Revs (video game)
REVS is a 1984 Formula Three simulator written initially for the BBC Micro by Geoff Crammond that is notable for its realistic simulation of the sport and as a precursor to its author's later work on Formula One Grand Prix and its sequels.
The version release featured Silverstone as its one track. It was later ported to the Commodore 64, in the process gaining Brands Hatch. An enhanced edition of the BBC version was later released which added Donington Park, Oulton Park and Snetterton tracks to make a total of five.
Unlike most contemporaneous racing games, REVS featured a full 3D environment allowing the player to drive the wrong way around the track or even away from it completely. Unusually for the time, the track and terrain were not planar, but undulations in the ground were reproduced. The game was noted for its ingenious use of the BBC's hardware in achieving its display. The game featured an advanced AI for control of the opponents' cars, which were driven by individual characters with humorous names. Johnny Turbo was usually the fastest opponent, whereas Miles Behind was usually the slowest.
The dashboard of the player's car did not display a speedometer. Instead it was dominated by a large, centrally-mounted rev-counter (tachometer). This may have influenced the choice of name for the game. The manual stressed the importance to the driver of knowing engine speed rather than car velocity, but it is more likely that hardware limitations were responsible for the omission.