Nintendo Game Discussion Club - Wave Race 64

[KingofPhantoms]

Haven't played Wario Land 4, but I have played Pizza Tower which was took some samples from some of the game's music and was partly inspired by the whole series.

Does uh, that count?

 

[GoldenYuiitusin]

Look guys, look. It's one of Wario's greatest achievement.


But seriously. A big part of my childhood along WL3. One of the best GBA games of all time.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

I apologize for the delay. But hopefully things will be normal again.

WAVE RACE 64

Spoiler: Box Art

Game Summary:
Back when 3D graphics were just getting started, Nintendo really wanted to make a game that pushed the N64 to the limit. They wanted stunning visuals, and realistic physics. They decided to make a jet ski game. One big goal with the game was to make beautiful looking water that reacted like you'd expect water to. At the time, Wave Race 64 was considered a stunning achievement.

As for the game itself, players can pick one of four characters and enter one of three modes. You can race computers or other players in single races or a grand prix. All races have the racers zooming through buoys that mark the actual intended race track, so you can't take too many shortcuts. You'll race through sunny beaches, military bases and even the arctic. The grand prix also demands that you acquire a certain point total to continue to later levels. Of course, there is a time trial mode, so you can try to beat your fastest times on these races. You could also focus on doing tricks and earning points by being the most stylish racer around. Maybe along the way, you can unlock some fun times with a dolphin buddy!

Initial Release:
September 27, 1996

Playable on...

• N64
• Wii
• Wii U
• Switch

Notable Character Debuts:

• Ryota Hayami
• Dave Mariner
• Ayumi Stewart
• Miles Jeter
• Dolphin

Spoiler: Music Samples

Current Metacritic Scores:
Critics: 92
Players: 8.3

Confirmed Players:

• Swamp Sensei

Recommended by:

• Swamp Sensei

This is one of those childhood memories. I was introduced to video games by a friend when I was about five years old. He showed me his N64 and a few choice games. There was Star Fox 64. There was Super Mario 64. Some Star Wars game I don't remember, and Wave Race 64. Because I had no experience with video games, I mostly just watched him go through adventures, but Wave Race 64 was special. We were both terrible at it. We couldn't control it. But it was super cool! And when I played it later in my life, once I had gotten pretty good at video games... I still suck at it.

Wave Race 64 is a hard game. The physics take some getting used to as the intent was to make the water act like real water. Real water can be unpredictable. I think this game is incredibly fun and unique, but I can't guarantee everyone will have a fun time.

 

[PLATINUM7]

Played it for the first time via NSO. I was actually impressed with it and the soundtrack is catchy too.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

I'm considering putting this thread on pause due to lack of activity. Perhaps when the site gets more traffic, it'll be more popular.

 

[KingofPhantoms]

It's also possible that part of the reason for the lack of activity is Wave Race 64 might be a game that a lot of people here haven't played, either.

I obviously can't speak for everyone, but it might be more obscure title compared to a lot (albeit not all) of the games that have been discussed here previously.

 

[duchess-olive]

I got a used copy of the game for my birthday in 2001, didn't play it much though.

 

[LiveStudioAudience]

Wave Race was most definitely a spectacle game made to really impress people with the N64's water effects/physics, but even beyond there was a charm to it because Nintendo was really nailing an arcade like feel to certain 3D titles around this time, including this one. You look at this, Mario Kart 64, Star Fox 64; they all pull off a really consistent pace and energy like that seen in an exciting arcade machine.

With this game I think history hasn't really highlighted it as much because unlike F-Zero which had incredible speed, Mario Kart 64 with a franchise legacy, Diddy Kong Racing with inventive depth, or even a Rush 2 with crazy stunts, Wave Race just lacked the same kind of hook. The water element made it unique, but likely didn't give it the kind of nostalgic replay value that many of its peers had. It's a shame too because the aesthetics are still solid and as far was aquatic racers, it did nail what it was going for. A good game that just happened to be surrounded by very iconic rivals.

 

[ssbashworld]

Meant to post a little something about Wave Race but was going to wait a day or two since i was busy at the time but then forgot since the discussion never really left that day.

Anyway i did play & enjoy the game on Wii U Virtual Console (alongside 1080). Both were kind of exactly what i expected. Nothing too crazy but as others have mentioned probably was more impressive & memorable in the n64 era. Do have & intend to eventually play the gcn sequals.