After some initial problems relating to button mapping and emulation difficulties, the Nintendo Switch Online’s Expansion Pack tier, which includes Nintendo’s N64 library, is picking up momentum. Nintendo has released regular updates to fix these issues as quickly as possible. At the same time, it has slowly been introducing new games to the library. The summer months saw the addition of a couple of classicPokémongames:Pokémon Snapin June, andPokémon Puzzle Leaguein July. Now, the growing number of classic games has been further bolstered asNintendo Switch Online has added a new title to its N64 lineup:Wave Race 64.
On its initial release in 1996,Wave Race 64was considered to be revolutionary, particularly for its use of water. Not only did the game make water look better than players had ever seen, but it also felt realistic in terms of the physics involved and the impact it had on the jet ski’s which players were controlling. It’s inclusion in the Switch Online’sNintendo 64 Librarymarks a great opportunity for older gamers to revisit the iconic title, or alternatively, new gamers who are unfamiliar with it to experience it for the first time.
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Wave Race 64 Was Revolutionary
Wave Race 64 represented something of a watershed moment for Nintendo. It’s transition from 2D to 3D gaming was one of the most significant moments in gaming history, and while the N64 launch titleSuper Mario 64stole most of the headlines,Wave Race 64released just a couple of months later to glowing reviews from critics. The game featured high-speed jet ski races across nine distinct courses. It made impressive use of lighting and graphics and displayed a variety of distinctive weather conditions to show off the early visual capabilities of the N64.
The title was initially meant to feature high-speed boats which were able to transform, but producer Shigeru Miyamoto ultimately decided to scrap that idea as he felt it would hinder the game’s identity. The game eventually turned into a sequel to the 1992Game Boy gameWave Racefeaturing jet ski’s. Gamers are tasked with maneuvering the jet skis across the tricky courses, including traversing jump ramps, water buoys and other hazards along the way. The controls were responsive and precise, which made navigating the choppy waters an incredibly fun task.
The game, which many dubbed ‘F-Zeroon water’, offers various modes of play. Championship mode allows players to choose from four different racers with varying attributes and compete in a series of races, while Time Trial mode allows gamers to compete for the fastest course completion time, and the innovative Stunt Mode tasks players to complete a series of stunts and pass through rings in order to accumulate points and earn a total score for each course. The in-race mechanics task players with passing buoys on the correct side, which will boost the engine power of the jet ski. Passing them on the wrong side results in engine power dropping. This is a clever little nuance on the normal racing formula which helps to keep things fresh.
Wave Race 64is currently available for Nintendo 64 and Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack.
