Chiki Chiki Machine Mou Race (released internationally as Wacky Races) is a 1991 NES platformer that surprisingly ditches the racing format of the classic cartoon. Developed by Atlus, the game stars Dick Dastardly’s loyal canine sidekick, Muttley, on a globe-trotting mission to rescue his trapped master. Instead of driving the Mean Machine, you run, jump, and bite your way across colorful, multi-scrolling levels.
Your main objective is to navigate to the end of each stage while collecting bones scattered throughout the levels. In a unique mechanic inspired by games like Gradius, gathering bones advances a power-up bar at the bottom of the screen. You can activate the bar to gain a stronger bite, a bomb attack, flying wings, or a barking projectile. Use the D-pad (mapped to Arrow Keys) to move, A (X) to jump or fly, B (Z) to attack, and Select (Shift) to trigger your currently highlighted power-up.
Prioritize upgrading your attack to the barking projectile as early as possible, as it gives you essential ranged damage to keep enemies at bay safely. Remember that taking damage will sometimes downgrade your power-ups, so try to keep a bone or two in reserve so you can rebuild your offense quickly if you take a hit.
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