Original Release: Rare, 1992, NES
Other Releases: Xbox One (in Rare Replay, 2015)
The RC Pro-Am sequel is more small tweaks than a major revamp, but delivers at least a slightly better overall game
RC Pro-Am 2 (NES, Rare, 1992)
Where to Buy: Amazon
How to Emulate: coming soon!
Review by: C. M0use
Despite coming out over three years after the prequel, and slated as one of the “killer apps” for the four-player Four Score adapter, RC Pro-Am 2 doesn’t do a whole lot different. Aside from adding more players, the appeal is more in making some small playability tweaks and minor additions.
You’re still shuttled through a series of linear levels, but moneys picked up on the track and won from your placement in races can now be put toward one upgrade between each race. The computer players are also doing this, however, so sometimes it’s a good idea to watch and see what they already have before making an upgrade decision.
Gameplay is just a shade slower than the prequel, making things feel a little more precise and manageable, and the AI isn’t robotically perfect any more (it’ll miss some speed panels sometimes and such) nor does it seem to get as much rubberbanding and artificial help. Some tracks also now have jumps, which are meant to be paired with the new Nitro upgrade for a flying boost that usually sends you way ahead of the competition. And while tracks mostly play the same, there are a variety of different types now, such as city and desert themes.
There is some new shittiness, though, like a biplane that hones in on you specifically with targeted bombs. Despite the improvements, the single player experience still doesn’t hold up for very long, but if you’re looking for simple and chaotic multiplayer racers this is definitely worth checking out.
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