Kick Start: Wheelie King

Kick Start: Wheelie King is a two-player motorcycle racing game released by Taito in 1984. Players take turns navigating twisting roads and avoiding obstacles as they compete for the fastest time. The gameplay centers around skillful gear shifting to manage speed, particularly crucial when approaching sharp turns; despite its subtitle, performing wheelies isn’t possible within the game. Two control schemes are available – one utilizing a four-button layout for individual gear selection, and another with only two buttons where acceleration is automatic in first gear. Hazards include barrels, other riders, and narrow road edges that trigger falls if approached too closely. Frequent crashes penalize players by subtracting time from their overall limit and eventually lead to game over. The anonymous high score leaderboard challenges racers to improve their performance while mastering the controls and anticipating the track’s demands. A copyright notice appears on the title screen, though it can be hidden via a dip switch setting.