Wave Race 64 Nintendo 64
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: Nov 1, 1996
Metascore
92 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critics

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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Nintendojo
    95
    Even four years later, the game remains a graphic marvel and is perfectly balanced in terms of gameplay.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Hot Games
    100
    The constantly evolving waves and progressively harder CPU opponents mean that Wave Race 64 never stops from being challenging.
  9. 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.
  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.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. SCB92
    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 do stunts; the voiceover can be patronising and what he says can be cheesy and corny… Full Review »
  2. eduinsane
    10
    One of the bast game of Nintendo 64 , incredible when it was released, magnificent water effects and sound. Better than Wave Race Blue Storm on the gamecube.… Full Review »
  3. Starfire
    10
    Another perfect Nintendo release- with all the refreshing fun of racing on waves. The colours, the dolphins, the feeling of speed- all this, plus the possibility of tricks makes this still one of the best racers ever. Like other hallmark N64 titles, it is a 3D sensation as well as a game- and in it's niche the best ever made.… Full Review »
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