Wave Race 64 (Nintendo 64) Second Opinion Review

Wave Race 64 is a simple arcade racer, for people with simple arcade racer needs. There are no innovations here, just a title that takes what makes the genre great, and almost perfects it. For starters, this has some of the best controls in any video game, and especially on the N64. Moving around with your Jet Ski feels natural, and is super-precise, which is definitely one of the biggest pros a racing title can have. Simply put, Wave Race 64 is a joy to play. What makes this even more entertaining are the waves - easily the most striking aspect here.

The areas you'll race aren't static tracks, but shallow or deep waters with waves that constantly move, while players try to ride them as they manoeuvre around the place, making this a much more dynamic affair, which results to Wave Race 64 being far more immersive than most games of its ilk. The physics are wonderful as well, and the crystal clear look of the water is great. It's important to note that, rather than going for a realistic look that wouldn't endure the test of time, the "fake," low-poly, and vibrantly coloured palette used here makes this much more striking. It's one of those… art style-over-graphics moments.

Generally this is an audiovisual treat. There aren't many stages, but the few available ones are stunning, whether that's the initial sunny beach, the misty lake with its reflecting waters, or the nighttime city track, and the buildings in the distance. Audio-wise the splashing sounds are so darn good, that you'll almost feel the moisture on your cheeks, and the OST, while just an assortment of typical, upbeat, '80s JPop/Rock is generally kind on your ears… which is the exact opposite of what the obnoxious announcer is, who never seems eager to shut his mouth, constantly shouting each phrase with the energy that only a caffeine-heavy diet can provide.

Gameplay-wise don't expect anything fancy. As mentioned earlier, this is great, but not because it reinvents the wheel. You pick among a variety of vehicles, with the option to change their settings, and just start racing. In terms of mechanics, the only "extra" thing here, is how one needs to zigzag between buoys in order to reach the highest possible speed. Failing to ride past one from the correct side will result in that boost being lost, and too many mistakes leading to a racer's elimination.

So, in conclusion, Wave Race 64 is very entertaining. What keeps it from being perfect? The answer is definitely its replay value. There's a simple championship mode with a couple of difficulties, a time trial and a stunt mode, and finally a 2-Player, horizontal split-screen versus mode… and that's about it. Oh sure, Super Nintendo's Super Mario Kart was equally simple in terms of modes (and more so), but the actual gameplay was far more meatier, so few cared. In other words, a great racer, but a bit too light on content. Be sure to try it out if in look for a retro gem from the 32/64-bit era.