|
|
|
WAVE RACE (GB)
|
Publisher: Nintendo.
Developer: Nintendo EAD. Released: June 1997 (Europe); 1992 (US). Genre: Racing. Posted 10th January 2021. By Tom Clare © 2021 |
|
Wave Race marks an unusual footnote in Nintendo’s storied back catalogue. As obscure as its N64 successor was popular, this Game Boy racer released in North America back in 1992 and for a considerable length of time, the US is where it looked like it would remain. However, a whopping five years later and presumably to capitalise on the new-found brand recognition wrought by its sequel, Wave Race would arrive on European shores in 1997. I hesitate to call it a localising: there are no alterations whatsoever. It can therefore be assumed that Nintendo’s original line was that a portable jet ski racer would have little commercial impact.
Still, who cares about marketability, as long as it’s fun? For those landlubbers among us who simply aren’t middle class enough to possess a personal watercraft of our own, Wave Race serves as a sturdy if unspectacular representation of the thrill-seeker sport. Robust design mechanics make commendable use of its Game Boy hardware. Races pit the player against three A.I. opponents in multi-event competitions. Crafts handle nicely, with the sluggish, floaty cornering slides emulating the pull of water with surprising effectiveness. Whilst at first glance, courses look pretty similar, the scope of their design broadens to a pleasing variety of twisty layouts, with directional currents and jumps thrown in for dastardly measure. Wave Race delights and indulges in tricky slaloms, dog-legs and hairpins, with a view to testing the player’s powers of control and showing off its nifty physics.
|
|
For those unable to afford a jet ski, or perhaps even a Super Nintendo in the nineties, Wave Race is a solid racing substitute
Just as with Super Mario Kart, there are three speed classes that (you guessed it) provide a modest increase in velocity as you progress. The racing is a little more conventional however, with no deployable power-ups save for a rechargeable nitrous boost, which can be handy for stealing a march on the competition in the fast sections. Granted, it’s made to look pedestrian by the likes of Micro Machines which launched on the Game Boy in the period it took Wave Race to eventually cross the Atlantic, but races are good value for the strong, consistent competition provided. As a result, races are close and engaging affairs, with lots of overtaking and plenty of jostling for position.
These traditional-style Grand Prix events are Wave Race’s strongest suit. In addition, there’s a Slalom mode. Here, the aim is to collect points by passing through checkpoints dotted around obstacle-strewn arenas, claiming any active gates before your opponents can. It’s a nice idea but doesn’t quite come off. The problem is, qualification is dictated not by your position over a series of events, but by your cumulative score. In this respect, events can feel out of your hands. Coordinated performances from the A.I. can easily deny the player, with one lean event usually enough to scupper your chances of progressing, even if you win the championship overall.
These traditional-style Grand Prix events are Wave Race’s strongest suit. In addition, there’s a Slalom mode. Here, the aim is to collect points by passing through checkpoints dotted around obstacle-strewn arenas, claiming any active gates before your opponents can. It’s a nice idea but doesn’t quite come off. The problem is, qualification is dictated not by your position over a series of events, but by your cumulative score. In this respect, events can feel out of your hands. Coordinated performances from the A.I. can easily deny the player, with one lean event usually enough to scupper your chances of progressing, even if you win the championship overall.
|
|
|
It’s pretty easy on the eye. Wave Race’s menus are well-presented, clear and personable. There are lots of nice little animations, particularly upon winning a tournament, to jazz things up. In-game, things look impressive thanks to some great water effects and neat touches, such as the buoys that mark out corners lighting up as you pass through. Despite their myriad twists and general business, courses prove easy to navigate, with the top-down perspective placed far enough away from the action to see where you’re headed. The jet skis all look the same, exhibiting only a limited range of animations and there’s sadly no vehicle select to offer players some alternatives. The music deserves a mention though, especially the main theme, which is deliciously catchy.
|
|
The races offer consistently close, enjoyable tussles, whilst the Slalom events are a bit hit and miss
It’s not the fastest, nor the most exciting racing game to have graced the Game Boy. Indeed, were it not for its celebrated sequels, it’s hard to believe that Wave Race would have been remembered for its portable outing alone. That said, Nintendo’s racer offers assured quality, close racing and a decent challenge. Whilst it’s unlikely to live foremost in the memories of Game Boy fans, it may be one you’ll appreciate (and return to) more, with extended play.
|
|
VERDICT
"It’s neither the fastest, nor the flashiest of GB racers. It can't compete with Micro Machines, but for good old-fashioned, competitive lights-to-flag racing, Wave Racer ticks the right boxes." OVERALL: 6/10 |