Nintendo 3DS Longplay - 3D Classics: Excitebike (Crosseye3D )

3D Classics Excitebike, Original Nes game by Nintendo 1984. 3DS conversion by Arika and published by Nintendo in 2011. Exclusive to the Nintendo eShop and an initial free launch game for the store.

"3D Classics Excitebike brings the original NES wheelie-poppin’ motocross masterpiece to Nintendo 3DS. Roar across the dirt and take down rival riders to claim victory in the main event, or design your own levels in the track editor! Play solo and practise your techniques, or race against computer-controlled rivals in a thrilling Challenge Race to qualify for the prestigious Excitebike Championship! Excitebike’s high-octane racing and high-flying hurdles make it an enduring, crowd-pleasing classic."

It's just like the original Nes game but now it's in 3D!! Not a particularly exciting game as it is pretty much just a time attack but I guess expectations were different in 1984. What am I saying, I was enjoying Kickstart back in 1984 and find it quite annoying to play now. The 3D is quite strong and really pops and whilst it looks nice it can mess with your perception of where the barriers are.

There are two modes of play. Solo or against competing racers. Both are time attacks and the opponents are just there to get in your way. Their is a qualifying round followed by five races. The fifth race plays over and over until you get a game over. Progression is achieved by getting at least third place on each track, anything less is a game over. There is no ending.

The controls can be cumbersome and I never really fully get the hand of it. You get two speeds, normal and boost which overheats your engine if used to long, Speed pads reset the overheat. whilst in the air you can lift or lower the front wheel which will decide how far you travel and go well you land. Landing flat seems to be the safe option but landing with front wheel low may give a boost on the way down but on the other hand it may flip the bike.