Like the original ExciteBike, ExciteBike 64 emphasizes jumping and timing over raw speed. Simply pressing the accelerator for the entire race will cause the bike to overheat and the rider to tumble uncontrollably on the hills. Instead, players must plan when to jump so that the biker will clear as many bumps as possible and still land properly. Learning to control the bike properly takes some practice, as the bikes do indeed feel extremely light and touchy initially. But once players learn the game's general physics, the game's control becomes quite manageable.

ExciteBike 64 offers a relatively extensive collection of options and tracks. Players can choose among the expected modes of play, including a full season, a time trial, and an exhibition mode. As with many Nintendo64 games, up to four players can compete against each other. In addition to the standard tracks, players can unlock bonus ones, which give gamers reasons to improve their scores. One of the bonus tracks that players can select is the original NES game. Most gamers who started to play games during the 32-bit generation or later will probably play the NES version a few times out of curiosity and then return to the main game. Older gamers will likely enjoy the original tracks more, although even they will play it much less frequently than the newer modes.

If players don't want to take the time to earn the hidden tracks, they can create their own courses with the game's track editor. Players can then race their own tracks just as if the tracks were originals from the game. These options definitely help to add longevity to ExciteBike 64 game and keep it interesting.

The graphics and sounds do their jobs. Tracks scroll smoothly with little draw-in during the one-player game and a minimal performance hit in multi-player modes. The courses and players feature an average amount of detail. Sound effects consist of plenty of engine noise as well as the sounds of racers tumbling over the dirt. Overall, the technical aspects of the game don't amaze, but they certainly manage to portray an appropriate environment for the game.

Players who want a different and entertaining racing game will find plenty to enjoy in ExciteBike 64. Most gamers will feel comfortable with the gameplay in a reasonably short period of time. The large amount of tracks along with the track editor and mutli-player modes offer incentives to keep gamers interested for a long period of time. Gamers who seek a racer that offers speed thrills will not find what they desire in ExciteBike 64. However, players who wish to try a game with a unique overall style compared to most racers should give ExciteBike 64 a try.