Game Review

Waverace: Blue Storm Review

Region: North America (NTSC)

2nd January, 2006 by Paul Catlin

Waverace 64 was my favourite non-car racing game, how will this Gamecube sequel fare?

Waverace: Blue Storm Screenshot

Starting off in Waverace is noticeably more difficult than the original version of the game, but with more stunts to learn and the new boost feature, the game is much more rewarding when you do get the hang of it. The majority of the tracks are updated versions of the original game, which is no bad thing as they are updated quite a lot and were excellent to start with. Each level has 3 difficulty levels that change the level layout, not just the skill of the opponents.

You can play as one of eight racers with differing attributes in the 5 properties of each jetski. (Acceleration, Top Speed, Manoeuvrability, Stunt Skill and Strength) The other main difference between the playable characters is the 'pit-chief' you have and the music used throughout the game, (why all this is in this section ;) which is good by the way.

Waverace: Blue Storm Screenshot

The visuals in this game don't fail to stun me. The water is obviously the star attraction of this game, and what a star it is, from drops splashing on the TV screen after a jump, to the stormy weather. Also you can choose to race in different weather conditions which effects not only the wave height and visibility, but also on some levels the water level! The weather effects are brilliant. Racing while the rain gets harder and harder, ending in multiple lightning bolts is an experience you will want to take part in!

The championship mode will take a while to complete over the 18 iterations of tracks, especially as there is no single race mode where you can practice against opponents.
The multiplayer mode is great for people that have already learned the controls, but for a quick blast with people that don't own the game, Waverace will disappoint.

Conclusion

A great game that starts off just OK, mainly because of the unfortunate non-pick-up-and-play control system, unlike the original game.

7/10

Game Screenshots

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