Based on the animated show of the same name, Biker Mice From Mars is an isometric race game for one or two players. It was first published by Konami, exclusively for the Super Nintendo, in 1994.

Players can assume the role of one of six difference racers, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, and during races can use a variety of different weapons to hamper the other racers (similar to gameplay seen in Racing Destruction Set or Rock n’ Roll Racing).

There are three modes of play: a single-player tournament (Main Race), where you race against computer-controlled opponents and accumulate points and cash in an attempt to win a league (or at the very least, qualify for the next round); a two-player split-screen mode (with three types of races: Main, Battle, and Versus), and a practise mode.

After each successful lap, a player’s weapon is re-charged, and cash and points are awarded based on your finishing position. Engine, tyre, armour and weapon upgrades can be bought between races. During races, additional power-ups are randomly awarded, from nitro boosts, to temporary invulnerability, earthquakes, or time stops.

In tournament mode, each round has six individual races. To advance to the next round, you must finish within the top three after completing the league. Finishing any lower will result in a rather hilarious ‘game over’ sequence. The game uses symbol-based passwords to allow players to continue their tournament games, and two-player split-screen games are a hoot too.

Each racetrack has various hazards, jumps, and ground-based boosters. To stand any chance of winning, you must avoid riding over surfaces that will slow you down (or worse: stop you dead), and also try to hit the boosters whenever possible. As long as you’re able to stay in contention during a race, it’s even possible to win on the final lap, from low down the rankings. You just need to get lucky with speed boosters, and play smart at the end.

Biker Mice From Mars is exceptionally well-presented, with beautifully-coloured and designed 2D graphics (something Konami was renowned for with their SNES games, and the PAL version of the game even features in-game product placement for Snickers chocolate bars!); great music and sound effects, and simple, responsive controls. The game is fun to play for kids and adults alike, and I think that it was somewhat under-rated at the time of its original release.

More: Biker Mice From Mars on Wikipedia