Notes: Out of all of the cool rarities for the NES, I’d have to say this is one of the most unique, if not THE most. Loose, the cartridge is practically worthless, though it is definitely not easy to find. It’s shaped oddly with a small handle-like top and four heavy-duty screw things, two on each side. The game was designed for professional bike riders for training. It’s really impressive. The components you will need to use it include a toploading system (it actually came packaged with this, so keep that in mind), a small interface module, and different hook-ups. The essential parts for the NES version (they still make newer Racermate models for PC) are the toploader, the cartridge, and the interface module. There is also a wheel connector that goes on the back wheel to adjust tension and record your abilities, as well as a heart rate monitor. Basically, you hook up a normal racing or mountain bike to the back mount, set up the NES according to the directions that come with it (you really need these), and then race against the computer on different courses. After racing the computer shows you your pedal abilities, speed, and so forth. You can then race against yourself. Also, you can adjust the specs to match actual bike courses around the world like the Tour de France. It’s really an incredible device that deserves more attention. Luckily, the heart rate monitor and bike mount can still be purchased (they’re expensive) from the company, but not anything else. If you get your hands on this, be proud.
Notes: I’m assuming it was their hope for this to be the “Bases Loaded” of NES tennis games. Unfortunately, it ends up being the “Bad News Baseball” of NES tennis games.
Notes: It’s not easy to find this game, but it doesn’t matter because it’s so absolutely terrible. Don’t waste your time. As for me, I’m not even going to bother saying anything more.
Notes: Definitely one of the best (as well as the earliest) racing games for the NES. This one has some excellent music and gameplay. Controls are a bit sketchy during turns, but the game plays great. Complete copies come with 3D glasses, but they really don’t work and aren’t necessary to play the game. A special setting can alter the screen for the glasses, but it’s pointless.
Notes: Basically plays just like the original, only this time you are racing against the clock and not other cars (you really didn’t do this to begin with in the first one). Stepped up a bit, but nothing too new. Someone just explain to me why there is a “sing yourself” option in the music selection?
Notes: This really isn’t that bad of a tennis game, but it doesn’t provide the collector with anything except some rarity. Don’t look too hard for it, though it does make one laugh when the rat runs across the court and the referee says “Yuk, a rat.”
