Play Retro Show PLAY RETRO 121: Excitebike is Exciting
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May 17, 2024 Dive into the exhilarating world of Excitebike, where fiery bikes race against the clock! Discover the genius behind Koji Kondo's iconic soundtrack and how gameplay mechanics like engine overheating add layers of challenge. Delve into Miyamoto's influential design choices that shaped early gaming. Reflect on the nostalgia of player-created tracks and the evolution of the Excitebike franchise, including discussions on its 3D adaptations and memorable appearances in other Nintendo games. Wrap up with a fun audio quiz and listener feedback!
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Surprise Gear And Community Giveaways
- Brian received an Ultimate Atari fight stick from a friend and used the shipping credit to buy Ambernic RG‑35 devices for both hosts.
- They plan giveaways and community retro events around those devices.
Side-Scrolling Sparked Immersion
- Excitebike introduced side-scrolling and character-driven immersion before Super Mario Bros. popularized it.
- Scott Johnson and Brian Dunaway note Miyamoto used system constraints to create novel gameplay and personality.
Childhood Frustration And Love For Excitebike
- Scott admits he was terrible at Excitebike as a kid but loved it and felt embarrassed by a skilled friend, Mark.
- Brian says he sucked too yet found the design compelling and replayable.