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Wave Race: Blue Storm
Platform GameCube
Publisher Nintendo
Developer Nintendo
Genre Racing
Number of Players 4
ESRB Rating E
MSRP $49.99
Release Date
Nov 19, 2001
Gameshark Rating: 8.5
Graphics: 8
Sound: 8
Control: 8
Fresh Factor: 7
Game Life: 7
"Surf's up dude!"
Oh wait...wrong review.
(ahem)
"Wave's up, dude!"
There, that's much better.
Nintendo's Game Cube has finally launched in the states, and I must say it's doing relatively better than its Japanese counterpart. With its launch comes several great, if not impressive games. One of those is of course Wave Race: Blue Storm. The series progression from little known Game Boy game to N64 capabilities display and now launch title fodder has been a steady line of successful games. It's no different this time around. While not the most obvious producer of what the Game Cube can really do, nor a great step above it's previous version, it's still a fun game to play.
For those new to the series, Wave Rave is just that: a race on waves using Jet Skis. The N64 version was hailed as legendary because of the water physics and visual beauty that it showed off what the system could have been. There has yet to be a game on a rival system that can top Wave Rave, and it seems only Nintendo themselves are capable of doing such a feat. The water physics in WR (and Pikmin for that matter) are astounding, and really do show what the system has hiding inside that Gecko engine. There are also reflections and more water physics to take into account. The stages range from small to huge, with a nice variety to them. All new weather effects compliment some wonderful looking graphics, which of course include the Dolphin from the first one.
The Game Cube controller, while receiving some criticism when it was first announced, provides perfect button usage with WR, though the same can't be said for some other games. You'll be able to perform various tricks while steering your craft, allowing for extra points and some bragging rights. There are several modes, all now standard for this type of game; Tournament, Free Run, Stunt, Time Attack, and Practice. Up to four players can cruise the waves in hope for the big win.
Wave Race: Blue Storm is no doubt 'release fodder' when compared to some other
games, but it does its job as fodder quite well; it's good enough to warrant
a purchase, and it shows off what the system is capable of. Just don't expect
it to have a long lasting life.