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 BACK IN THE WATER WAVE RACE BLUE STORM Written By Shaun McCracken Wave Race Blue Storm is really more of an upgrade than a full-on sequel. But that's not bad, since you're getting a more visualized package than the N64 version. For those who have never played the N64 hit, or even the 1992 GameBoy racer, Wave Race is a racing/stunt game with awesome wave dynamics (started with the N64), with an emphasis on keeping the mechanics rather simple. Wave Race 64 was a benchmark racing game that had cool water effects, but also had some really addictive game play not seen in other racing titles. You could indulge in a tough championship series, or go all out in the stunt mode, trying to beat your previous best each time. The mix of racing and stunts paved the way for other games in this series, including 2001's Splashdown, and even titles such as San Francisco Rush 2049. WRBS doesn't deter from this formula, but rather irons out most of the graphical kinks of the N64 classic, and refines the game play even more. While the end result is an overall great package, WRBS is actually a little more difficult to grasp than the more accessible WaveRace 64. Perhaps NST was going for a more realistic feel, but in a way, it makes you work a little more harder than you should for a win. But is this problematic? Not really, since many series refine and alter the mechanics within each sequel. And WRBS still manages to come out ahead of other water racers, including Infograme's Splashdown, for one particular reason. WRBS's premise is fairly simple, race to win. But in the way you race is different than other racing games. You have to clear each buoy to stay in the game. If you miss, you come much closer to retiring, but if you clear it, you'll be much closer to earning a boost. While this seems like it limits your freedom, it actually keeps you from getting off course. This is something the developers of Jet Moto should have adopted. The opposition this time around is even crueler than before. While the Normal championship can be a breeze, it gets harder each peg you move up. But you can also plan out your championship with some strategy. You will be given most of the weather conditions ahead of time, and you can select the course you wish to race. It breaks apart a linear championship, and allows you to decide on when you want to race. If one course seems harder during a storm, then you can put off that course when a clear condition opens up. Cool, huh? Speaking of weather, weather plays a critical role in WRBS. Courses dramatically change from clear conditions to rainy or stormy conditions. Waves get wilder and some courses flood (use that to your advantage on Aspen Lake). Unlike road courses, water is a completely different beast. No course is alike in a certain weather condition, and this enhances game play a little bit more. Developers of the next Gran Turismo should take note: weather changes everything. The game looks and moves pretty well. It's not ugly, and is actually a lot nicer than the slapped-on polygon look of WR64. But there's no real lighting dynamics, which may irritate those who are sticklers for realism. But the water more than makes up for this. While the texturing is nicer in Splashdown, it really doesn't beat the size and nature of the waves in WRBS. This game is above average with a solid 30 frames-per second framerate with a great sense of speed. Also, the water that splashes on screen is pretty cool, too. As for sound, the music is a better, but not that memorable. It's way beyond the MIDI tracks of WR 64, but perhaps licensed music could have been used instead. Your partner (rather than an announcer) can be obnoxious, but can be shut off! Why do things need to be shouted out to you anyway? The controls, while a little more demanding, are still pretty tight and accurate. The mechanics is a learning curve that can be dealt with, but at the same time really turn off amateur gamers. Finally, I said there was something that made WRBS better than Splashdown. It's the stunt mode. While Splashdown doesn't really have one, Wave Race's comes back, and it's bigger than before. More levels to choose from on each course, and each challenge is laid out differently. While I would have liked to have seen more of an emphasis on stunts rather than rings, it's always fun to beat your previous best, and challenge others to a face off. Wave Race Blue Storm is an ideal game for your Gamecube collection, especially for those who adored Wave Race 64 or those who enjoyed future water racing endeavors such as HydroThunder. It does have a learning curve that requires some refining by the player, but all in all it's a safe bet. A great game for everyone, and just great to have around. Nothing violent, crude or offensive, just racing. . . . |
  Published By : NINTENDO Developed By: NST Year Published : 2001 Players : 1-4 ESRB Rating: EVERYONE  OVERALL
SCORE
9.0
While it's not a full-on change from Wave Race 64, Blue Storm has enough to feel new.  Splashdown Jet X20  |
