High Speed

High Speed

Overview & History

Released by Tradewest in 1991, High Speed for the Nintendo Entertainment System translates the high-octane thrills of Williams’ classic 1986 pinball machine into a vertical video game format. Designed to capture the frenetic energy of police pursuits and fast cars inspired by the Highway Patrol, the game blends traditional pinball physics with surreal vehicular combat and escape scenarios. While pinball video games usually aim for strict simulation, this adaptation injects a narrative element where players must outrun the law across distinct highway zones, earning high scores not just through bumpers and ramps, but by surviving chaotic road-based mini-games and unlocking multi-ball pursuits.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike standard pinball adaptations, High Speed transitions between classic silverball action and top-down driving segments. During the pinball phases, players use the D-pad to nudge the table and standard action buttons to flip the paddles, aiming to hit specific targets like the "H-I-G-H-S-P-E-E-D" drop targets to trigger the coveted "Getaway" multi-ball mode. Successfully locking balls initiates high-speed highway chases where the perspective shifts, requiring players to dodge traffic, avoid police roadblocks, and collect fuel bonuses before time expires. The game features password save states to track progress across the treacherous interstate tracks, demanding precise timing for both pinball flipper mastery and vehicular maneuvering.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move flippers / Steer vehicle
• Action Keys: Left/Right Flipper (A/B) / Accelerate
• Enter: Start / Pause