🎮 Play Highway Star (Japan) Online (NES)

Highway Star, released in 1987 for the NES (and known as Rad Racer in North America), is a pioneering pseudo-3D racing game developed by Square. Players choose between a sports car or an F1 machine and race through eight distinct courses spanning coastal highways, cityscapes, and mountains. The goal is to reach checkpoints before the strict time limit expires while dodging slower traffic and navigating sharp curves.

How to Play: Use the D-pad (Arrow Keys) to steer left and right. A (Z) accelerates and B (X) applies the brakes. Pressing Up engages a turbo boost at high speeds, pushing your car to its maximum speed, while pressing Down changes the radio station. Reach each checkpoint to extend your timer; if time runs out and your car coasts to a halt, the game is over.

Tips: Learn the rhythm of the turbo—using it on straightaways is essential to beat the timer, but you should release it or tap the brakes before sharp turns to avoid skidding into roadside obstacles. When overtaking other cars, try to pass on the inside of a curve, as traffic will often box you out if you take the long way around.