Hang-On
From Sega Retro
Hang-On | |||||
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System(s): Sega Hang-On hardware, MSX, Sega Master System, NEC PC-88 | |||||
Publisher: Sega, Pax Softnica Pony Canyon | |||||
Developer: Sega AM2, Pax Softnica | |||||
Genre: Racing | |||||
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Hang-On (ハングオン) is a 1985 arcade game developed by Sega AM2. One of Yu Suzuki's designs, Hang-On is notable for being the first full body experience arcade game, as some cabinets were shaped like bikes that the user had to ride on. It was built on the arcade hardware that powered Space Harrier.
The object of the game is similar to OutRun - keep racing until the time runs out while making sure not to hit any other racers or obstacles.
The arcade version of the game includes advertisements for Bridgestone, Shell, Garelli Motorcycles, TAG, John Player Special cigarettes, Forum cigarettes, and for "Marbor cigarettes". The advertising for cigarettes both in Hang-On and the later Super Monaco GP was criticised as these games were also marketed for children. Many re-releases of these games omit these adverts.
Contents
Overview
Hang-On (ハングオン Hangu On) is a racing arcade game developed by Sega AM2, designed by Yu Suzuki, and released by Sega in 1985. It is the world's first full-body-experience video game.[1] In the game, the player controls a motorcycle against time and other computer-controlled bikes. It was one of the first arcade games to use 16-bit graphics and Sega's "Super Scaler" technology that allowed pseudo-3D sprite-scaling at high frame rates.[2] The game was also built into some versions of the Sega Master System. The title is derived from when the biker is turning and has to "hang on" to the bike while the bike is leaning, which Suzuki had read in a Japanese bike magazine, though Suzuki learned later the technique was called "hang off" in North America. Nevertheless, he chose to keep the former name.[3]
The pseudo-3D sprite/tile scaling was handled in a similar manner to textures in later texture-mapped polygonal 3D games of the 1990s.[4] Designed by Sega AM2's Yu Suzuki, he stated that his "designs were always 3D from the beginning. All the calculations in the system were 3D, even from Hang-On. I calculated the position, scale, and zoom rate in 3D and converted it backwards to 2D. So I was always thinking in 3D." [1] The original arcade version was controlled using a cabinet resembling a motorbike, which the player moved with their body. This began the "Taikan" trend, the use of motion-controlled hydraulic arcade cabinets in many arcade games of the late 1980s, two decades before motion controls became popular on video game consoles. [2]
The game ran on the Sega Hang-On arcade system board, which later ran Space Harrier and Enduro Racer. Hang-On was ported to the Sega SG-1000 and Master System home consoles and the MSX home computer. It was followed by a sequel, Super Hang-On, released in 1987.
Sequels and Re-releases
Hang-On was ported to the Sega Mark III as a launch title (along with Teddy Boy Blues) in Japan. Consequently, it was brought overseas to the Sega Master System and also made available on launch in Europe (where it was distributed on Sega Card with launch Master System consoles in several regions). The Master System Hang-On later became a built-in game and in 1990 was re-released on cartridge, also in Europe.
In North America, the Master System Hang-On was never released on its own, instead being part of Hang-On / Safari Hunt (built into some Master System consoles and also released on cartridge) and later Hang-On / Astro Warrior.
Hang-On was also made available for MSX computers, and was succeeded by Super Hang-On in 1987, which gained wider recognition as it was ported to more systems, including the Sega Mega Drive. A similar game known as Hang-On II was released for the SG-1000.
Hang-On is featured as a mini-game in both Shenmue and Shenmue II. It is also possible to buy a Sega Saturn port of Hang-On in Shenmue under the Sega Ages label - this version was not released in real life, but as similar games such as OutRun and Space Harrier were re-released for the Saturn, it is entirely possible that a version of Hang-On was planned too.
The Hang-On bike is a hidden vehicle in Power Drift. An unlockable gear in Sonic Riders will play the Hang-On theme when used, as will inputting the name "H.O" in the high score table of Daytona USA.
Gallery
Promotional Material
Physical Scans
Arcade Version
Arcade, US (deluxe) | ||||
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Arcade, US (upright) | ||||
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Arcade, US (sit-down) | ||||
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Arcade, ES | ||||
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Master System Version
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Master System, AU Card version |
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Master System, TW |
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MSX Version
NEC PC-8801 Version
NEC PC-8801, JP |
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Games in the Hang-On series | |
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Hang-On (1985) | Hang-On Jr. (1985) | Hang-On II (1985) | Super Hang-On (home computers) (1987) | GP Rider (Master System | Game Gear) (1990) | Limited Edition Hang-On (1991) | Hang-On GP (1995) | 3D Super Hang-On (2013) | |
Spin-offs | |
Hang-On (1988) | |
Hang-On related media | |
Yu Suzuki Produce Hang On/Space Harrier (1997) | Super Hang-On 20th Anniversary Collection (2007) | Super Hang-On (2015) | |
After Burner / Super Hang-On (1987) |
- ↑ GameCenter CX, 2nd Season, Episode 13
- ↑ http://retro.ign.com/articles/974/974695p3.html
- ↑ [GameCenter CX, Episode 10, Fuji TV, 2003 GameCenter CX, Episode 10, Fuji TV, 2003]
- ↑ http://www.extentofthejam.com/pseudo/
- ↑ File:Segapro UK 03.pdf, page 47
- ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 134
- ↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 141
- ↑ Computer & Video Games, "September 1987" (UK; 1987-08-15), page 77
- ↑ Computer & Video Games, "March 1988" (UK; 1988-02-15), page 121
- ↑ Micromanía (segunda época), "Septiembre 1991" (ES; 1991-0x-xx), page 29
- ↑ Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 57
- ↑ Sega Pro, "Christmas 1991" (UK; 1991-12-12), page 47
- ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 71
- ↑ Tilt, "Décembre 1987" (FR; 1987-1x-xx), page 98
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