The original Excitebike was developed by Nintendo and released on the NES in 1985. Back then, video games were quite simple. In Excitebike, the player’s objective was to direct a pixellated motorbike rider through a jumps course. With the assistance of the blocky rectangular device known as the NES controller, players could use A, B and the D-pad to accelerate, turbo, wheelie and even level out the little motorbike whilst it was in mid air.

The most complex aspect of this game was the temperature meter (known as the turbo meter later on in the series). Located at the bottom centre of the screen, this meter showed players how much longer they could continue using turbo before the little dirt bike overheated. If they used the turbo for too long the bike would overheat and the tiny little rider would have to pull off to the side to let the motor cool down.

The temperamental turbo meant players had to constantly monitor the amount of good stuff they used in each race. While it sounds like it could have been a risky move by Nintendo at the time, all it did was make Excitebike 100x more addictive. One moment the tiny rider and his motorbike would be flying over a triple set of jumps and the next he’d be maxing out the turbo feature on his bike to make it across the finish line first.

Image of Excitebike NES.

Add an engaging time trial mode, competition mode and track maker mode to all of the turbo and jumping mischief, and Excitebike was one of the best video game experiences a gamer could have during the NES years.

For those who hold the original Excitebike on NES close to their heart, or to those who have enjoyed what the series has gone on to become over past years, 3D Classics: Excitebike is an essential addition to a well-rounded 3DS game library.

The updated version on the 3DS manages to refresh the classic NES title in the most respectable and suitable way possible. The same game play, graphics and controls are there, but now there is also the option of viewing this classic NES title in full 3D. Arika, the developer of 3D Classics version of the game, has added an extra background layer to the game and enhanced the screen resolution to allow the 3D to shine through. When the player flicks on the 3D they’ll see the wide grandstands in the background and the jumps and signage poking out as they race along the track. Along with this, players can now finally save the tracks they create. So expect to spend hours creating over the top or seemingly impossible courses.

Image of 3D Classics: Excitebike.

If you’d like to get your hands on 3D Classics: Excitebike then you can download it for free from the Nintendo eShop until July 7, 2011 (technically though, it’ll cost you around AU$350 because you need a 3DS to play it on afterall). After July 7 it’ll be available for AU$9.

Jokes aside, if you are lucky enough to own a 3DS at this point in time then get online with your system now, head over to the Nintendo eShop and claim your copy 3D Classics: Excitebike while it’s still free. If you don’t own a 3DS, but you do eventually plan on picking up Nintendo’s latest handled system then it’s still definitely worth purchasing this one for $6. As already mentioned, it’s an iconic NES game that has been revived in a whole new way thanks to the capabilities of the 3DS and nobody should miss out on this grand opportunity to replay not only one of the oldest Nintendo titles, but also one of the best Nintendo-made titles ever.

By Liam Doolan (kksl1der)
liam@thenintendobasement.com

Graphics: A+

Widescreen and 3D. In terms of graphics, what more could you possibly want from a NES game released in 1985?

Sound: A

The music is catchy as ever and seems to have been updated to stereo. There is still a small hint of NES quality to it though.

Gameplay: A+

The gameplay has aged well. It’s like the Nintendo equivalent of all of these addictive and modern day iPhone games. You’ve gotta love how Nintendo has always been ahead of the times.

Overall: A+

With the added 3D, widescreen and ability to save user-made tracks, the original Excitebike is more addictive than ever now. It’s a fantastic game that pretty much rivals, if not surpasses the top iPhone games of today. Forget Angry Birds, whip out 3D Classics: Excitebike next time you’re on the bus.