Dodge 'Em
Navigate the Traffic Maze
Dodge 'Em is a high-speed driving challenge that puts you behind the wheel of a car in a tight, circular maze. The goal is simple but difficult: drive as long as you can without crashing into other vehicles. You are navigating four concentric roadways, which means the track consists of multiple rings or lanes stacked inside one another. Your primary objective is to collect dots scattered along these roads while avoiding computer-controlled cars that are also moving around the track.
The gameplay takes place on a single screen with no loading times between levels. Instead, the challenge comes from the increasing speed and density of traffic. You control your car by steering it counter-clockwise around the rings. To change lanes, you must look for gaps located at the top, bottom, left, and right sides of each roadway. Timing is everything; if you try to switch lanes when a gap is blocked by an oncoming car or another player, you will crash.
One of the most exciting features of this game is the ability to speed up. By holding down the controller button, your car accelerates to double speed. This is useful for grabbing dots quickly or escaping tight spots, but it makes controlling your vehicle much harder. The faster you go, the less time you have to react to sudden obstacles. You must balance the thrill of speed with the need for precision.
The game offers three different ways to play, which you can select before starting. In one-player mode, you race alone against the clock and traffic. For more competition, you can choose two-player alternating turns, where each player takes their turn to set a high score. Alternatively, you can enable simultaneous two-player play, where both drivers are on the road at the same time. This mode is particularly chaotic and fun, as you have to dodge not only the computer cars but also the other player's vehicle.
As you play, you will notice that the game gets progressively harder. The traffic moves faster, and the gaps between lanes become more critical. There is a notable limit to how far you can go: if your score reaches 1,080 points, the game ends abruptly due to a technical quirk in the score counter. This "kill screen" is a famous part of the game's history, adding an extra layer of tension as you approach that number.
The visual style is classic retro, with simple shapes and bright colors that make it easy to distinguish your car from the enemies. The game was originally programmed by Carla Meninsky for Atari, Inc., and a version titled Dodger Cars was also released for the Sears Video Arcade. Despite its age, the core loop remains engaging because of its pure arcade challenge.
To succeed, you need to memorize the patterns of the gaps and anticipate where the enemy cars will be. Look ahead, not just at your bumper. If you find yourself stuck in a slow lane, try to time your acceleration to slip through a gap before it closes. The game rewards patience and quick reflexes equally.
If you enjoy this type of traffic-dodging gameplay, you might also like Dodge 'Em Endless, which offers a similar experience with a different twist. For those who want to compare different driving mechanics, Dodge Blinky provides another variation on the chase theme.
Whether you are playing for a high score or just trying to survive as long as possible, Dodge 'Em delivers a timeless arcade experience. The combination of simple controls and intense difficulty makes it a perfect test of skill. Grab your controller, pick your mode, and see how far you can drive before the traffic overwhelms you. You can also try more Atari 2600 games from the same system.