Crash N the Boys Street Challenge Controls & Tips

This article explains the controls for Crash ‘n’ the Boys: Street Challenge on the NES and gives practical event tips for beginners. You will learn the button layout for each of the five events, how to avoid common mistakes, and strategies to finish first in every competition.

Game Background

Crash ‘n’ the Boys: Street Challenge is a 1992 NES sports game developed by Technos Japan, the same studio behind River City Ransom and Double Dragon. It is a spin-off of the Super Dodge Ball / River City universe, featuring the same over-the-top, arcade-style gameplay. The player controls a team of four athletes competing in five street events: 400-Meter Dash, Swimming, Hammer Throw, Roof Jump, and a Fighting Event. The game is known for its humorous tone, exaggerated physics, and the ability to attack opponents during races.

The game was released in North America for the NES and later for the Game Boy as Crash ‘n’ the Boys: Street Challenge (a different version). The NES version is the most recognized, and its controls are straightforward but require practice to master the nuances of each event.

Basic Controls Overview

All events use the same core controls, but the timing and context differ. The NES controller has two buttons (A and B) and a D-pad. Here is the universal layout:

• D-pad Left/Right – Move your character. In races, this controls direction; in the hammer throw, it rotates the character.
• D-pad Up/Down – In the swimming event, this changes lane or depth (though depth is not a factor). In the fighting event, it moves vertically.
• A Button – Jump (in races and roof jump). In the hammer throw, it starts the throw. In swimming, it is not used.
• B Button – Attack / Punch (in races and fighting). In the hammer throw, it is not used. In swimming, it is not used.

Note: The game does not have a pause button; pressing Start pauses, but you cannot change options mid-event.

Event-Specific Controls and Tips

400-Meter Dash

This is the first event. You control a runner from a top-down perspective. The goal is to finish first, but you can punch opponents to slow them down.

• Controls: D-pad to move, A to jump (over hurdles or to avoid attacks), B to punch.
• Tips for beginners: Do not spam the punch button. Punching slows you down slightly, and if you miss, you are vulnerable. Save your punches for when an opponent is directly beside you. Use the jump (A) to avoid the water puddles that appear on the track – touching them slows you down significantly.
• Common mistake: Holding the B button to run faster – there is no such mechanic. Running is constant speed; only the punch and jump have distinct animations.

Swimming

This event is a simple top-down swim race. The character automatically swims forward; you only control horizontal movement.

• Controls: D-pad Left/Right to steer, D-pad Up/Down to move vertically (though the lane is fixed, you can move slightly to avoid obstacles). No A or B use.
• Tips: Stay in the middle of the lane to avoid the edges, which slow you down. There are no obstacles in the pool, so just maintain a straight line. The key is to avoid the other swimmers – touching them causes you to lose speed.
• Common mistake: Trying to use the A button to swim faster – it does nothing.

Hammer Throw

This event is a turning-based competition. You have three throws, and the farthest distance wins.

• Controls: Press A to start the throw. Then rapidly tap the D-pad Left and Right to build speed (the character spins). Press A again to release.
• Tips: The key is to build maximum spin. Tap the D-pad as fast as you can, but keep a rhythm – if you tap too fast, the character may stumble. Release at the top of the spin (when the character faces forward) for maximum distance. Practice the timing.
• Common mistake: Holding the D-pad in one direction – you must alternate left and right to spin.

Roof Jump

This is a long-jump event across rooftops. You run and jump, aiming to land on the next building.

• Controls: D-pad to run, A to jump. While in the air, you can press A again to do a somersault (which extends your jump slightly).
• Tips: Start your jump at the edge of the roof – not too early. Use the somersault (second A press) at the peak of your jump to gain extra distance. If you land on the edge, you may stumble; try to land in the middle of the next roof.
• Common mistake: Jumping too early – you will fall short. Also, pressing A too early for the somersault cancels the jump.

Fighting Event

The final event is a one-on-one brawl. You fight a series of opponents.

• Controls: D-pad to move, A to jump, B to punch. You can also press A+B together for a special attack (uses health).
• Tips: Use the jump to dodge punches. The special attack (A+B) is powerful but drains health – use it only when you are close to winning. Blocking is not available; you must rely on dodging.
• Common mistake: Button-mashing – you will get hit. Time your punches and use the environment (walls) to corner opponents.

General Tips for Beginners

Here are some overarching strategies that apply to all events:

• Practice the timing: Each event has a rhythm. Spend time in practice mode (available from the main menu) to master the hammer throw spin and roof jump somersault.
• Watch your stamina: In races, your character has a stamina bar. Punching and jumping drain it. If it empties, you slow down significantly. Recover by not attacking for a few seconds.
• Use the environment: In the 400-meter dash, you can push opponents into water puddles. In the fighting event, use walls to trap enemies.
• Don’t get frustrated: The AI is challenging but fair. Learn the patterns – opponents often telegraph their attacks.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the game has a turbo button – it does not. Another is that you can change characters mid-event – you cannot; each character is assigned to a specific event. Also, some players think the swimming event has a stamina mechanic – it does not; it is purely about steering.

If you are having trouble with the hammer throw, the issue is usually the tapping speed. Try using your thumb to tap the D-pad alternately, rather than sliding. For the roof jump, many players fail because they press A twice too quickly – wait until the character is at the peak of the first jump.

Comparisons to Other Technos Games

If you have played River City Ransom, you will notice the same sprite style and physics. However, Crash ‘n’ the Boys is more arcade-like, with shorter events and a focus on high scores. Unlike Super Dodge Ball, there is no team management; you control one character at a time. The game is often compared to Track & Field for its button-mashing elements, but it adds a combat layer that makes it unique.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you unlock the secret character?

There is no secret character in the NES version. The roster is fixed: four athletes, each with a specific event. The Game Boy version has a different roster, but still no hidden characters.

Can you play with two players?

Yes, the game supports two-player alternating mode. Player 1 and Player 2 take turns competing in each event. There is no simultaneous multiplayer.

What is the best strategy for the hammer throw?

Tap the D-pad left and right as fast as you can without losing rhythm. Release the throw when the character faces the top of the screen (the direction of the throw). Practice in the practice mode to get the timing down.

Why do I keep losing the swimming event?

You are probably touching the edges of the pool or other swimmers. Stay in the center of your lane and avoid contact. There is no way to speed up; it is purely about maintaining a straight line.

Is there a way to cheat or use a game genie code?

There are Game Genie codes for infinite health and stamina, but they are not officially supported. Using them may cause glitches. It is recommended to play without cheats for the intended experience.

How long is the game?

A single playthrough takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on how many times you lose. There are five events, and each takes a few minutes. The game has no save feature, so you must finish in one sitting.

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