Moto Roader (TurboGrafx-16)

Moto Roader

The action in this racing game is viewed from above and features rotational controls. There are 6 racetracks featured including real-world ones such as Laguna Seca. Before each race you can buy a full compliment of upgrades and weapons, with each area (engine, handling, turbo and so on) having several variably-priced options).

The unusual thing about the racing system is that the action always follows the leader. If you slip too far behind, your car is blown up and placed back onto the track further on in order to keep up (similarly to Micro Machines). This can only happened a limited number of times before it's Game Over.

Moto Roader Review

By Damo

This is a nice little top-down racer that only really comes to life when you've got more than one player involved. You play a match of 7 races, getting points and money based on what place you finished at the end of each race. In between races you can buy upgrades to your car affecting its look and speed.

Considering what was around at the time, it's quite advanced and complex. You can buy Special items including Grenade and Bomb launchers. The grenades make this game a true gem as players can explode grenades in order to make the lead car spin out, in an effort to take first place. At the end of the 7 races, the player with the most points wins.

Sadly, the control is a bit slow and clunky - this was improved for the follow up (and the Super CD version, Moto Roader MC, which reverted to single screen action).

Moto Roader is still worth looking into if you're a fan of games like Micro Machines, but just make sure you have additional pads and friends - with a GameCube controller added into the mix you can play this with 5 players, which is fantastic fun. In single player this really isn't worth downloading.

3/5

Average reader rating: 1.80 (5 ratings)

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Moto Roader (Video Clip)

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1. Matthew Koopman United Kingdom 20 Feb 2007, 05:50 GMT

I downloaded the game. I would like it a lot more if I could wrap my head around the controls, and if there was no such thing as Bubbly The Fairness Bubble.

Winning seems to just be luck.
Its too bad, because I really like games like Micro Machines and Rock N' Roll Racing.

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2. DEMON212 United Kingdom 21 Feb 2007, 21:38 GMT

One of the few times me and the VC:A have dissagreed. Usually I find this site to be spot on with its reviews, but how anyone can give this a 3-5 is beyond me.

This game is horrible. I bought it because my mates and I all liked the sound of it.

Withing seconds of actually racing (so about 10 minutes into the game) we all burst out laughing. The controls are awful, the CPU cars can't be turned off and seem to be 10X faster than you which leads to an awful game.

Because everytime you're about 2 centimetres away from the edge of the screen, you warp to the middle of the track, lose 20+ fuel and all of your speed.

So once you first get outrun, you can't get back to racing, because the CPU constantly speeds ahead of you never stopping so the whole game is watching your car warp until you run out of fuel.

This may very well be the worst game ever.

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3. Phil Hamm United States 06 Apr 2007, 21:25 GMT

I used to play this game on the TG-16 back in the day. It has some major flaws when played against the computers. If you don't like the way the steering works, buy one of the "Handle B" options at the shop. This game is extremely fun with multiple human players. Particularly when you get the hang fo the grenades and bombs.

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4. dtn8r United States 20 Sep 2007, 03:24 GMT

This is one of the best games ever developed. Sure it would be fun to be able to turn off the computer cars, but having them always there just adds to the mix. This game absolutely has to be played with multiple players and you must check out all of the options available to the vehicles, especially grenades and bombs. Even nitro and the hopper come in handy every now in then. The thrill of grenading your buddy right before he crosses the finish line and winds up in last place cannot be beat. This game does not provide immediate gratification, but keep it up with your best buds (and some cold beers) and you will learn to appreciate the nuances of this game. Grenade for You !!

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5. Xander Canada 04 Jan 2008, 22:30 GMT

People too easily dismiss this game. You have to keep in mind this was the age of Instruction Booklets. The reason the computers are faster than you is because they are winning the races and earning more money. Everyone starts at the same speed with the same money. Each race is crucial and how you save you money is key. Make no mistake, this is a multiplayer game. I begged on the Hudson Soft forums for this game to come out, and it did. Me and my brothers still have a blast in this Mario-Kart esk racer! Grenades away!

Like Phil says, if the controls have you scratching your head, buy a Handle during the buy screen, buy the B Handle for zero dollars. It will turn the car left and right, like the old GBA Tony Hawk games.

This game is worth a second chance! Best played with someone who is familiar with the game so that he/she can teach you how to play.

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6. waldojeffershead United States 06 Apr 2008, 16:47 GMT

It seemed like a good idea at the time, how ever many wii points later I find myself debating whether or not to delete this zero fun embarrassment from my Wii. The only element the creator of this game left out would be the fun factor...

-WALDO

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