Released in 1987 by Sega for the Master System, Enduro Racer (Japan) is an isometric dirt bike racing game that differs significantly from its arcade counterpart. While the arcade original featured a behind-the-bike 3D perspective, the Master System port adopted a 3/4 isometric viewpoint. This Japanese release is widely considered the definitive version of the game, as it was released on a larger cartridge and includes all 10 unique race courses, a post-game map, and extra features that were heavily cut down for the international releases.
How to Play
The objective is to ride your dirt bike through treacherous off-road tracks, dodging obstacles, overtaking rival racers, and reaching the finish line before the timer runs out. Between races, you can use the points you have earned to purchase upgrades and repair your bike to keep it in top racing condition. For the Sega Master System, use the D-pad (arrow keys) to steer and adjust your bike in the air, while the A and B buttons (mapped to Z and X on your keyboard) are used for accelerating and braking.
Tips
- Master the jumps: Pull back on the D-pad (Down arrow) as you hit a ramp to gain maximum air and distance, which is crucial for clearing large hazards.
- Land safely: Always make sure to level out your bike by pressing Up before hitting the ground to avoid crashing and losing valuable time.
- Prioritize repairs: Your bike takes damage as you race and crash; always spend some of your points on repairing your machine between stages before buying performance upgrades.
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