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Track & Field (arcade game)
Encyclopedia
Track & Field, known in Japan
as , is a 1983
Olympic
-themed arcade game
developed and published by Konami
.
The arcade version
was released in 1983. The simple gameplay, based on quick repeating button presses, set the basics for sequels and similar games in the genre for the next decades. There were several home versions of the original; the ZX Spectrum and Amstrad CPC versions were only released as part of the Game, Set and Match II compilation in 1988, and are poorly regarded by fans. The NES version was especially well-received, and sold well.
in later units that replaced the buttons that were continually broken- some buttons were originally replaced with buttons that had guards on them so players could not slam them with their fists) and one "action" button to control an athlete competing in following six events:
In each event, there is a qualifying time or level that the player must achieve to advance to the next event; failing to qualify (in one heat for running events or three tries in the other events) ends the game.
The game can accommodate up to four players, who compete in pairs for the running events, and individually for the others. If there are fewer than four players, the remaining slots are played by the computer (or player "CPU"). In all multiplayer heats, though, the relative performance of the players has no effect on the game, and advancing is based solely on qualifying times. While most multiplayer arcade games had each set of controls relative to the players going from left to right, this game (which has two sets of controls) had a somewhat different setup. The left set of controls were for players 2 and 4, while the right set was for players 1 and 3. This is one of the few classic arcade games where single player mode was played on the right set of controls rather than the left. If a player completes all six events after a brief medal ceremony, he or she is sent back to the field for another round, with higher qualifying levels.
will run across the top of the playfield screen and a 1000 point bonus is awarded.
110 meter hurdles trick: Player 1 plays normally, while player 2 ensures a 100 seconds plus time (use a stopwatch and time 1:40)
if you finish slightly over 100 seconds, you'll record a physically impossible time, such as under a second.
Long Jump: If you make three jumps of exactly the same length, a man with a key will run across the screen and a 1000 point bonus is awarded.
Javelin: Throw the javelin off the top of the screen and you will hit a bird or lamp which falls to the ground. A 1000 point bonus is awarded. The full angle button press should be used (press and hold jump/throw button).
High Jump: Fail on your first two attempts, then qualify using your last remaining attempt. A mole will pop up out of the ground and a 1000 point bonus is awarded.
Hammer Throw: A throw of 99.99 meters is possible with full speed and 45 degree angle at either zone limit (note passing the limit zone is a foul and will hit someone in the audience). If you throw perfectly, you'll throw greater than 99.99 and thus a foul will be recorded.
In the follow-up Hyper Sports, there were seven events: 100-meter freestyle
, skeet shooting
, vault
, archery
, triple jump
, weight lifting
and pole vault
.
in the light of the 1992 Summer Olympics
. The opening song for the NES version is the Chariots of Fire
theme by Vangelis
(which was also used in the arcade version's high score screen). The Game Boy version was also re-released as part of the Konami GB Collection
series.
The Xbox Live Arcade
version of the game was released on the Xbox 360
for 400 Microsoft Points
($5 USD) on August 8, 2007. It features updated graphics and sounds, leaderboards, and online play over the Xbox Live service. The game also appears in Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits
for the Nintendo DS, but with an altered version of the Chariots of Fire theme.
95,350 points on the classic arcade game Track & Field. Rodriguez beat the 23 year old record of 95,040 points set on June 30, 1985 by Kelly Kobashigawa, of Los Angeles, during Twin Galaxies
' 1985 Video Game Masters Tournament
in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
The Twin Galaxies' Official Video Game & Pinball Book of World Records - Arcade Volume, lists history's largest video game contest as the "1984 March of Dimes International Konami/Centuri Track & Field Challenge". The editors say: "More than 1 million contestants played Track & Field between April 30 and May 26, hoping to be among three finalists going to Japan to represent the USA. As a fundraiser for the March of Dimes, the event was held in Aladdin's Castle
arcades and National Convenience Stores. Gary West of Oklahoma City won the U.S. Finals, but Phil Britt, of Riverside, California, won the World Championship in Tokyo on June 10, 1984."
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
as , is a 1983
1983 in video gaming
-Events:* A major shakeout of the video game industry begins. By 1986, total video games sales will decrease from US$3.2 billion to US$0.1 billion.* MCA Universal files suit against Nintendo, claiming that the latter company's video arcade hit Donkey Kong violated Universal's copyright on King Kong...
Olympic
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
-themed arcade game
Arcade game
An arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, usually installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers...
developed and published by Konami
Konami
is a Japanese leading developer and publisher of numerous popular and strong-selling toys, trading cards, anime, tokusatsu, slot machines, arcade cabinets and video games...
.
The arcade version
Arcade game
An arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, usually installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers...
was released in 1983. The simple gameplay, based on quick repeating button presses, set the basics for sequels and similar games in the genre for the next decades. There were several home versions of the original; the ZX Spectrum and Amstrad CPC versions were only released as part of the Game, Set and Match II compilation in 1988, and are poorly regarded by fans. The NES version was especially well-received, and sold well.
Gameplay
In the original arcade game, the player uses two "run" buttons (or a trackballTrackball
A trackball is a pointing device consisting of a ball held by a socket containing sensors to detect a rotation of the ball about two axes—like an upside-down mouse with an exposed protruding ball. The user rolls the ball with the thumb, fingers, or the palm of the hand to move a cursor...
in later units that replaced the buttons that were continually broken- some buttons were originally replaced with buttons that had guards on them so players could not slam them with their fists) and one "action" button to control an athlete competing in following six events:
- 100 Meter Dash100 metresThe 100 metres, or 100-metre dash, is a sprint race in track and field competitions. The shortest common outdoor running distance, it is one of the most popular and prestigious events in the sport of athletics. It has been contested at the Summer Olympics since 1896...
– Running by quickly alternating button presses. - Long jumpLong jumpThe long jump is a track and field event in which athletes combine speed, strength, and agility in an attempt to leap as far as possible from a take off point...
– Running by alternating button press and correct timing for jump. Hold jump button to set angle. - Javelin throwJavelin throwThe javelin throw is a track and field athletics throwing event where the object to be thrown is the javelin, a spear approximately 2.5 metres in length. Javelin is an event of both the men's decathlon and the women's heptathlon...
– Running by alternating button presses and then using action button correct timing for angle (~42 degrees is optimal). - 110 Meter Hurdles – Running by alternating button presses and using action button to time hurdles
- Hammer throwHammer throwThe modern or Olympic hammer throw is an athletic throwing event where the object is to throw a heavy metal ball attached to a wire and handle. The name "hammer throw" is derived from older competitions where an actual sledge hammer was thrown...
– Spinning initiated by pressing a run button once and then correctly timed press of action button to choose angle (45 is optimal). - High jumpHigh jumpThe high jump is a track and field athletics event in which competitors must jump over a horizontal bar placed at measured heights without the aid of certain devices in its modern most practiced format; auxiliary weights and mounds have been used for assistance; rules have changed over the years....
– Running (speed set by computer) and then action button must be held down to determine angle of jump. Once in the air, the run button can be rapidly pressed for additional height.
Easter eggs
100m Dash and 110m Hurdles: If both players finish with the same time, the main character from the Konami game TutankhamTutankham
Tutankham is a 1982 arcade game developed by Konami and released by Stern in the US. This game is also known as Horror Maze on Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits for the Nintendo DS...
will run across the top of the playfield screen and a 1000 point bonus is awarded.
110 meter hurdles trick: Player 1 plays normally, while player 2 ensures a 100 seconds plus time (use a stopwatch and time 1:40)
if you finish slightly over 100 seconds, you'll record a physically impossible time, such as under a second.
Long Jump: If you make three jumps of exactly the same length, a man with a key will run across the screen and a 1000 point bonus is awarded.
Javelin: Throw the javelin off the top of the screen and you will hit a bird or lamp which falls to the ground. A 1000 point bonus is awarded. The full angle button press should be used (press and hold jump/throw button).
High Jump: Fail on your first two attempts, then qualify using your last remaining attempt. A mole will pop up out of the ground and a 1000 point bonus is awarded.
Hammer Throw: A throw of 99.99 meters is possible with full speed and 45 degree angle at either zone limit (note passing the limit zone is a foul and will hit someone in the audience). If you throw perfectly, you'll throw greater than 99.99 and thus a foul will be recorded.
Legacy
Konami continued releasing games on the series:- Hyper SportsHyper SportsHyper Sports is a video game published in 1984. It is the sequel to Konami's Track & Field and features seven all-new Olympic events. Like its predecessor, Hyper Sports featured two run buttons and one action button per player....
(1984) (Arcade) - Konami '88Konami '88Konami '88 is the third in the Track & Field game series by Konami, where you test your Olympic skills against other world-class athletes. As the name implies, it is loosely based on the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea...
(1988) (Arcade) - Track & Field IITrack & Field IITrack & Field II is a sequel to Track & Field created by Konami for the NES in 1988. Despite the II numeral, it is actually the fourth game in the series. It still continues the Olympic-themed sports events, but adds more realism by choosing a country for the player to represent...
(1988) (NES) - Track & Field (1992) (Game Boy)
- Hyper AthleteHyper AthleteInternational Track & Field is a 3D update of Konami's Track & Field series, in which up to four players compete in eleven different Olympic events. The game was released for the PlayStation and the arcades in 1996. The arcade version was released only in Japan as Hyper Athlete. In 2008 the game...
(1996) (Arcade, PS) - Nagano Winter Olympics '98Nagano Winter Olympics '98Nagano Winter Olympics '98, known in Japan as is a multi-event sports game from Konami. It's based around the 1998 Winter Olympics and features ten Olympic events including skating, skiing, luge, bobsleigh, slalom, curling, halfpipe and snowboarding....
(1998) (Arcade, N64, PS) - International Track & Field 2000International Track & Field 2000International Track & Field 2000 is a track and field game for the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation in 2000. It was released in Europe under the name International Track & Field: Summer Games and in Japan as Ganbare Nippon! Olympics 2000...
(1999) (N64, PS, GBC) - ESPN International Track & Field (2000) (DC, PS2, GBC)
- Konami Sports Series (200?) (Mobile Phones)
- New International Track & FieldNew International Track & Field, is a sports video game by Konami for the Nintendo DS. Developed by Sumo Digital, it is the latest game in Konami's Track and Field series.-Overview:...
(2008) (NDS) - Hyper Sports Winter (200?) (Iphone OS)
- International Track & Field (200?) (Iphone OS)
In the follow-up Hyper Sports, there were seven events: 100-meter freestyle
Freestyle swimming
Freestyle is an unregulated swimming style used in swimming competitions according to the rules of FINA. The front crawl stroke is almost universally used during a freestyle race, as this style is generally the fastest...
, skeet shooting
Skeet shooting
Skeet shooting is one of the three major types of competitive shotgun target shooting sports . There are several types of skeet, including one with Olympic status , and many with only national recognition.- General principles :Skeet is a recreational and competitive activity where...
, vault
Vault (gymnastics)
The vault is an artistic gymnastics apparatus, as well as the skill performed using that apparatus. Vaulting is also the action of performing a vault. Both male and female gymnasts perform the vault...
, archery
Archery
Archery is the art, practice, or skill of propelling arrows with the use of a bow, from Latin arcus. Archery has historically been used for hunting and combat; in modern times, however, its main use is that of a recreational activity...
, triple jump
Triple jump
The triple jump is a track and field sport, similar to the long jump, but involving a “hop, bound and jump” routine, whereby the competitor runs down the track and performs a hop, a bound and then a jump into the sand pit.The triple jump has its origins in the Ancient Olympics and has been a...
, weight lifting
Powerlifting
Powerlifting is a strength sport. It resembles the sport of Olympic weightlifting, as both disciplines involve lifting weights in three attempts. Powerlifting evolved from a sport known as 'odd lifts' which followed the same three attempt format but used a wide variety of events akin to Strongman...
and pole vault
Pole vault
Pole vaulting is a track and field event in which a person uses a long, flexible pole as an aid to leap over a bar. Pole jumping competitions were known to the ancient Greeks, as well as the Cretans and Celts...
.
Ports and re-releases
The NES version of Track & Field was re-released in Europe in 1992 as Track & Field in Barcelona by KemcoKEMCO
, sometimes referred to as Kotobuki System Co., Ltd., is a Japanese video game developer and publisher established in 1984 as a subsidiary of Kotobuki Engineering & Manufacturing Co., Ltd, located in: Seika, Japan....
in the light of the 1992 Summer Olympics
1992 Summer Olympics
The 1992 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXV Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event celebrated in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, in 1992. The International Olympic Committee voted in 1986 to separate the Summer and Winter Games, which had been held in the same...
. The opening song for the NES version is the Chariots of Fire
Chariots of Fire
Chariots of Fire is a 1981 British film. It tells the fact-based story of two athletes in the 1924 Olympics: Eric Liddell, a devout Scottish Christian who runs for the glory of God, and Harold Abrahams, an English Jew who runs to overcome prejudice....
theme by Vangelis
Vangelis
Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou is a Greek composer of electronic, progressive, ambient, jazz, pop rock and orchestral music, under the artist name Vangelis...
(which was also used in the arcade version's high score screen). The Game Boy version was also re-released as part of the Konami GB Collection
Konami GB Collection
Konami GB Collection is a series of video game compilations for the Game Boy composed of four volumes. The compilations were originally released from 1997 to 1998 in Japan, and were later released in Europe in 2000.-Lineup:...
series.
The Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade is a type of video game download distribution available primarily in a section of the Xbox Live Marketplace, Microsoft's digital distribution network for the Xbox 360, that focuses on smaller downloadable games from both major publishers and independent game developers...
version of the game was released on the Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
for 400 Microsoft Points
Microsoft Points
Microsoft Points are the currency of the Xbox Live Marketplace, Games for Windows - Live Marketplace, Windows Live Gallery, and Zune online stores. The points allow users to purchase content without a credit card and to reduce the number of small credit card transaction fees, which Microsoft would...
($5 USD) on August 8, 2007. It features updated graphics and sounds, leaderboards, and online play over the Xbox Live service. The game also appears in Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits
Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits
Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits, released as Konami Arcade Collection in Japan and Konami Arcade Classics in Europe and Oceania, is a collection of 15 classic arcade games by Konami for the Nintendo DS.-Lineup:...
for the Nintendo DS, but with an altered version of the Chariots of Fire theme.
In the Competitive Arena
On December 18, 2008, Hector Rodriguez, of California, USA, scored a world recordWorld record
A world record is usually the best global performance ever recorded and verified in a specific skill or sport. The book Guinness World Records collates and publishes notable records of all types, from first and best to worst human achievements, to extremes in the natural world and beyond...
95,350 points on the classic arcade game Track & Field. Rodriguez beat the 23 year old record of 95,040 points set on June 30, 1985 by Kelly Kobashigawa, of Los Angeles, during Twin Galaxies
Twin Galaxies
Twin Galaxies is an American organization that tracks video game world records and conducts a program of electronic-gaming promotions. It operates the Twin Galaxies website and publishes the Twin Galaxies' Official Video Game & Pinball Book of World Records, with the Arcade Volume released on June...
' 1985 Video Game Masters Tournament
Video Game Masters Tournament
The Video Game Masters Tournament was an event that was created in 1983 by Twin Galaxies to generate world record high scores for the 1984 U.S. Edition of the Guinness Book of World Records . It was the most prestigious contest of that era and the only one that the Guinness book looked to for...
in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
The Twin Galaxies' Official Video Game & Pinball Book of World Records - Arcade Volume, lists history's largest video game contest as the "1984 March of Dimes International Konami/Centuri Track & Field Challenge". The editors say: "More than 1 million contestants played Track & Field between April 30 and May 26, hoping to be among three finalists going to Japan to represent the USA. As a fundraiser for the March of Dimes, the event was held in Aladdin's Castle
Aladdin's Castle
Aladdin's Castle is one of several amusement arcade brands used by Namco Cybertainment.- History :The shopping-mall arcade chain that became Aladdin’s Castle began as American Amusements, Incorporated, in the early 1970s. It was purchased and renamed Aladdin’s Castle by Bally Manufacturing...
arcades and National Convenience Stores. Gary West of Oklahoma City won the U.S. Finals, but Phil Britt, of Riverside, California, won the World Championship in Tokyo on June 10, 1984."
External links
- Twin Galaxies High Score Rankings for Track and Field
- Track and Field entry at the CenturiCenturiCenturi, based in Hialeah, Florida, was one of the top six suppliers of coin operated video game machinery in the United States. Many of the machines distributed in the US under the Centuri name were licensed from overseas manufacturers, particularly Konami....
.net Arcade Database