Wave Race 64 is an early racing game on Nintendo's first 3D console and one of the first games to really simulate water. While the graphics are a little rough around the edges (for example the riders are pretty blocky), the water is the real star — varying from calm, foggy lakes to rough and stormy seas.
As you race your jetski around the courses, each lap is different depending on sea level and the severity of the waves, keeping you on your toes. The different riders have their own strengths and weaknesses, and can be customized (which really comes in handy on the more difficult courses).
The analogue control is well done, difficulty ramps up nicely and a stunt mode rounds out the total package. When it was released Wave Race 64 was a nice showcase for what couldn't be done on the Playstation. Now it seems primitive compared to today's racers, but there is something about those waves that the programmers got just right.
While car racing games are a dime a dozen, good water racers are harder to find—making Wave Race easy to recommend.
2008 ben langberg, all rights reserved.