Excitebike is a classic 1985 motocross racing game developed by Nintendo for the NES. Players navigate side-scrolling dirt tracks filled with jumps, mud pits, and rival racers, balancing speed with the risk of engine overheating. The game is highly regarded for its fast-paced arcade gameplay and the inclusion of a comprehensive custom track editor.
How to Play
The objective is to complete the race in the shortest time possible, either solo (Selection A) or against computer-controlled riders (Selection B). Manage your speed and angle to clear obstacles efficiently.
- D-pad (Arrow Keys): Up and Down shift lanes. Left and Right adjust your rider’s pitch in the air; lean back (Left) to land smoothly on flat terrain, and lean forward (Right) to descend quickly.
- A (Z): Normal acceleration.
- B (X): Turbo acceleration. Watch the temperature gauge—if it fills completely, your bike will overheat and force you to pull over to cool down.
- Start (Enter): Start or pause the game.
Tips
- Tap the turbo button (X) rhythmically rather than holding it down to maintain high speeds while keeping the engine temperature manageable.
- Hitting a turbo arrow (the chevron-shaped pads on the track) instantly cools down your engine, so aim for them whenever your temperature gauge is running high.
- If you clip the back tire of another racer, you will crash, but if they hit your back tire, they will fall instead. Use lane shifting to cut off opponents safely.
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