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DEVELOPER
Iguana
PUBLISHER
Acclaim
AVAILABLE
Now
MEDIUM
Cartridge
PLAYERS
Four
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 ou know how some games have the potential to be great, but somehow fall short in achieving their goal? Iggy's Reckin' Balls is a perfect example of an original concept that didn't quite have what it takes to be a major hit.
Although Iggy's Reckin' Balls is a racing game there are plenty of puzzle and platform style elements thrown in to differentiate it from the rest of the racers on the N64. The object of the game is to make it to the top of the racetrack before anyone else and earn 1st place. You can select from a wide range of ball-shaped characters. For the most part it doesn't really matter which one you choose since the only difference between the characters is the way each one looks. You can either play against computer controlled racers or grab some friends for multiplayer action.
At first glance this game looks a lot like Uniracers on the SNES. The tracks have that same checkerboard multi-color look to them. Once you being playing you'll realize that this game is quite different from most others you may have played. Most of the tracks have you starting at the bottom of the track, having to work your way up to the finish line. In order to accomplish this you have a grappling hook that you can shoot out to grab platforms above you. The hook is also used to knock your opponents off the track. You can grab them and throw them around to impede their progress. The whole grappling hook idea is reminiscent of Bionic Commando. Each track has its own characteristics and obstacles. Most of the levels twist and turn every which way. In addition there are spring jumps, bubbles, warps, fans, speed boosts, metal platforms (you can't grapple on to these) and other special items scattered along the track to help or impede your progress.
 Like many competitive racing games there are weapons to pick up along the way to help you put a stop to your competition. Unlike Mario Kart 64 these weapons are fairly useless and unmemorable. What usually happens is you'll pick up a weapon and then simply use it right away to get rid of it, all the while hoping it does some kind of damage to someone other than yourself. You also have a limited supply of turbo boost at your disposal. This really sets your ball in motion and can make for some really hectic moments on the track. In order to win on the later tracks it's essential to know when and when not to use the boost.
 As I mentioned above, you can play the game solo or with up to three friends. The one player game gets old really quick. I'm willing to bet any player with a shred of game play talent could beat the first couple of stages (10 levels per stage) without really trying. The game overcompensates for learning curve, thus making the game overly easy. Each stage has a motif so all the levels within the stage look similar. Having to trek your way through ten similar-looking levels becomes tedious rather quickly and by the end of the stage you're just glad to be done. The multiplayer mode is more fun, but not as addicting as Mario Kart or GoldenEye. Part of this is due to the odd play mechanics, which can cause new players to perform badly until they've had a chance to figure out how the game works. Even when everyone sits down and knows how to play the game lacks a sense of urgency and competitiveness that is so essential in a game like this.
The graphics have that traditional fuzzy look to them in spots. The tracks are highly colorful, as are the different balls you can control. The backgrounds are extremely plain looking, but most people won't have time to be looking at the backgrounds anyway. There really aren't any graphical extras to make the N64 work harder. The game could have easily been done on the SNES with toned down graphics and a slower framerate. The graphics in the multiplayer modes look about the same and they only slow down in rare instances.
The sound is average at best. The music has a constant techno beat that sounds cool at first but becomes annoying with extended play. Unlike many games available today, the music is very forgettable. As I write this review I can't think of a single music track from the game. There is some occasional voice thrown in for good measure, but like the music it's uninspired.
 In the end Iggy's Reckin' Balls is really a niche title. I don't know too many people that would play this game to the end, since it become boring far too quickly. Even the multiplayer mode lacks replay value since rounding up three friends to play the game might be difficult to do if they don't even enjoy playing it. The game has an original premise and it had potential to be great, but there's just something missing that keeps it from becoming an instant classic. Definitely rent this game before buying it to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. Who knows, maybe you'll like it more than I did? Unfortunately, Iguana let me down with this game. Let's hope they can make up for it with Turok 2.
-- Craig Majaski
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