Slalom (USA)

Slalom is a classic downhill skiing game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1986. Developed by Rare and published by Nintendo, it offered a fast-paced skiing experience with impressive pseudo-3D graphics for its time.

In Slalom, players control a single skier, hurtling down steep, snow-covered slopes in a timed race. The primary objective is to complete each run as quickly as possible, while also accumulating points by passing through slalom gates and performing jumps.

The controls are straightforward: the D-pad is used to steer the skier left or right, while the A and B buttons allow the player to accelerate or perform jumps, respectively. As the skier descends, players must skillfully navigate around various obstacles such as trees, rocks, and moguls. Colliding with these obstacles will cause the skier to lose speed and precious time.

The game features multiple distinct slopes, each with increasing difficulty. Every slope has a unique layout of gates and obstacles, requiring players to adapt and memorize the course. Successfully completing a slope within a set time limit unlocks the next, more challenging one.

Points are awarded based on completion time, the number of gates successfully passed through, and successful jumps. Performing large jumps over small moguls can yield bonus points. The game encourages practice to improve times and achieve high scores, fostering a competitive element.

With its catchy soundtrack and simple yet addictive gameplay, Slalom became a memorable sports title on the NES, delivering virtual skiing fun to millions of gamers.