Update: It's official, Cruis'n Blast is a Nintendo Switch console exclusive – it was confirmed during today's Nintendo Direct.
Here's some PR:
Cruis’n Blast for Nintendo Switch features a total of 29 thrilling tracks, including all five fan-favorite tracks from the arcade version of the game (Death Valley, London, Madagascar, Rio de Janeiro and Singapore), as well as 23 upgradeable vehicles – from licensed supercars to unicorns. The game supports up to four players on the same console or separate consoles via local play.
Cruis’n Blast will be released on Nintendo Switch in Fall 2021, with a specific date to be announced soon.
Original Story [Thu 20th May, 2021 09:00 BST]: The Cruis'n series was once seen as Nintendo's attempt to break into the lucrative arcade racer market, once dominated by titles such as Ridge Racer, OutRun and Daytona USA.
Released in arcades in 1994, Cruis'n USA – the first entry in the franchise – was intended to be a showcase for the power of the Nintendo 64 and was a commercial success, but the home version ended up being some of a disappointment when it arrived two years later. That didn't stop the game from spawning several sequels, the most recent of which is Cruis'n Blast, which arrived in arcades back in 2017.
It would seem that the game is now headed to consoles, as a rating was filed on May 19th with the Australian Board of Classification. While no format is mentioned, the fact that Nintendo has ownership of the series should mean that Switch will be in on the action.
The original Cruis'n USA was developed by the legendary Eugene Jarvis for Midway Games, with the project being a joint venture between Williams (Midway's owner) and Nintendo. Cruis'n Blast is developed by Raw Thrills, the arcade company Jarvis founded in 2001, under licence from Nintendo.
Comments (114)
Oh Myyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Gooooooooooooooooodddddddddddddddddd, this game is amazing
I always thought the Cruis'n series was just a Midway thing. Had no idea that Nintendo were involved.
If we're resurrecting OTT racing series from that era I'd take a new San Francisco Rush!
It looks alright but the London landmarks are in the wrong place, there's no truth to this art! ;p
I often forget Nintendo own the Cruis'n series. The lack of Spirits in SSBU probably contributed to my misconception somewhat.
I'd be more interested in an arcade compilation of the original three arcade games. License and toss in California Speed as an extra.
Very nice. This would be a great surprise "blast" from the past to help round out the Switch's offerings for late this year.
I guess the narrow focus on amusements is probably a challenge these days. Good to see Raw Thrills possibly changing gears and embracing consoles
I've found it weird in the last few years why arcades games aren't being ported as often as years gone by.... this as an example, Daytona 3 too... As I understand it, a lot of arcade boards these days are just PCs rather than dedicated hardware - surely porting shouldn't be too difficult/expensive? With digital releases possible (as opposed to having to manufacture on physical media that costs ££), the initial outlay must be quite small for games that have already been developed but sadly won't get much play or indeed revenue in ever shrinking arcade venues.
Throw in the originals as unlockables and I'd be all over this even at full price. Great games, often overlooked when it comes to Arcade Racing retrospectives.
I know it wasn't a great game but I really liked Cruis'n USA on the N64.
Thank You Nintendo... Sincere Thank You!
This has absolutely made my day. Love this series.
@jump What you mean? Clearly you haven’t been to London anytime recently. All the landmarks are 100% accurate
FIVE tracks! Spoiled we aren't. Ah well, if it's cheap enough I'll bite
I didn’t even know this existed, a pleasant surprise. Would be good if they also release Cruisin USA / World also
@__jamiie
It certainly wasn't terrible, even on N64. The problem at the time it launched on N64 was that PS had Ridge Racer/Revolution, and Saturn had Daytona/Sega Rally, and it looked tremendously dated in comparison. The arcade version was brilliant, but it never gained much traction due to the 3D racers coming through at the time - the same fate as the fantastic OutRunners.
Yes please! Really would buy any arcade racer at this point!
@Johnno137426 back in the 80s and less so in the 90s virtually every arcade game got multiple home conversions despite many of them being nothing like their arcade counterparts.
Nowadays because console technology has surpassed arcade technology there’s little advantage for arcade manufacturers to produce games that don’t rely on dedicated cabinets.....steering wheels, hydraulics, light gun games etc. and obviously these games don’t get converted.
Visiting arcades was a great experience back in the day but arcades are like hens teeth now in the UK.
Isn't this meant to be a good game? I'm interested if its 60fps and they 'home-ify' it for replayability (so that it's not just credit-eating arcade style gameplay).
@FragRed True, with the lockdowns The Illuminati have been reshaping the city and no one has noticed aside from the developer. You should see the new meat processing slave camp they have built in Shoreditch, that will make sure the Lizard Men are fed!
I had no idea Nintendo was involved with this series. I also had no idea the 64 version was poorly received (critically). I LOVED that game. I played the h*** out of it! I bought a special, translucent controller, just for this game! 😂
@jump New? I just assumed that was how Shoreditch always looked. Just like how Slough has become nothing more than a giant crater.
@HamatoYoshi Yeah I see your point - I just don't know why having spent all the money on the arcade that the comparatively low cost of porting to consoles isn't undertaken more. Especially as when - like you say - arcades are few and far between this days. Taking this as an example, plenty of people play driving games at home without the sit down cabinet
Wow, judging by that rather good trailer it looks like they nailed it, the controls and gameplay seem to be pretty spot on with the originals. I would buy this for sure.
@BionicDodo Yeah same, Rush 2049 is probably one of the most fun and unique racing games I have played, they always had a great feel.
@FragRed I can't comment on Slough, anything outside of London is The North where I don't venture. I prefer the sophisticated lifestyle of London where people throw up in the street at 4am outside Fabric, the world famous M&M store and the home of Harry Styles.
I'm all for over the top racing games. Little dissappointed that the cars just seem to explode away when you touch them for a little whiile though. I wanna feel like i have an impact when i ram other cars, like in Burnout for example.
YES PLEASE!
I grew up playing Cruis'n Exotica on the N64( played the Arcade version as well), I have nothing but fond memories of the game.
If this turns out to be true I'll be one happy man.
Interesting. I feel like I haven’t seen an actual arcade racer home port in decades.
The interesting thing is Raw Thrills licensed the Cruis'n name from Nintendo. I wonder if Nintendo would be willing to start letting publishers borrow other Nintendo franchises that have been on the back-burner, a bit like SEGA did with Streets of Rage etc.
Now this is what I'm all about, I love arcade racers like this, it's such a shame they hardly get made these days. If this comes to the Switch it will be an insta-buy.
I would really like to play the Cruis'n (and Rush) games on Switch.
Wireless local play please
It better have a fire engine and school bus as a secret vehicles!
Huge fan of Cruis’n World on the N64, so definitely excited for this! But that had 15 tracks which makes the 5 on offer here just a bit of a downer 😔. Hoping for some unlockables or a bargain bin price!
It's about time. I played the [email protected]$! out of this machine at my local bowling alley when it was released.
It is Fantastic!!!
Thought we would a seen a much earlier release on Switch to be honest.
I lost hope , thought they passed on the opportunity. I hope they've done good job translating to switch with extra modes and vehicles.
Looking forward to this!
A Great news!!!!
Really I adore this racing series, and I was wondering that the latest version was skipping the Nintendo consoles, but it seems that no longer, what a thrill! ^.^
I'd love to see the whole cruis'n series come out.
AND Fzero but I guess that one is truly dead.
@BionicDodo San Francisco rush was a blast!
From someone who takes seaside holidays quite often, Cruis'n Blast is always one of arcade highlights of my time away, so it's great that I could potentially play this whenever I want. Really good game and probably the best one since the N64 days.
Love the Cruis'n games back in the arcade and N64 days but every games after that just doesn't feel good at all. While other driving games are getting into the street racing and simulation driving craze, Cruis'n remains arcade style which is good but even so most of its gameplay, graphics, and features didn't evolve making the series feel stale and boring. Also Nintendo really needs to get involve with this series, putting their name on this means it should be handle with care but this series doesn't seem like it got handle very well at all. Hopefully this new entry will win me back to the series again as I didn't enjoy the Wii version at all.
It's on my wishing list for so long!
Now bring Wave Race and 1080.
This looks like straight up fun. I’ll totally buy it should it come to Switch. There aren’t enough arcade racers.
Anyone else got goosebumps when reading this?
The good news is that this Cruis'n game actually looks like a fun racer. The N64 trilogy was decent for its time and millions found joy in the simple arcadey gameplay, but Cruis'n for Wii was uninspired, ugly, and just didn't feel like the original 3 games. Probably because of its quality, Nintendo let Midway publish it.
With Cruis'n Blast however Nintendo seems to be on board again.
This gets me excited though I'm up here for Excite Truck 2.
Hopefully it's properly done like "GTI Club+" on PS3 which is still PS3 exclusive. That port were upgraded and runs at 1080p/60.
Came here hoping the use of the “Cruisin’” moniker was related to the one of old, making a comeback. Leaving VERY happy!
Only five tracks? Looks fun otherwise.
@WoomyNNYes That old trailer was from 2016 for the arcade version, I think the home port may had more exclusive tracks probably.
Nice, i've been waiting for this.
My local arcade had this game, good times! Would love to see the Crusin' series get some attention again!
I was lucky I could play this (and Mario Kart Arcade GP DX) before lockdown. If Cruis'n Blast comes to the Switch I'll definitely be there.
Cruis'n is a series I've never played that much, but always enjoy whenever I play it. Cruis'n Exotica might be the one I played the most at arcades as I usually see it almost everywhere that has old arcades.
5 tracks is a little harsh. Still, maybe there will be something extra for the home.
Love cruis'n used to play it in the arcades in Skegness all the time but it was called fast & furious then got it on the Wii
Heck yeah! I LOVE Cruisin Blast. I spend way too much time on it at the arcade. I wouldn't mind the other Cruisin games as well but I do want Blast at home.
IF ONLY we had a REAL wheel to play these games on YES I'm talking to YOU FANATEC !!
Hell yeah! I love arcade racing games. How about H2Overdrive?
It’s strange that Nintendo has been essentially sitting on a game.
@Slowdive yeah that's the one! I know people have it running on their PCs - Sega actually released the download link on their arcade website a few years back - for free - by accident a few years ago.
@Rob13 Not quite goosebumps, but I did close my eyes before opening this article thinking "please don't-don't play with me. Please don't be a tease, I've been wanting Cruis'n Blast to be on the Switch for years. Please be real."
I played Cruis'n Blast at a movie theater a few years ago. I was so excited to play it, I think I embarrassed myself and made quite a commotion. I love flashy easy to pick up arcade racers, and got so sick of seeing the dozens upon dozens of simulation car games on all these consoles. After sitting through the years of delays for 90's Arcade Racer, which was announced for the Wii U and still isn't out yet, playing Cruis'n Blast was a great release.
At least now we have Horizon Chase Turbo and Hotshot Racing, but man Cruis'n Blast is so gorgeous. Here's hoping they will do a great justice of a direct port, maybe some extras. I truly hope this comes to fruition.
@Atariboy stole my thunder! Would love to see all 3 hit modern consoles! Good call on California Speed as well! 👍
Bro I played this at Dave & Busters. It kicks ass and I will totally buy this if it comes out!
If this sells well then who knows, it could MAYBE inspire some other companies to release their own long-dormant IPs, or better yet entire compilations. Franchises like Namco's Ridge Racer, Midway's Hydro Thunder and San Francisco Rush, or Sega's slew of racing-themed coin-ops (Daytona USA 1 and 2, Sega Rally Championship, SCUD Racer, Super Monaco GP, OutRunners, OutRun 2006: Coast2Coast, etc.).
The bottom line here folks is, as always, if you want more like this you've got to vote with your wallets!
@Slowdive
Wow, that's the first time I've seen that - looks bloody gorgeous!
Got a love those lyrics!
One of my all time favorite games at Dave and Busters.
I never thought they'd bring this game to Switch.
I hope it happens. I really hope it happens
@jump The game isn't real, ya know.
@Bermanator Provide a source otherwise you're just fake news ;p
Oh please please please be true! I love the Cruis'n series. I have so many great memories playing them all in the arcade and still play the N64 ports once in a while. Probably my favorite arcade racers of all time.
I think I will almost defo download this pending any disaster. If it comes.
I’d be all over it if it is. Cruisin’ USA holds some fond memories for me.
@Johnno137426 The problem isn't that porting is too difficult or expensive, but rather that it eats into the earnings of the arcade version. Arcade operators grew increasingly wary of ports after getting burned on so many fighting games in the late '90s/early 2000s.
@Johnno137426
1. It eats into the earnings of the arcade version so manufactures are not willing to port them.
2. There is a thing called "bootlegging" — you can just consider that as arcade game piracy, which sometimes involving using modified consumer hardware/software inside arcade cabinets. A home port is basically green light for such kind of piracy.
3. Some arcade games got too complex or unique controlling scheme that cannot be translated to home hardware properly — at least without purchasing expensive properitary controllers.
This looked like utter trash - graphically, it was almost on par with the N64 version - maybe just a little better, but not by much
Release date?
Nice, love arcade racers! Looked awesome!
Haha awesome!!! @Andy_Witmyer I don't think it's on par with the N64 version somehow!
It doesn't seem to have online racing, which is a shame.
Pretty good looking for a N64-era game, though that effect might be lost once you scale down to an appropriate 480p 😅
Wow only 5 tracks? That’s it?
Looks fantastic, I will be getting it. Considering 90's Arcade Racer is vaporware now, this will satisfied my arcade racing urge that Nicalis failed to do. Getting this new Cruis'n and Virtua Racing on the same platform is arcade racing heaven to me.
@Don That's just the Arcade game I think.
The Nintendo Direct video said "nearly 30" tracks. Cant find a trailer for it though.
@Don Dude didn't you watch the direct, the game will have 29 tracks including the 5 from the arcade.
Yep, super psyched for this now that I know there’s plenty of tracks! I’m all about the over the top feel of the cruis’n games, so take my money, graphics be damned!
YES!!! YES YES YES YES YES YES!!
Take my GOD DAMNED MONEY
I had no idea Nintendo owned the Cruisin' series
PLEASE be compatible with labo vehicle toy cons!!!!!!
@Aurumonado they co owned it with Midway back when Midway was around, after Midway closed they became the sole owner.
I still think porting arcade-perfect ports of the first three arcade games to see if people still like the series would have been a good idea.
Was the acceleration in the arcades games analog or digital? I know that issue could be addressed with the right control stick but it would feel a bit awkward.
Great news. Yes please
@Slowdive https://www.giantbomb.com/profile/ferrarimanf355/blog/an-annotated-history-of-the-cruisn-series-part-1/19904/
Says it was co owned, I remember reading elsewhere saying basically the same thing, but eh, still in Nintendo's hands.
Glad this one materialized (and that it will include additional tracks). Sadly, a lot of rumored projects didn't, at least for this Direct
I am so excited for this one.. almost as much as Metroid Dread!
Good game or not I enjoyed Cruisn World back on N64, have many good memories with it and it is nice to see the series return to a newer Nintendo console.
@FrankGreen84
Thank you for the info, I missed reading about the 30 tracks.
@Ghost_of_Hasashi
Thank you for the info, I overlooked the 29 tracks in the description, must have read it too fast in excitement lol. I hope each track is a different location instead of multiple tracks of the same location.
Great news will getting this one. Arcade racing absolutely love em. To much open world Forza crap nowadays. What happened to great over the top fun.
I thought this was my favourite announcement from the Direct... Until i watched the japanese Direct and saw Cave's Mushihimesama, Dodonpachi DFK and Espgaluda 2.
@WoomyNNYes 29 tracks the domestic version, 5 was the arcade.
I'm getting it for sure. It was one of the games on my eternal wishing list.
Hopefully it will also sell enough to encourage Nintendo to bring more dormant IPs back to life.
Put Wave Race next on the list please.
Quick do a barrel roll what what game is this lol
Glade to see Cruis'n games are back wonder if they will re-release the other 4 games as well
Any way this game looks great default one to get.
I played this on Arcade in 2018 or so.
Gonna purchase this.
Day one! Probably an eshop only title tho.
@FlashBoomerang Oh, 29 tracks? Thats not bad. Thanks!
I love the arcade game and the series, but not sure this is in the same league as Asphalt 9 (positively brilliant arcade racer). I'll sure I'll buy it just to see... ; )
More of this sort of thing.
@Emceehamster @GrailUK
The game has 29 tracks. It was the arcade version that had 5.
@JaxonH Nice!
@Lord Good news... third-party publisher RAW THRILLS has confirmed that Cruis'N Blast will have a physical copy to be available at retail stores this Fall.
@Leu10antFalcon doesn’t mean UK, gamemill entertainment is an American publisher and other games it’s published like cobra Kai were released in the uk by another publisher not gamemill as far as I can see gamemill have no publishing territories outside of the USA .
@Lord I respect your comment.
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