Excitebike Classic
Nintendo Entertainment System · Racing
Spy Hunter
Deep cut
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1987 (originally 1983) |
| Genre | Racing |
| Developer | Bally Midway |
| Publisher | Sunsoft |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Series | Spy Hunter |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 4 |
Developed by Bally Midway and published by Sunsoft, Spy Hunter arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987 as a racing game. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1983.
It landed about 2 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1987 include Final Fantasy, Metal Gear and Mega Man. Among the 48 NES racing games in our database, it ranks #25 by legacy score.
It is part of the Spy Hunter series. The series also appears on other systems with Spy Hunter (2600) and Spy Hunter (ColecoVision). Bally Midway also made Rampage, Trog and Xenophobe for the NES.
This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.
Pick it if…
- you want to race and compete
- you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
- you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you want a story or exploration rather than laps
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Spy Hunter is like
Racing games range from realistic driving to kart racers with weapons and shortcuts. Races are short, making them great for quick sessions and split-screen rivalries.
Tip for newcomers: Learn each track's racing line and braking points; in kart racers, item strategy matters as much as driving.
Spy Hunter cheats & codes
63 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Infinite Lives | SXKAYOVK |
|---|---|
| Infinite Missiles | SZKUANVK |
| Infinite Smoke | VXELTVSE |
| Start With 2 Extra Lives | ZEEXKIAA |
| Start With 6 Extra Lives | TEEXKIAA |
| Double Missiles On Pick-Up | TEEXLILA |
Spy Hunter walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Spy Hunter.
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Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Spy Hunter FAQ
When did Spy Hunter come out on the NES?
Spy Hunter was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987; the original game dates back to 1983.
Who made Spy Hunter?
It was developed by Bally Midway and published by Sunsoft.
Is Spy Hunter multiplayer?
No. Spy Hunter is a single-player game.
How long does Spy Hunter take to play?
As a racing game, Spy Hunter typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Spy Hunter on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.