Wave Race 64 Review

If it was not for games like Wave Race 64, shortly after the launch of the Nintendo 64, the system would have been a failure for Nintendo. They managed to launch with Super Mario 64 and Pilotwings 64. Soon, games like this followed, which is why the system is my personal favorite of modern home game consoles. The Nintendo 64 has had a slew of racing titles, including kart racers, futuristic, and driving simulators, not to mention arcade racing. Wave Race 64 revolutionized the racing genre with its graphics, physics, and gameplay. The lush graphics and unmatched controls help to make this an easy classic for the Nintendo 64. Of course, its accessibility is another factor in the success that it achieved as well.

The concept of Wave Race 64 is simple: compete with other racers to win jetski races. There is a bevy of different courses, with different objects, lighting, and course structure to choose from. You won’t choose from all that many racers (only 4), but each has different grip, handling, and speed. There are a few different modes to choose from in Wave Race 64. You have a championship mode where you race against opponents in a point-based system. Time trials enables gamers to strive for the best score. My personal favorite, two player mode, gives competitive play to the already solid package.

The Nintendo 64’s success might be accredited to Wave Race 64 in no small way. If it wasn’t for this, I doubt Nintendo’s grayish-black box would have lasted more than a couple years. Instead, its life extended until 2001, right up to the launch of the GCN. Wave Race 64 created a lasting single-player experience with a stellar multi-player element to complement it. Thanks to levels like Twilight City and Sunset Bay, Wave Race 64 will be forever remembered as a classic Nintendo 64 title.