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DEVELOPER
Nintendo
PUBLISHER
Nintendo
AVAILABLE
Now
MEDIUM
Cartridge
PLAYERS
Two
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having the power of the Nintendo 64 to work with, it is surely tempting
for designers to first concentrate their efforts on the aesthetics of a
game. This is by no means a bad thing -- we all love a good looking game
-- but hopefully gameplay is not overlooked down the road. Wave Race 64
pulls off something very few titles before it have done: Not only are the
graphics stunning, they are actually the reason the game is at the top
of it's class in play mechanics.
Picture this. You're racing in first place through a narrow passage
that winds through a dock. A giant wave unexpectedly carries your craft
into the wall, quickly knocking you back to third place. In another course,
a reef extends out from the shore. If timed correctly, this road block
can become a short cut; just catch air of the crest of a wave, and you'll
make it safely to the other side.
The key to every situation you are faced with is learning to anticipate
and navigate the waves correctly. Because the waves are generated real
time, there is no set pattern to what you will be up against. After awhile,
you do get the feel for the action of each body of water you are racing
in, but the learning curve always remains high, which is all part of the
fun.
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Although some detail is lost in the split screen mode,
the game still looks incredible.
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The breathtaking waves could not be any more convincing, and to understand
the representation of actual water physics is to ride an actual jet ski,
and then proceed to play this game. It's amazing how the developers were
able to capture the look and feel of this incredible sport. Deftly maneuvering
the buoys that litter the tumultuous waters of the sea, or making your
way through driftwood on the serene glass surface of a lake, each of the
nine courses is varied enough to keep you coming back time and time again.
Little details like playful dolphins jumping beside you and misty waters
obscuring the rising sun create a truly enjoyable atmosphere.
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Catch some air! Even on serene waters you
won't get a smooth ride, as the water is effected by your opponents jetskis.
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I've been an avid participant in the sport of jet skiing for a few years
now, so I certainly fell in love with Wave Race for it's attention to realism.
But placed next to the myriad racing games out on the market, subjectivity
aside, racing games do not get any better than this. Even if you aren't
a big fan of racing games, Wave Race really is something different, and
should definitely be experienced by even the most casual gamer.
-- Brady Fiechter
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