Do you remember the animated show, Pole Position, from the 80s? If you do, chances are that you also remember the classic video game it inspired. Pole Position was one of the many Saturday morning cartoons that we used to enjoy as kids. It was a show about a team of siblings who worked as secret agents and mechanical engineers, traveling the world and fighting bad guys. But what many people don’t know is that Pole Position was more than just an entertaining show. It was also a game-changer in the video game industry.
The Premise of Pole Position
Pole Position was a show that aired on CBS from 1984 to 1985. It was created by Jean Chalopin and Michael Reaves and produced by DIC Animation City. The show was based on the popular video game of the same name by Namco. Pole Position followed the exploits of a group of siblings, Dan, Tess, and Daisy, who worked for the Pole Position Stunt Show as secret agents. The siblings used their skills as mechanical engineers to create high-tech vehicles, which they used to fight crime around the world.
The show was popular for its action-packed episodes, which featured high-speed car chases, daring stunts, and exciting plot twists. Each episode followed the siblings as they uncovered clues, solved mysteries, and fought evil villains.
The Impact of Pole Position on the Video Game Industry
Pole Position wasn’t just a popular animated series; it was also a game-changer in the video game industry. The video game of the same name had already been released by Namco in 1982, and it had become wildly popular in arcades around the world. But it was the success of the animated series that took Pole Position to the next level.
The show’s popularity helped to create a massive fan base for the Pole Position brand. Kids who loved the show wanted to play the game, and Namco was more than happy to oblige. The company released a series of sequels and spin-offs in the years that followed, all based on the original Pole Position game.
The Pole Position video game was also groundbreaking in terms of its technology. It was one of the first games to use 3D graphics, which gave players the sensation of driving a real car. It was also one of the first games to use a steering wheel and pedals as a controller, making the gameplay experience more realistic and immersive.
The Legacy of Pole Position
Today, Pole Position is considered a classic of both the animated and video game genres. The show and game inspired a whole new generation of creators to explore the possibilities that 3D graphics and advanced technology could offer. Today, 3D gaming is the norm, and racing games are more popular than ever.
The show’s legacy has also lived on in other ways. Pole Position is often cited as an influence on many popular TV shows and films, such as Knight Rider and The Fast and the Furious franchise. The show was also a precursor to many other popular animated series of the 80s and 90s, such as Transformers, GI Joe, and ThunderCats.
In conclusion, Pole Position was more than just an 80s Saturday morning cartoon; it was a cultural phenomenon that had a significant impact on both the animated and video game industries. The show’s action-packed episodes, engaging characters, and innovative technology helped to create a massive fan base that continues to this day. So, whether you loved the show as a kid or you’re discovering it for the first time, Pole Position is a classic that deserves to be revisited.
