Full Throttle

Full Throttle: The Wildest Ride in Adventure Gaming

Released in 1995 by LucasArts, Full Throttle is a standout graphic adventure game designed by the legendary Tim Schafer, known for his involvement in other LucasArts classics like Day of the Tentacle and Grim Fandango. The game was released for PC (MS-DOS) and later remastered for modern platforms, earning its place in gaming history for its cinematic storytelling, memorable characters, and unique biker aesthetic.

The Story: Rebels on the Road

Set in a post-apocalyptic future dominated by vehicles and highways, the game puts players in the leather jacket of Ben, the gruff yet charismatic leader of the Polecats biker gang. The adventure begins when Ben is framed for murder by the scheming Adrian Ripburger—voiced impeccably by Mark Hamill—a ruthless executive trying to take control of the Corley Motors motorcycle company.

Ben's journey is a road trip for justice, revenge, and redemption. Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, from Maureen, the mechanic with a secret, to rival biker gangs, all set against the backdrop of a world where the road is as dangerous as it is lawless. The narrative is both gripping and humorous, expertly blending action, suspense, and LucasArts' trademark wit.

Gameplay: A Cinematic Adventure

Unlike previous LucasArts titles, Full Throttle features a more streamlined point-and-click interface. Ben's interactions are focused on solving puzzles, riding his motorcycle, and dealing with thugs in action-packed combat sequences. While this simplification allowed for smoother gameplay, it also reduced the complexity some hardcore adventure fans loved in earlier Lucas titles.

The game's difficulty is noticeably lower compared to titles like Monkey Island or Indiana Jones. The puzzles are intuitive, and while some sequences—such as the infamous demolition derby—may require quick reflexes, the challenge never becomes insurmountable. For many players, this accessibility makes Full Throttle a great entry point into the adventure genre.

The Humor Factor

Humor is at the heart of Full Throttle, but it takes a darker, more sarcastic tone compared to LucasArts’ lighter classics like Monkey Island. Tim Schafer's writing is razor-sharp, with Ben's deadpan one-liners and the absurdity of biker gang rivalries providing plenty of laughs. The humor complements the gritty atmosphere rather than undercutting it, creating a unique tone that sets the game apart from its peers.

Audio-Visual Presentation

Visually, Full Throttle was groundbreaking for its time. The hand-drawn 2D animations and cinematic cutscenes were ahead of their era, creating a game that felt like a playable movie. The character designs are iconic, with Ben's tough-guy persona immediately recognizable.

The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring hard-hitting rock music from the band The Gone Jackals. Tracks like “Legacy” amplify the adrenaline-fueled action sequences and perfectly complement the biker vibe.

Legacy and Remaster

In 2017, Full Throttle Remastered was released for PC, PlayStation, iOS, and other platforms, breathing new life into the classic. The remaster polished the visuals, added updated audio, and allowed players to switch between the original and remastered graphics seamlessly. It ensured that a new generation could experience Ben's journey without sacrificing the game's original charm.

5 Essential Hints to Kickstart Full Throttle

• 1. Escape the Dumpster: At the very start, punch the hatch to break out of the dumpster. Ben’s fists are your best friend!


• 2. The Bar Door Won’t Open? Don't overthink it! Just kick the bar door down. In this game, brute force often works.


• 3. Need Your Bike Keys? The bartender is holding them. Grab him forcefully to get what you need.


• 4. Fighting on the Road: Use the mouse to steer and left-click to punch when fighting the first biker. Timing is key!


• 5. Stuck in Melonweed? Explore carefully! Look for a gas can, hose, and torch in Maureen’s garage to repair your bike. Pay attention to nearby objects.

Verdict

Full Throttle is a legendary game that balances story, humor, and style in a way only LucasArts could deliver. While it may lack the puzzle depth of earlier Lucas titles, its unique world, engaging protagonist, and unforgettable atmosphere make it a must-play. The remastered version ensures that Ben's ride lives on for modern audiences, offering an experience that is as thrilling today as it was in 1995.

Pros

• ✔ Cinematic storytelling with engaging characters.
• ✔ Stunning hand-drawn visuals and animations.
• ✔ Memorable rock soundtrack featuring The Gone Jackals.
• ✔ Humorous dialogue with darker, sarcastic wit.
• ✔ Accessible gameplay, ideal for newcomers to the genre.

Cons

• ✘ Puzzles are less challenging compared to other LucasArts games.
• ✘ Some action sequences may feel repetitive.
• ✘ Relatively short gameplay length (~6-8 hours).
• ✘ Occasional pixel hunting for solutions.

Final Score

PC (MS-DOS):

92%

Remastered (Modern Platforms):

94%