Play Bump-n-Run | Commodore 64 Online Game (1986)

'Bump-n-Run' is a racing game written by Tim J. Midkiff and published by COMPUTE! Publications, Inc. for the Commodore 64. Released in the mid-1980s, the game was featured in COMPUTE!'s Gazette, a magazine that often included type-in programs for users to input and play. The game simulates a demolition derby-style racing experience, where players control a car and compete against others on a track. The objective is to outmaneuver opponents, bump them off the road, and finish the race in first place. The gameplay emphasizes aggressive tactics, with collisions and strategic driving playing a central role.

The game features a top-down perspective, common for racing games of the era, allowing players to see the entire track and their opponents. The controls are straightforward, focusing on acceleration, braking, and steering, with the added challenge of managing collisions and avoiding being pushed off the track. The tracks are designed with tight corners and obstacles, requiring players to balance speed and precision. The competitive nature of the game is heightened by the AI-controlled opponents, who actively try to bump the player's car out of the race.

'Bump-n-Run' was distributed as a type-in program, meaning users had to manually enter the game's code from the magazine into their Commodore 64. This method of distribution was common at the time, as it allowed magazines to provide games and software without physical media. The game's simplicity and focus on action made it accessible to a wide audience, though its reliance on type-in code meant that errors during input could prevent it from running correctly. Despite its straightforward design, the game captured the chaotic fun of demolition derby racing, appealing to fans of competitive and fast-paced gameplay.