Al Unser Jr.'s Turbo Racing - Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

     Al Unser Jr.’s Turbo Racing is an ambitious and difficult game. A professional racing simulator on NES is a welcoming idea, but the execution is what makes or breaks the game. Simulators are very niche, because it is usually the hardcore fans that like them. Objectively, this is a good game. The controls are tight and responsive. The graphics are excellent. Gameplay is a bit confusing, but you can learn the mechanics. You need to constantly shift gears to adjust your speed for turns and stay alert of your opponents on the track. Honestly, if you’re a retro racing fan, you’ll have a good time here. You’ll just need to practice the tracks, a lot. Going in without a feel of the tracks will likely send you crashing at every turn. So, Git Gud. 

     Overall, good game, just difficult and a little unintuitive. Probably be easier if you have the original instructions manual. I never figured out how to refuel my car during the race. You definitely need a tutorial before you start a race. Give it a shot if you’re a fan of racing simulators. It’s definitely interesting to see simulators on the Nintendo Entertainment System.

Buggy Run - SEGA Master System

    Buggy Run is an isometric racing arcade style game. It is difficult. This game makes you hit the ground running. You absolutely need to upgrade your engine and stock up on turbos to get a win. Your opponents are very quick and can take you out without warning with weapons. It took me lots of practice before I got my first win. Upgrading to max my speed was top priority, then the other upgrades followed. I can't stress enough that this game will not give you chances to catch up. It's get good to win. Use the prize money at every race to increase your speed and buy as many turbos you can. 

    Nothing wrong with a difficult racer. However, I would say all the upgrades are kinda superfluous, if all  you need to rely on is max speed and turbos to win a race. The game does offer a practice mode, so you can master all the tracks. It really feels like the game wants you to take it seriously, rather than treating it like a kiddy racer with colorful cars. Credit for not babying us.     

    It's not a bad game. It's just difficult. Maybe it takes itself too seriously at a fault. I say give it a shot if you're looking for a challenge. Just don't expect to win any races right away, unless you're an isometric racing game wizard. 

Airwolf - Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

     Airwolf is based off an 80’s American television series. It is a fast-paced arcade style game, that takes practice to get use to playing. Once you do, it is a fun game to pass the time with. All in all, it is a score game. Each mission has the same objectives, but they get more difficult as you progress. Save the hostage, take out the enemy target, and escape. The enemies are frantic and infinite. Just keep firing and conserve your missiles for the bigger targets. When rescuing the hostages, take it slow. Don’t just drop like I instinctively did. You will crash. If you’re running out of fuel, head to the fuel station. More points can be gained by taking out the enemy control tower. If you don’t take it out, the enemies will be alerted and more will attack you rapidly. It’s a risk over reward points system. Very simple, but challenging. 

     If you need a quick game to pass a short time, Airwolf is good choice. Fast action and fun gameplay. May take practice, but once you get it, it’s a simple arcade style game. Get your best score and try to top it. 

Bubble Bobble - SEGA Master System

    It's Bubble Bobble! A Taito Arcade Classic! What's to say? It's Bubble Bobble, and it plays great! Controls are tight. Music is clean and faithful to the arcade original. There is sprite flickering, but not bothersome. It is difficult, as it is a port of an arcade game, but you get unlimited continues and passwords. This version is very faithful to the arcade original, and you get an additional 100 rounds! More Bubble Bobble to play! 

    Yes! Definitely play this version of Bubble Bobble, or even the Mega Drive version. They both have the extra rounds and are arcade faithful. It's even more fun with 2-players!