Excitebike

"Excitebike" is a classic motocross racing video game developed by Nintendo, and it's known for its simplicity, challenging gameplay, and course design feature. Here are the key features and historical points about the game:

• Original Release: Excitebike was originally released for the Famicom in Japan in 1984 and for the NES in North America as a launch title in 1985.

• Gameplay: The player must navigate a series of obstacles and jumps on a motocross bike, aiming to finish the race in the fastest time possible while managing the bike's temperature to avoid overheating.

• Control Scheme: The game uses a simple control scheme where the A and B buttons control acceleration and the directional pad controls the bike's orientation and turning.

• Overheating Mechanic: Using the faster acceleration option increases speed but also the risk of overheating. Cooling zones in the form of arrows on the track can reduce the bike's temperature.

• Modes of Gameplay: Excitebike has two main racing modes: Selection A (solo racing) and Selection B (racing with CPU riders). It also features a Design Mode, where players can create custom tracks.

• Design Mode: Players can create their own tracks using various obstacles and determine the number of laps. This was an innovative feature at the time of the game's release.

• Saving Custom Tracks: In the Japanese version, custom tracks could be saved using the Famicom Data Recorder. This feature was not operable in international versions due to the absence of the required peripheral.

• Sequels and Spiritual Successors: Excitebike has seen several sequels and related titles, including Excitebike 64, Excite Truck, and Excitebots: Trick Racing. These games expanded on the original's premise with new vehicles, tracks, and enhanced graphics.

• 3D Classics: A 3D remake of the original game was released to promote the Nintendo eShop, initially offered for free and later at a price.

• Saving in Re-releases: The inability to save in the original international versions was remedied in later releases, such as the Wii Virtual Console, where players could save courses to the console's internal memory.

Excitebike's legacy is its enduring appeal and the fond memories it has created for players who grew up with it. It's remembered for its iconic music, challenging gameplay, and especially for its Design Mode, which allowed players to exercise creativity long before user-generated content became a standard feature in games.