R.C Pro-Am has been considered to be one of Rare's most successful titles of all time, long before their titles such as Goldeneye, Perfect Dark, and Jet Force Gemini ever existed, and it recieved much praise for it's graphics, gameplay, sound, and enjoyability. I also remember this game from the old days of gaming, when it was more than just graphics unlike today.
R.C. Pro-Am reviews have consistently cited the game as an inspiration for future games such as Super Off Road, Rock n' Roll Racing, and the Mario Kart series.
Gameplay. Players take control of a remote-controlled car against three opposing cars around a track from an overhead-isometric perspective. Players use the horizontal buttons to steer the car left or right, while the other buttons are used for acceleration, weapons firing, and pause the game. To finish the race, players must qualify for the top-three to proceed to the next round, but if they end up in fourth place, the game is over. Players have two continues if they get game overs, but they lose the points they have accumulated during the race.
For each successful completion of a race, the player receives a trophy; if a high enough score is obtained, players receive larger "High Score Trophies", and they receive the "Super Trophy" for achieving the highest score. In each course, there are items and upgrades to improve the performances of the player's car. If the word "Nintendo" is formed, the car changes to a new form when a race is won. Players must avoid hazards such as rain puddles and oil slicks
Development. The game is not only about racing, it's also vehicular combat where players can obtain weapons such as bombs and missiles in order to prevent the opponents from winning the race. In 1987, the game was titled Pro-Am Racing, but later retitled. David Wise was the composer of the game, and he is known for composing in games such as Donkey Kong Country and Banjo-Kazooie series. Over the years, R.C. Pro-Am was declared as one of the "best games of all time", and Rare's finest title.
Tips and Strategies. If you want to attack opponents in front of you, you need to know how to aim and shoot your missiles, but that does not always work. The bomb is the best in the game, especially when they are behind you. Also, in some tracks there will be arrows that will help you go faster, but be careful, because your opponents will go too. If you want your cars to change shape, you have to obtain letter items in order to form the word "Nintendo".
Memories. In 1997 during summer in New York when I was 11. Sometimes we would take a break from playing the N64 and play on the NES with games such as Wizardry, Jeopardy, Paperboy, and also this one. Before we enjoyed the thrill of playing GoldenEye, me, my cousin and friends used to play this. Oh, memories.
Rantings. For years, when it came to an NES game, I knew annoying enemies such as the birds in Ninja Gaiden, the Medusa Heads in Castlevania, and the Lakitu's in Super Mario. But in this game, the thing that truly pissed me off was the orange car, because at times it would cheat by going super fast. From the pit of my stomach, I just can't stand that piece of trash car. Also, you have to learn how to steer the right way without impatience, because any mistake you make is your own fault.
Good Aspects. The game will have you playing for hours of fun, enjoyability and excitement. This is a game that I truly wish that it was in the Wii Virtual Console. The game has high replay value and a many great qualities, also a must have if you ever buy an old NES on Ebay or some local antique shop.
Overall. This game gets am 8 out of 10