Wacky Races (1991)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Wacky Races (1991): A Hanna-Barbera Racing Classic

Prepare yourself for a wild and wacky ride with Wacky Races (1991), a classic action racing game based on the beloved Hanna-Barbera cartoon series. Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Wacky Races pits you against a cast of zany characters in a race for the checkered flag.

Gameplay: A Unique Blend of Racing and Action

Unlike traditional racing games, Wacky Races emphasizes action and strategy over pure speed. You take on the role of the villainous Dick Dastardly and his loyal companion, Muttley, as they attempt to win a series of races against their colorful rivals.

Instead of simply trying to outpace your opponents, your goal is to complete each course in a specific position. This can be achieved by waiting for your rivals to suffer enough damage to drop out of the race or by actively inflicting that damage yourself.

Your car is equipped with a forward-shooting arrow that can be used to impale enemy vehicles and deal with the various hazards that the tracks throw at you. From rolling boulders to hopping rabbits, there’s no shortage of obstacles to keep you on your toes.

Characters: A Wacky Cast of Racers

Wacky Races features a roster of 11 playable characters, each with their own unique car and special abilities:

  • Dick Dastardly and Muttley: The main protagonists and resident villains of the game. Their Mean Machine is equipped with an array of gadgets, including rockets and oil slicks.
  • Penelope Pitstop: A glamorous socialite who drives the Compact Pussycat. Her special ability allows her to use her charm to slow down other racers.
  • Peter Perfect: A handsome and confident racer who drives the Turbo Terrific. His special ability is a speed boost that can be activated for a limited time.
  • The Gruesome Twosome: A pair of ghoulish racers who drive the Creepy Coupe. Their special ability allows them to summon bats that can damage other cars.
  • Rufus Ruffcut and Sawtooth: A lumberjack duo who drive the Bouldermobile. Their special ability is the ability to throw logs that can block the path of other racers.
  • The Slag Brothers: Two dim-witted cavemen who drive the Bouldermobile. Their special ability is the ability to throw rocks that can damage other cars.
  • Professor Pat Pending: A brilliant but eccentric inventor who drives the Convert-A-Car. His special ability allows him to transform his car into different forms, such as a helicopter or a submarine.
  • Luke and Blubber Bear: A father-and-son bear team who drive the Arkansas Chugabug. Their special ability is the ability to use honey to slow down other racers.
  • Red Max: A daredevil stuntman who drives the Bulletproof Bomb. His special ability is the ability to perform stunts that can damage other cars.
  • Mumbly: A clumsy and accident-prone detective who drives the Mumbly Mobile. His special ability is the ability to use his gadgets to sabotage other racers.

Tracks: A World of Wacky Obstacles

Wacky Races takes you on a whirlwind tour of 16 vibrant and treacherous tracks, each filled with unique obstacles and hazards. From the slippery slopes of the Arctic Circle to the fiery chasms of the Grand Prix, no two tracks are alike.

Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of obstacles, including:

  • Rolling boulders
  • Hopping rabbits
  • Oil slicks
  • Spikes
  • Exploding barrels
  • Narrow bridges
  • Steep inclines

You’ll need to use your wits and your arrow-shooting skills to navigate these hazards and stay ahead of your opponents.

Multiplayer: Wacky Races with Friends

Wacky Races supports up to two players in a competitive multiplayer mode. You and a friend can race head-to-head on any of the game’s tracks, using any of the available characters.

Multiplayer mode adds a whole new level of excitement to the game, as you try to outmaneuver, outsmart, and out-damage your opponent.

Legacy: A Classic that Endures

Wacky Races (1991) was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts today. Its unique blend of racing and action, its colorful cast of characters, and its challenging tracks have made it a timeless favorite.

Whether you’re a fan of the original Hanna-Barbera cartoon series or simply enjoy classic NES games, Wacky Races (1991) is a must-play. Its wacky antics and challenging gameplay will provide hours of entertainment for players of all ages.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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