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Wacky Races

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Despite what the name implies, Wacky Races for NES is not a racing game, and has nothing to do with the other games bearing the same name but the license. In this game, the player takes control of Muttley, the grumbling, but loyal dog from the popular Hanna-Barbera cartoon. His master Dastardly s...

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Developer
Atlus

Released on
1991

Size
1 Player

Version
NES

Requirements
Nintendo Entertainment System

Downloads
Platform

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

Despite what the name implies, Wacky Races for NES is not a racing game, and has nothing to do with the other games bearing the same name but the license. In this game, the player takes control of Muttley, the grumbling, but loyal dog from the popular Hanna-Barbera cartoon. His master Dastardly sends his on three different missions, each taking place in a different location, which in its turn is divided into smaller levels.

Muttley has to complete those levels in a rather standard platformer fashion, moving from left to right, jumping, overcoming obstacles and fighting various creatures and boss enemies from the cartoon movie. The dog’s primary weapon is, unsurprisingly, his own mouth – biting regular enemies will usually lead to their instant death. Muttley can also collect bones scattered across the levels, which will grant him powerful weapons and skills of limited use, such as a bomb, a projectile attack, and the ability to heal.

Wacky Races

Overview & History

Released by Atlus in late 1991 for Japan and 1992 for North America, Wacky Races for the NES is a brilliant, hidden gem of a platformer based on the classic 1968 Hanna-Barbera animated series. Rather than being a straightforward racing game, Atlus transformed the property into a side-scrolling action game. Players control Muttley, the cynical, snickering canine companion of Dick Dastardly. Dastardly sends Muttley on a solo mission to sabotage the other racers and recover stolen map segments. Boasting colorful, detailed 8-bit sprites and a remarkably catchy soundtrack, this cartridge remains one of the most polished licensed games on the platform.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The gameplay revolves around a unique power-up system inspired by shoot-'em-ups like Gradius. As Muttley defeats enemies and breaks objects, he collects bones that advance a selection cursor at the bottom of the screen. Instead of automatically upgrading, players must strategically choose when to redeem their bones to unlock specific moves. Muttley's arsenal includes a basic bite, a ranged sonic bark projectile, explosive bomb throws, a tail-spin glide, and crucial health replenishment. Players can tackle the game's first three themed areas—Hip Hop Land, Splish Splash Land, and Goof Safari—in any order. Each area features multi-layered stages ending in boss fights against iconic racers like Penelope Pitstop and the Slag Brothers, culminating in a final showdown at Creepy Castle.

Keyboard Controls

Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move Muttley left and right, climb ladders, or duck.
Action Keys: Press 'Z' (B Button) to attack with your selected weapon, and 'X' (A Button) to jump. Hold Jump in mid-air to glide with Muttley's tail.
Space Bar / Select: Activate and equip the currently highlighted power-up from the bone meter.
Enter: Start / Pause