Stunts (also sold as 4D Sports Driving) is a 1990 DOS racing game by Distinctive Software. Its enduring trick is simple: race against an opponent, then build a more ridiculous course and save the replay. It has 11 cars, automatic or manual transmission, multiple camera angles and a grid-based track editor. Wikipedia’s overview and the Stunts Wiki version notes give the useful release context.

Five tricks for better laps and better tracks

  1. Drive from the keyboard first. Ctrl+K switches to keyboard control; Ctrl+J calibrates and switches to joystick control. The old analogue-joystick default can feel imprecise on modern setups, so keyboard steering is an excellent baseline. Luke’s key reference documents both modes.

  2. Use the replay as a diagnostic tool. During a replay, R toggles the VCR panel. F1–F4, C, D, T and P retain their driving-view functions, so watch the same jump from more than one camera before blaming the car. The original manual’s reference card lists R as the replay-panel toggle. Manual scan

  3. Make the approach to a stunt boring. Give a loop, ramp or corkscrew a straight approach and a straight exit. A difficult stunt after a blind bend mostly tests luck; a clean approach lets you learn speed and steering.

  4. Build with the editor’s limits in mind. The original editor is tile-based, which is why tracks can create wonderfully abrupt transitions. Use it deliberately: first make a reliable closed lap, then add one stunt section at a time. The Stunts Wiki notes that v1.1 from February 1991 is the usual version for current competitions.

  5. Race your own ghost. Save a clean replay before experimenting. It gives you a personal benchmark and preserves the satisfying evidence when a wild shortcut finally works.

Play it legally

The Stunts Wiki download page distinguishes the historical v1.0 and v1.1 releases, provides manual scans and explains the modern DOSBox requirement. It also points to the preserved v1.1 disk copy. Treat this as preservation information: verify the licensing position in your jurisdiction before downloading a game package, and prefer an authorised re-release where one is available.

Sources