Ironman Super Off Road

Game review

Ironman Super Off Road, released in 1990, is an interesting racing game named after the famed off-road racer Ivan "Ironman" Stewart. True to its namesake, this game plunges players into the world of off-road racing, but with a unique twist. Instead of the typical countryside tracks, players find themselves competing in indoor arenas on specially constructed courses.

In the game, up to three players (four in the NES version through use of either the NES Satellite or NES Four Score) compete against each other or the computer in racing around several top-view indoor off-road truck tracks of increasing difficulty. There are eight different tracks (twelve in the SMS version and sixteen in the SNES) and 99 races altogether. All races are raced more than once. First place results earn the player points to continue in the championship and money with which to upgrade their truck or buy more nitro. The goal is to reach the end of the season with the most money earned. Continues are available but whereas players can get extra money in the arcade version, in the home versions, the player's money is reset to zero. This is one of the first games where the player could upgrade his or her vehicle by earning points or money (although in Atari Games' Sprint series, one could upgrade their racer using wrenches), a system that is used in many racing games today.

With its dynamic racing action, upgradeable vehicles, and unique indoor off-road settings, Ironman Super Off Road offers a distinct and entertaining experience in the racing game genre. It combines the thrill of racing with the satisfaction of vehicle customization, making it a memorable title for fans of arcade-style racing games.