Dodge 'Em
Navigate the Traffic Maze
Get behind the wheel of Dodge 'Em and test your reflexes in a fast-paced driving challenge. You control a single car on four concentric roadways, racing counter-clockwise around a central hub. Your goal is simple but difficult: collect as many dots as possible while avoiding computer-controlled cars that swarm the roads. The game feels intense from the moment you start, as the traffic moves quickly and the gaps between lanes are narrow.
The core mechanic revolves around timing and precision. You must drive counter-clockwise along the roadways, looking for specific gaps in the barriers to change lanes. These gaps are your only way to reach new rows of dots or escape incoming traffic. Moving from one roadway to another requires careful planning; if you miss a gap or time it wrong, you will crash into the divider or an oncoming car.
Speed is both your friend and your enemy. By holding down the fire button, you can accelerate your car to double speed. This allows you to zip through gaps more easily and collect dots faster, but it also makes steering less precise and reduces your reaction time. Finding the right balance between cruising at a manageable pace and boosting for high scores is key to surviving longer.
The game offers three ways to play: single-player mode where you chase your own best score, two-player alternating turns, or two-player simultaneous play where both drivers compete on the same tracks. The simultaneous mode adds an extra layer of chaos, as you must avoid not only the computer cars but also the other player's vehicle.
As you progress, the difficulty ramps up significantly. The computer-controlled cars become more numerous and aggressive, making it harder to find safe paths. There is a known limit to how high you can score due to a technical quirk in the game's scoring system. If you manage to reach 1080 points, you will hit a kill screen where the score counter resets unexpectedly, effectively ending your run. Pushing toward this limit requires perfect play and steady hands.
The visual style is clean and functional, with bright colors that make the dots and cars easy to spot against the dark roadways. The sound effects are simple but effective, providing clear feedback when you collect a dot or crash. Despite its age, the game remains engaging because of its straightforward rules and high skill ceiling.
If you enjoy games that require quick decision-making and precise control, Dodge 'Em offers a timeless challenge. It is a great example of early arcade-style driving games, focusing on pure gameplay without complex storylines or menus. For fans of similar titles, you might also want to check out Dodge 'Em - Dodger Cars for a related experience.
Whether you are playing to beat your high score or just enjoying the rush of dodging traffic, Dodge 'Em delivers a concise and exciting driving simulation. Grab the controller, hold that fire button, and see how far you can drive before the road closes in on you. You can also try more Atari 2600 games from the same system.