Slalom

Slalom is a fast, approachable downhill skiing game for the NES, developed by Rare and published by Nintendo in 1987. Rather than focusing on racing opponents, it puts you on a series of snowy courses where the goal is to steer cleanly through red and blue slalom gates while reaching the finish before time runs out.

The controls are simple, but the slopes demand quick reactions. You guide your skier from side to side, threading between gates and avoiding trees, snowmen, moguls, and other hazards scattered across the course. Ramps launch you into the air, offering brief moments of excitement while also making it important to recover your line quickly after landing. Holding a steady route is rarely enough; successful runs depend on anticipating turns, managing your speed, and staying alert as the scenery rushes toward you.

Slalom includes three difficulty levels, with tougher settings adding more demanding courses and tighter opportunities for error. The game supports one or two players, making it a good choice for taking turns and comparing times, even though the action remains focused on individual runs rather than direct head-to-head competition. Its bright winter landscapes, brisk pace, and uncomplicated controls give it an immediately readable arcade feel, while improving your route through each course provides a satisfying reason to replay.

As an early NES release, Slalom has a compact design and straightforward presentation, but that simplicity is part of its charm. It is easy to pick up for a quick session and surprisingly engaging when you begin chasing cleaner, faster descents. RetroCloud lets you play online on your browser, offering a convenient way to revisit Rare’s energetic take on arcade skiing.