Rally-X – Nostalgia Central

Namco’s Rally-X is often mistaken for a Pac-Man clone with elements of Defender, but it was actually released alongside these games in 1980 and – hailed as a standout at the AMOA trade show – was considered the game to beat at the time.

Though later overshadowed, Rally-X was a hit for its fast-paced mix of maze navigation and racing.

Much like Pac-Man, Rally-X features a maze with enemies chasing the player. However, the maze is mostly off-screen, requiring players to rely on a radar to track the flags and pursuers, similar to Defender.

The goal is to collect 10 flags scattered throughout the course, all while managing limited fuel and avoiding rival cars that aim to hinder you.

Players can deploy a smoke screen to confuse enemies, but it consumes extra fuel. Rocks and obstacles force quick adjustments, adding to the challenge.

After collecting all flags, the game shifts to a new maze with different layouts and more chasers.

Occasionally, “Challenging Stages” appear, offering a brief respite where players can freely navigate and gather flags without enemies, trying to beat the fuel limit.

Rally-X gained a dedicated following and, despite being overshadowed by Pac-Man, led to a sequel, New Rally-X, in 1981.

The sequel improved the gameplay by increasing speed and introducing “Lucky” flags that reward additional fuel. While it was considered better by many, it still couldn’t match Pac-Man’s huge popularity, which dominated arcades worldwide.