BMX Simulator

{{Infobox video game

| title = BMX Simulator

| image = BMX Simulator Cover.jpg

| caption =

| developer = Codemasters{{efn|Ported to the Amstrad CPC and the ZX Spectrum by Tim Miller and to the Atari XL/XE by Adrian Sheppard{{cite magazine |last=Crookes |first=David |date=March 18, 2021 |title=The Making of BMX Simulator |magazine=Retro Gamer |issue=218 |publisher=Future Publishing |ISSN=1742-3155 |pages=36–39}}}}

| publisher = Codemasters

| designer = Richard Darling

| composer = David Whittaker

| engine =

| released = 1986

| genre = Racing

| modes = Single-player, multiplayer

| platforms = Amiga, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, MSX, ZX Spectrum, Commodore Plus/4, Commodore 16.{{cite web | url=http://plus4world.powweb.com/software/BMX_Simulator | title=BMX Simulator | website=plus4world.powweb.com | language=en | accessdate=2023-02-11}}

}}

BMX Simulator is a racing video game designed by Richard Darling{{cite web|title=The Giant List of Classic Game Programmers|url=https://dadgum.com/giantlist/|last1=Hague|first1=James}} and released by Codemasters in 1986 for the Commodore 64. It is part of a series of games that includes ATV Simulator, Grand Prix Simulator, Professional Ski Simulator, and a sequel: Professional BMX Simulator. BMX Simulator was ported to the Amiga, Atari 8-bit computers, Atari ST, Amstrad CPC, MSX, ZX Spectrum, Commodore Plus/4 and Commodore 16.

Gameplay

File:BMX_Simulator_Atari_8-bit_PAL_screenshot.png

BMX Simulator is an overhead race game similar to the arcade video game Super Sprint. The player must race against another player, or the computer, around a series of seven different bicycle motocross (BMX) tracks. There is also a time limit to be beaten. Only two cyclists can compete in each race. The race can be viewed in slow-motion instant replay afterward.

Reception

{{Video game reviews

| CRASH = 63%{{cite web|url=https://spectrumcomputing.co.uk/mag.php?issue_id=1004&page=126|title=Crash Issue 37|website=Spectrum Computing}}

| YSinclair = 7/10{{Cite web |url=http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/bmxsim.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=2012-02-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213204657/http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/bmxsim.htm |archive-date=2012-02-13 |url-status=dead}}

}}

Sinclair User called it "a classy conversion from the Commodore original"{{Citation|title=BMX Simulator Review|newspaper=Sinclair User|date=March 1987}} and a "full price game in budget clothing".{{cite web|url=https://spectrumcomputing.co.uk/mag.php?issue_id=60&page=72|title=Sinclair User Issue 60|website=Spectrum Computing}}

ZX Computing said it was fun from start to finish, and rated it a Monster Hit.{{cite web|url=https://spectrumcomputing.co.uk/mag.php?issue_id=371&page=56|title=ZX Computing March 1987|website=Spectrum Computing}}

The game sold 345,423 copies.

Legacy

BMX Simulator was followed by a sequel in 1988, Professional BMX Simulator. It was later rereleased as BMX Simulator 2.{{Cite web |url=https://www.olivertwins.com/bmxsimulator2 |title=BMX Simulator 2 |publisher=Oliver Twins |access-date=January 2, 2025}}