Pole Position II

Pole Position II is a Formula One racing game developed by Namco and initially released in arcades in 1983 and was also ported to several game consoles and home computers. It is the sequel to Pole Position and the gameplay remains the same with some minor differences including the addition of three new race tracks, several graphical enhancements, and updated music and sound effects.

Pole Position II begins with players choosing one of four tracks to race on. Three tracks are new, and the Fuji track from Pole Position is also available; each track has a different level of difficulty ranging from the relatively simple test track to the winding Suzuka track.

Once a track is selected, players must complete a qualifying round before the grand prix begins. In this round one lap of the race track needs to be completed in 73 seconds; 120 seconds are provided, however if the goal is not met players will continue racing until time runs out and then the game will be over. If the qualifying lap is successfully completed, the player begins the grand prix once time runs out. The grand prix has eight possible starting positions with the player's starting spot a result of how fast the qualifying lap was finished; finishing fast enough results in being in the number one spot known as the Pole Position.

The game is viewed with a pseudo 3D view from behind the players race car. While racing, if the player drives off of the road the race car will slow down greatly; billboards are also on the side of the road and the player's car will explode if one is hit. Additionally the race car will explode if the player crashes into other cars; if this happens the car will reappear stopped in the center of the road after a short delay. There is no limit to the number of cars that can be crashed, however due to the delay and having to get back up to speed, crashes can often cause the loss of precious time that make meeting time goals difficult.

Scoring in Pole Position II remains the same as in the original Pole Position; points are earned for the amount of distance driven, passing other cars, and for time left on the clock. Point values are as follows:

• Every lap completed: 10,000 points
• Every 5 meters driven: 50 points
• Passing another car: 50 points
• Time bonus: 200 points per second left on the clock

Additionally, bonus points are earned after the qualifying lap based on the starting position:

• Pole Position (Lap Time: 58"50 seconds): 4,000 points
• 2nd Position (Lap Time: 60"00 seconds): 2,000 points
• 3rd Position (Lap Time: 62"00 seconds): 1,400 points
• 4th Position (Lap Time: 64"00 seconds): 1,000 points
• 5th Position (Lap Time: 66"00 seconds): 800 points
• 6th Position (Lap Time: 68"00 seconds): 600 points
• 7th Position (Lap Time: 70"00 seconds): 400 points
• 8th Position (Lap Time: 73"00 seconds): 200 points