Nintendo has expanded its Switch Online service with the addition of R.C. Pro-Am 2, a classic racing game originally released for the NES. The game joins other new NES titles available through the service, including Ninja Gaiden 3: The Ancient Ship of Doom and Ikari Warriors.
R.C. Pro-Am 2, developed by Rare, is considered by many to be a significant improvement over its predecessor. The original game, published by Nintendo, offered a fun racing experience but was limited by a lack of environmental variety, minimal vehicle upgrades, sometimes unfair AI, and single-player only gameplay. The sequel, published by Tradewest, directly addressed these shortcomings.
One of the most notable enhancements in R.C. Pro-Am 2 is its support for up to four players via the NES multitap accessory, allowing for competitive multiplayer races. The game also introduces three distinct environments: grassland, city, and desert. The grassland tracks feature elements like tire barriers on tight corners and inclines, while city courses can present obscured views due to overpasses and hazards like oil slicks. The desert environments add rough terrain and aerial bombardments from planes.
Progression in R.C. Pro-Am 2 involves collecting money bags scattered on the track, which can then be spent in an in-game shop on vehicle upgrades. These upgrades cover engines, tires, and weapons, offering players more strategic control over their car's performance. Decisions about upgrading offensive capabilities or improving the engine can have a lasting impact on races.
While R.C. Pro-Am 2 maintains a challenging difficulty, it is generally considered more balanced than the original. The game includes 32 courses and offers the possibility of purchasing extra continues. In addition to standard races, the game features occasional multiplayer competitions, such as a tug-of-war event and a drag race, which provide opportunities to earn additional resources.
R.C. Pro-Am 2 was released late in the NES's lifecycle, which may have led to it being overlooked by some players. Prior to its inclusion on Nintendo Switch Online, the most accessible way to play the game was through the Rare Replay collection on Xbox One. The original NES cartridge has become a valuable collector's item.