Wave Race 64

 Nintendo 64
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. Electric Playground
    100
    Without question the most unique and satisfying home racing videogame I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. This is, as you're no doubt aware, no minuscule feat. To declare that a racer is as good or better than WipeOut XL, Sega Rally, The Need For Speed or Ridge Racer Revolution is usually a fool's practice. However, WR 64 and its incredible water worlds are in a class by itself.
  2. Hot Games
    100
    The constantly evolving waves and progressively harder CPU opponents mean that Wave Race 64 never stops from being challenging.
  3. IGN
    97
    Simply put, Wave Race 64 stands shoulder-to-shoulder with "Wipeout XL" and "Sega Rally" in the pantheon as one of the best racers ever...a piece of art.
  5. Gaming Age
    96
    Not only are the graphics stunning, they are actually the reason the game is at the top of it's class in play mechanics.
  6. Nintendojo
    95
    Even four years later, the game remains a graphic marvel and is perfectly balanced in terms of gameplay.
  7. GamerWeb Nintendo
    95
    Miyamoto has touched WR64 with his golden hand, and with beautiful graphics, immaculate gameplay, and some of the best replay value for a racer out there it's a title not to be passed up.
  8. TotalGames.net
    90
    A dark horse of Grand National-winning quality. The stunning graphics, immaculate playability and entirely original handling make for a game like no other. As much as with "Mario 64," Wave Race 64 alone justifies the cost of the N64.
  9. Computer and Video Games
    90
    It's awesome to look at, a treat to play and as original a racer as youire ever going to see, and the two-player mode gives the game a totally fresh level of challenge. You'll take to it like a duck to water.
  10. Games Domain
    90
    If you were left dry by Mario 64's lack of replay value, pick this one up and get wet in the realm of replay value, 'cause that is the only thing to explain why I'm playing this game 24-7.
  11. All Game Guide
    90
    What really propels Wave Race 64 into great status, though, is its gameplay. Minute inputs make all the difference: controlling a jet-ski in Wave Race 64 is an art as well as a precise science, but it's fun too.
  12. GameSpot
    86
    May not have the long-term challenge that Mario does, but gamers will find themselves itching to play it for some time. This is a very solid game, in many ways the best racing game ever seen on a home system.
  13. Game Revolution
    83
    The sound is wonderful. You can almost hear the gearshifts as your jet-ski accelerates. Do a barrel roll in the air, and hear the crowd scream.
  14. Nintendorks
    60
    The replay value is where this game really suffers. You can only win the championship so many times before you die of boredom, and going through time trials and stunt mode offer no real thrill. 2-player mode is nice, but is still rather monotonous, going through the same courses time after time.

Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best N64 Game of 1996
2
#2 Most Discussed N64 Game of 1996
2
#2 Most Shared N64 Game of 1996

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 129 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 95 out of 129
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 129
  3. Negative: 4 out of 129
  1. Parowake
    Feb 19, 2020
    10
    Se trata probablemente del mejor juego de carreras de la N64. Los gráficos son sensacionales, con unos efectos de las olas muy realistas. LaSe trata probablemente del mejor juego de carreras de la N64. Los gráficos son sensacionales, con unos efectos de las olas muy realistas. La jugabilidad es perfecta, con un control que hace sentir las físicas de las motos de agua. Recomiendo fervientemente la versión Shindou edition, que tiene implementada la vibración y le da un punto extra sobre las versiones estándar europea y americana.… Full Review »
  2. SCB92
    Oct 27, 2011
    6
    Perhaps the best racing game on Nintendo 64; I just wish there were more courses in the game; it's quite difficult to make the racers doPerhaps the best racing game on Nintendo 64; I just wish there were more courses in the game; it's quite difficult to make the racers do stunts; the voiceover can be patronising and what he says can be cheesy and corny… Full Review »
  3. bestbloodyday
    May 22, 2012
    6
    The graphic was stunning by the moment standards, but that's all. Wave Race is more like a demo than a complete game. Almost no courses orThe graphic was stunning by the moment standards, but that's all. Wave Race is more like a demo than a complete game. Almost no courses or racers. There was only a few tricks. Very short game without much of a relevance.… Full Review »
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