Square's 3D racing game on NES compatible with 3D glasses. Exhilarating speed, varied circuits. Square before RPGs, in a totally different genre. Fun and technically original.
Your verdict
Category
Racing1 player3+
Description
Futuristic side-view racing game featuring an SF racing car at high speed. Published by Square, released in the USA in 1987. Car in side view at high speed on SF roads, obstacles to avoid and speed effects. NES port of Square's Rad Racer racing game.
Square's first true Western release, Rad Racer ties the studio to its pre-Final Fantasy era, giving it sought-after historical weight. The cartridge stays very common and complete copies affordable, but sealed examples reach high marks, propped up by the Square pedigree and the red-and-blue 3D glasses bundled in the box, a packaging extra that sets this version apart. Interest therefore polarizes on the sealed, complete copy.
Is Rad Racer still worth playing in 2026?
A racing game from Square, Rad Racer propels a high speed sports car on sunny roads in rear view, in a pure arcade racing formula inherited from the OutRun spirit. The sense of speed, the smooth pseudo 3D for the NES and an unexpected anaglyph 3D mode give a definite character to a direct, snappy drive. The content stays thin and the difficulty severe. For a retro racing fan, someone curious about the NES's technical feats or a collector, the title keeps an intact energy and speed pleasure.
