Movie tie-ins on the NES were always a gamble, and Days of Thunder (1990) is living proof. Developed by Beam Software and published by Mindscape, this racing game was based on the Tom Cruise NASCAR flick of the same name—and let’s just say it didn’t exactly cross the finish line with flying colors. Still, it’s a quirky piece of 8-bit history that screams “1990 licensed chaos.”

You’ll race stock cars, pit for fuel and tires, and try to keep your car from exploding before the checkered flag. Sounds simple, right? Well, the clunky controls and brutal AI make it more like a demolition derby where you’re always the crash dummy. Critics roasted it back then, but today it’s one of those so-bad-it’s-good cartridges that collectors love to brag about owning.

Why should you buy retro games like this one?

1. It’s pure early 90s licensed gaming—frustrating, flawed, and fascinating.
2. Based on a Tom Cruise movie, which basically makes it Top Gun on wheels.
3. It’s a conversation starter for any NES shelf: “Oh wow, you actually own that?”

If you’re filling out your NES collection, Days of Thunder is a weird little relic that perfectly captures the era of awkward movie tie-ins. Not the best racer on the console, but definitely one worth owning for the novelty. And yeah—buy retro games on Retro Games eXchange, because even the oddballs deserve a spot on your shelf.