Road Racer is a free car game that looks and feels like the racing mini game on old handheld Brick Game consoles. Switch lanes, dodge the oncoming cars and boost for double points. It runs in your browser with no download or sign up, works on phones and computers, and keeps working offline after the first load.
Inspired by: The racing games found on handheld Brick Game consoles of the 1990s.
How to play Road Racer
- Your car sits at the bottom of a three lane road. Move one lane at a time.
- Oncoming cars come down the road. Switch lanes to slip past them.
- Every car you pass scores 10 points. Hold boost and each one scores 20, but the road moves faster.
- Every ten cars you pass starts a new level, and the road speeds up.
- You have three lives. A crash costs one life, and the game ends when all are gone.
Controls
- Keyboard: Left and right arrows or A and D change lane. Hold Up, W or Space to boost. P or Esc pauses.
- Mouse: Click the left or right side of the screen to change lane.
- Touch screen: Tap the arrow buttons, swipe left or right, and hold the Boost button for extra speed and points.
Tips to score higher
- Look two cars ahead, not only at the car in front of you. It makes lane changes smoother.
- Boost on a clear stretch, then let go before a tricky group of cars arrives.
- Stay in the middle lane when you can, because it lets you reach either side quickly.
- After a crash you blink for a moment and cannot be hit. Use that time to get back in position.
The story behind Road Racer
In the 1990s, small handheld consoles with a grey green screen and chunky black pixels were sold all over the world, and in India they were often called Brick Game. They played a handful of simple games, and racing was one of the favourites: a pixel car, a few lanes and cars you had to dodge as the road sped up. The screens showed only a few dozen pixels, but that was enough to make your heart race. Road Racer recreates that look and the same tense, one more try rhythm, with a few modern touches like boost and lives.
Questions players ask
Is Road Racer free to play?
Yes. It is free to play, with no sign up, no download and no purchases.
Does Road Racer work on mobile?
Yes. Use the on-screen arrows or swipe to change lanes, and hold the Boost button for double points.
What does boost do?
While you hold boost the road moves twice as fast and every car you pass is worth double. It is a risk and reward choice.
How many lives do I have?
You start with three lives. Each crash costs one, and you get a short safe time to recover after it.
Can I play without internet?
Yes. After the page has loaded once, the game keeps working even when you are offline.