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Explore the fascinating history of the Slicks racing game and its unreleased ports across various platforms.
The Origins of Slicks
The racing game Slicks, initially released for the Commodore 64, had the potential to appear on numerous other platforms, but fate had other plans. A dedicated website, Games That Weren’t, unearthed intriguing details about these unfulfilled versions, and we’re here to share them with you.
ZX Spectrum Port
Let’s kick things off with the port for the ZX Spectrum, which was being developed by Nigel Spate. He aimed to faithfully replicate the visual style of the original game, and it seems he succeeded quite well. The game even made it into popular magazines like Sinclair User and Your Sinclair, but unfortunately, it never progressed beyond the preview stage.
Later on, Your Sinclair reviewed the compilation Supersports Challenge, which was supposed to include Slicks. They even rated the game a solid 74%—not bad, although the enthusiasm was somewhat muted. It was expected that Codemasters would release it as part of this compilation, yet it seems to have vanished without a trace. Many are left wondering if it ever existed at all.
The magazine Amstrad Action also featured advertisements for Supersports Challenge, suggesting that there might have been efforts to create a version for the Amstrad CPC as well.
Amiga Version
In 1993, the French magazine Joystick presented a version for the Amiga, which was essentially a similar project but with enhanced graphics. After a brief preview, the game seemingly disappeared from existence, and the name of the developer remains a mystery.
SEGA Mega Drive Version
Fast forward to 1994, and the Australian magazine SEGA MegaZone revealed information about a version for the SEGA Mega Drive. This adaptation was set to feature isometric graphics while maintaining the core mechanics. It was slated to include 16 tracks, customizable vehicles, varying weather conditions, and a league system to ramp up the challenge.
As it turned out, both the Amiga and Mega Drive versions were under the direction of Craig Kelsall, known for several projects on the Commodore 64, including Crystal Kingdom Dizzy. In a 2009 discussion, he revealed that the development of the Amiga version was halted in favor of the Mega Drive port, shifting its concept from “Formula 1” to combat racing. Sadly, the project was ultimately shelved—Codemasters aimed to carve out a market for budget titles on consoles, but that idea never took off.
Unfortunately, Kelsall no longer possesses any code or materials related to these versions. However, the team at Games That Weren’t continues to hold out hope that they will someday discover something. And who knows? We might just join in on that quest.
- What platforms was Slicks originally released on?
Slicks was initially released for the Commodore 64, and several ports were planned for other platforms, including the ZX Spectrum and Amiga. - Why did the ZX Spectrum port not see the light of day?
Although it was previewed in magazines, the ZX Spectrum port never progressed beyond that stage. - What was the rating for Slicks in Your Sinclair?
The game received a score of 74% in the Your Sinclair magazine. - Who was the main developer behind the SEGA Mega Drive version?
Craig Kelsall was the developer for the versions aimed at both the Amiga and SEGA Mega Drive. - What was the intended gameplay style for the SEGA Mega Drive version?
The Mega Drive version was set to feature isometric graphics and include customizable vehicles and various racing challenges.
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