Having accepted the race, we're lined up at the traffic lights, nugget to nugget.
Clearly the sprite above shows two Mazda Familias. I'm guessing the developers didn't think it was necessary to make a Nissan March sprites. Did they really think we couldn't tell the difference between these two historic JDM powerhouses?
Sorry, where were we?
Oh yeah. This is how the racing part of the game works. Both you and your opponent watch the traffic lights, and when it hits green, accelerate like hell. First car to 400 metres (or ¼ mile ) wins. ZERO FOUR!
Interestingly, this is probably the earliest game I've seen that tries to simulate a clutch and shifter. Though it does this rather oddly. The PCI Engine was like the NES in it only had a dpad, two face buttons and select and start.
Since you're driving in ‘the most toughest race’ the car goes in a straight line and you don't control steering - instead, one button accelerates, the other to engages the clutch, and the dpad is used to navigate the cars H pattern.
It's an interesting idea. I suspect there's a trick to launching at the right RPM, engaging the clutch at the right time and shifting smoothly.
But like that one time Dad lets you drive his prized Porsche, I hit the wrong gear, engaged the clutch at the wrong time and lurched ahead rather awkwardly. It isn't pretty. At the end of 400 metres, I’ve managed to reach 88 kph. The Familia hit 157kph.
We go back to Grass and reluctantly hand over the 3000 yen.
: That is… unfortunate.
I’m starting to think this was a set-up. Grass, I thought you said our car was cool?
Either our car needs some serious work, or Hiro needs a lot of practice.
Let's say it's the latter, because that helps me come to terms with the MR2 losing in the intro.
Up next: Let's go back to Hiros stinky bedroom to read magazines.
: That is… unfortunate. 
) wins. ZERO FOUR!
‘the most toughest race’ 