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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.
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Published
By :
NINTENDO
Developed
By:
NST
Year Published :
2001
Players :
1-4
ESRB Rating:
EVERYONE
OVERALL
SCORE
9.0
VISUALS |
8.8 |
AUDIO |
8.5 |
GAMEPLAY |
9.1 |
REPLAY
VALUE |
8.9 |
INNOVATION |
8.5 |
While it's not a full-on change from Wave Race 64, Blue Storm has
enough to feel new.
Splashdown
Jet X20
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