Excitebike is a 1984 motor cross (dirt bike?)racing game. The objective is to beat the clock and get in third, second, or first-place after two laps. The game is single player.
This game is all about timing. The timing of the jumps, speed, and track finishing time. There are three modes in this game: Selection A, Selection B, Design. "A" is just the biker. "B" is with other bikers. "Design" is make-your-own-track with the various ramps and obstacles. The game-play is the best part. "A" button is regular gas. "B" accelerates the bike to go faster (if held too long the bike temp will overheat). The ramps in the game can help or hurt your time. It is all about getting the fastest time. The bike landing and maneuvering is very important too. You can really master the control in this game and race for the best time. There are only five tracks in the game. The fifth track is special, because the minimum time requirement goes lower after a few wins. I don't think track five has an ending. Each time you beat the track a number is added in the lower corner of the screen. The gameplay is overall what makes this game. I really like it because it is simple yet it has a good balance between easy and difficult.
The graphics are good enough for this game, simple 8-bit. Every person in the crowd looks exactly the same. There is a clear line between the sound effects and the music. First, the music is mostly a few short jingles which are spread throughout the game. Then there is the sound which comes from the dirt bike engine. Plus a few other sound effects can be heard by jumping, crashing or finishing the race.
Overall this game has a basic layout with a few key features that I really enjoy. The design mode is great, I can make a track almost any way I want to make it. The game control is fantastic. It is easy to play but only a few can master it. Downside?A two-player option is lacking. Plus the never ending track five is an enigma.
In the end, I really like playing this game. It is one of the best Nintendo Entertainment System games. I would put it high on the list. If you like racing games you really should try to get the game Excitebike. Post your best clock times in the comments too!
Graphics: 6 out of 10
Music and sound: 6 out of 10
Game-play: 9 out of 10
Presentation: 5 out of 10
Overall: 9 out of 10
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