Rad Racer 2
Reviewed by Jonathon Naylor
Think all NES racing carts are the same? Think again. Rad Racer II is
definitely more than a few gears above its competitors in the world
of NES, and for that matter 8-bit, racers. The one-time arcade hit
was able to keep its arcade feel when it made the leap to the classic
console, which is something few games have ever been able to pull off.
We all had a racing game that we spent handfuls and handfuls of quarters
on when we were younger - and if Rad Racer II isn't that particular game
for you, it's likely even better.
Graphics: 8 out of 10
In this game, you go fast!! Probably faster than in any other 8-bit game.
Your car has a top speed of 255 MPH, and you can actually feel the velocity.
Your fellow racers and side-of-the-road items whiz past you at rates that
will astound even the Playstation generation of today. As well, the scenery
very well done, varied and interesting. As for the cars themselves, they too
look quite sharp. This is one of those games that's fun to watch, whether
you're playing or not.
Music and Sound: 6 out of 10
The music is a bit of an interesting feature of Rad Racer II; there isn't any.
Each level lists 'Sing yourself' as the featured music. So all gamers are
left with here are the sound effects, which are somewhat above average
by NES standards (except for the tire squealing sound). I certainly wouldn't
say that this carts lack of music hurts it. I actually think it adds to the
simulation experience. After all, if you were zipping past cars at speeds
only a Grand Prix racer can ever reach in real life, you probably wouldn't
care whether or not your old Queen CD was playing in the background.
Game Challenge: 7.5 out of 10
This is one game where practice truly makes perfect. The more you play,
the better you will be able to control your car. As well, with more usage
comes the increased ability to steer past your fellow racers, many of
whom will go out of their way to bump you off the road. This game is right
in the middle of the 'too hard-too easy' scale, right where all games should be.
Game Play-Fun: 7 out of 10
The best thing about this game (or really any racing game for that matter)
is the speed. It's fun to go this fast! Also adding to the fun is the amazing
nitro-boosts that take you from 0 to 255 MPH in the blink of an eye. It's
this boost option (which is activated by pressing 'down' while in park
and then pressing A) that actually makes it fun to crash. You can also get
a little bit of a boost (by pressing Up) to pass your fellow racers, whom
often selfishly hog the road. The graphics, as mentioned earlier, also add
a lot to the fun. This game also contains one of the most original tracks
of any racer. Level 5 in Las Vegas is raced totally in the dark - all you
can see are the cars and light posts!
Frustration
I always hated those racing games where you would slightly lose control
of your vehicle and slide uncontrollably into a light post, rock or bush and
explode. That doesn't happen in Rad Racer II. You have a surprising amount
of control over your car, and you don't lose too much time if you happen to
crash since your car isn't blown to bits, but simply positioned back on the
middle of the road. The only real frustrating part of this cart is the fact
that once you fail to reach a point in your allotted time, the game is over.
That's it. No continues. However, this is a game that is so fun to play, it's
hard to get too annoyed with it.
Replayability: 7.5 out of 10
Since your not likely to master it for a while, the replayability of this
game is actually pretty high. The tracks and scenery also help keep things
interesting. The level skip trick (see below) also allows you to play any
one of the eight tracks, something that always helps out any racing game
in this category.
Game Value
I paid $5 for this game used in September of 2001. At that price, it was
a bargain. How high you would want to go, I guess, all depends on how
much you enjoy racing games. I will say this: When it was first released
in 1989, back in the heyday of the NES, this is one of those carts I would've
purchased brand new with my allowance.
Tricks
To skip levels in Rad Racer II, simply press 'B' at the title screen once
for each level you would like to skip. Then, hold 'up' and 'left' and press
Start. You will start your desired level.
Overall: 7.5 out of 10
What can I say? This is the best 8-bit racing game out there. That's not to
say it's perfect, but it is a lot of fun. For me, as for many other children of
the '80s and early-90's, this game brings back memories of those great
racing games that once dominated the arcades (Rad Racer II was, in fact,
an arcade game). It's also comparable to todays racing games in terms of
sheer enjoyability. As 21st century collectors continue to add to their NES
collections, Rad Racer II is one cart they will want to make it complete. Race on!