Battle Cars [Model SNS-4B-USA]

Battle Cars [Model SNS-4B-USA] screenshot
33 Years old Nintendo Super NES NTSC cart. NAMCO Hometek, Ltd. [USA] [22674]

Battle Cars © 1993 NAMCO Hometek, Ltd.

Battle Cars is a futuristic, post-apocalyptic combat racing title. Unlike traditional racing games, it utilizes a distinctive Mode 7 perspective, creating a pseudo-3D look that was cutting-edge for the early 90s. Players engage in high-speed vehicular combat across hostile terrain while managing weapon loadouts and vehicle damage.

Goodies for Battle Cars [Model SNS-4B-USA]
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TECHNICAL

GAME ID: SNS-4B-USA

TRIVIA

Released in December 1993 in the USA.

Mode 7 Showcase:
Battle Cars is frequently cited as one of the earlier SNES titles to effectively leverage the console’s Mode 7 graphics capabilities for a combat-heavy racing experience. It created a sense of scale and speed that helped distinguish it from other top-down or sprite-based racers of that year.

Narrative Focus:
The game is surprisingly story-driven for a combat racer. Set in a desolate future where traditional racing has been replaced by lethal tournaments, players take on the role of a driver competing for resources and survival, with cutscenes that provide context to the high-stakes races.

Customization Logic:
A defining feature of the game is the heavy emphasis on vehicle upgrades. Between races, players can spend the money earned from victories to repair damage, upgrade their engines, or install new offensive and defensive weaponry, making the pre-race garage phase as critical as the race itself.

Trivia Goodies
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(members only)
TIPS AND TRICKS
Overhead view
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Press Up, Down, L, R, Select at the title screen. Enable the new Mystery Mode selection at the bottom of the options screen.

Drive Boss car
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Press L, R, Up at the title screen. A rumbling sound will confirm correct code entry. Start a normal game. After reaching the Boss, you will be driving his car.

Alternate car colors
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Highlight a car at the selection screen then press A + Select + Start. You will now be able to choose a color for your car.
SOURCES
🔗
ROM dump (MAME).