award, and was nominated for "Best Graphics", but lost to Taito's shooter Darius II.[17] Computer and Video Games listed it as one of the top three best arcade games of 1989.[8] The March 1990 issue of Your Sinclair listed it as one of the top five best arcade games of 1989.[9]

Legacy

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The success of Winning Run led to two follow-up games. Winning Run Suzuka GP was released in 1989 exclusively in Japan. As its title suggests, this game is centered around the Suzuka Circuit. This game instead used a sit-down cabinet as opposed to the one used in the original Winning Run, bearing a resemblance to the ones used for Namco's own Final Lap three years prior.[18] Suzuka GP became Japan's second highest-grossing dedicated arcade game of 1990, below Super Monaco GP.[19]

The second, Winning Run '91, was released in 1991, again exclusive to Japan, using the same arcade cabinet the original game had.[20] A similar 3D racing game, Driver's Eyes, was released for Japan in 1990. Using a newly built arcade cabinet, it used a set of three panoramic monitors to give a more open view in the game.[21] The soundtrack for the game was released by Victor Entertainment on July 21, 1989, compiling it with music from Splatterhouse and Metal Hawk.[4]

Notes

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  1. ^ Japanese: ウィニングラン, Hepburn: U~iningu Ran

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Harrison, Phil (August 1989). "Arcades: Namco's Winning Streak". Commodore User. No. 72 (September 1989). pp. 90–1. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Winning Run". No. March 1989. Computer and Video Games. 1 March 1989.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Winning Run". Advanced Computer Entertainment. 1 October 1989.
  4. ^ a b Namco G.S.M. 2 – Winning Run. Promotional booklet. 21 July 1989.
  5. ^ Gamest, The Best Game 2: Gamest Book Vol. 112, pp. 6–26
  6. ^ Akagi, Masumi (October 13, 2006). アーケードTVゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971–2005) [Arcade TV Game List: Domestic • Overseas Edition (1971–2005)] (in Japanese). Japan: Amusement News Agency. p. 124. ISBN 978-4990251215.
  7. ^ a b "The Games Machine Magazine Issue 16". archive.org. March 1989. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
  8. ^ a b "The C+VG Top Arcade Games of 1989". Computer and Video Games. No. 98 (January 1990). 16 December 1989. p. 9.
  9. ^ a b c "Your Sinclair's Top of the Slots '89". Your Sinclair. March 1990.
  10. ^ "Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - アップライト, コックピット型TVゲーム機 (Upright/Cockpit Videos)". Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 351. Amusement Press, Inc. 1 March 1989. p. 29.
  11. ^ Famicom Tsūshin, issue 17 (August 1989)
  12. ^ Famicom Tsūshin, issue 19 (September 15, 1989)
  13. ^ Famicom Tsūshin, issue 22 (October 27, 1989)
  14. ^ "Gamest 0041" 第３回 ゲーメスト大賞 – インカム部門ベスト10 [3rd Gamest Awards – Income Category: Best 10]. Gamest (in Japanese). Vol. 41 (February 1990). December 27, 1989. pp. 49-79 (79). alternate url
  15. ^ "Belam: America's National and International Distributor of All Amusement Machines". RePlay. Vol. 15, no. 6. March 1990. p. 137.
  16. ^ "RePlay: The Players' Choice". RePlay. Vol. 15, no. 6. March 1990. p. 4.
  17. ^ "Gamest 0041" 第３回 ゲーメスト大賞 [3rd Gamest Awards]. Gamest (in Japanese). Vol. 41 (February 1990). December 27, 1989. pp. 49–79. alternate url
  18. ^ "Winning Run Suzuka Grand Prix". Killer List of Video Games. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  19. ^ ""Tetris" Has Still Earned More Than "Final Fight"" (PDF). Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 396. Amusement Press, Inc. 1 February 1991. p. 22.
  20. ^ "Winning Run '91". Killer List of Video Games. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  21. ^ "Driver's Eyes". Killer List of Video Games. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
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