Kickstart

Kikstart: Off-Road Simulator – The Classic Motorcycle Obstacle Course

Released in 1985 by Mastertronic, Kikstart: Off-Road Simulator is a side-scrolling motocross game that challenged players to complete obstacle courses in the fastest time possible. Developed for the Commodore 64 by Mr. Chip Software and later ported to other platforms like the Atari 8-bit and Commodore 16, Kikstart was inspired by the British TV show Kick Start, where competitors maneuvered their bikes over difficult terrain. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, it became one of the most recognizable motorbike games of the 8-bit era.

The Commodore 64 version 

Gameplay: Precision and Speed

Kikstart is a time-based obstacle course racing game where players control a motorbike rider across various challenges. The goal is to complete the course as quickly as possible while avoiding penalties for mistakes. The game demands careful timing and precision, as different obstacles require different jumping and speed techniques.

Players can race against the clock or compete with a second player in split-screen mode, making it one of the early examples of competitive arcade-style racing. The courses are varied, featuring ramps, fences, barrels, brick walls, and water hazards, each requiring precise acceleration and jumps.

Kikstart on Different Platforms

The Commodore 64 version is widely considered the best, with smooth scrolling, responsive controls, and detailed graphics that take full advantage of the system’s hardware. The Commodore 16 version, while sharing the same name, is a different game entirely, focusing more on arcade action with a single-player mode and unique course designs. The Atari 8-bit version offers a similar experience to the C64 but lacks some of the polish found in the original.

Despite these minor differences, all versions retained the core challenge and fun of the original game, making Kikstart one of the best-known dirt bike games of the 8-bit era.

Legacy

Kikstart was followed by Kikstart 2, which improved upon the original formula by adding more levels and a course editor. The series remains a nostalgic favorite, with fans still playing it via emulation. Its influence can even be seen in later trial bike games, such as Excitebike and Trials.

The Atari 8-bit version 

Verdict

Kikstart is a timeless classic that combines skill-based gameplay, tight controls, and simple yet addictive mechanics. The Commodore 64 version stands out as the definitive edition, offering the best balance of visuals, sound, and playability. Whether you're playing for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, Kikstart remains one of the best motocross games of its era.

Pros

• ✔ Simple but addictive gameplay.
• ✔ Great two-player mode for competitive fun.
• ✔ Variety of obstacles requiring skillful maneuvering.
• ✔ Well-optimized and smooth on the Commodore 64.

Cons

• ✘ Some platforms had variations in gameplay and design.
• ✘ No track editor in the original version (added in Kikstart 2).
• ✘ Limited long-term replay value after mastering the courses.

Final Score

Commodore 64:

85%

Commodore 16:

75%

Atari 8-bit:

78%