LADYDRAGON.COM - EXCITEBIKE 64

Excitebike 64 was a game from the original Nintendo that is sure to bring back a lot of memories. It was developed with new ideas by Leftfield entertainment, and published by Nintendo.

Excitebike 64 is now almost a simulation of Motocross, but with more action and extreme jumps to add in a lot of fun.

The menu presents 6 choices: Season, Exhibition Race, Time Trials, Special Tracks, Options and Custom Tracks.

Before each race you have to choose between 6 racers and their motorcycles, which has different characteristics like Landing, Cornering, Jumping and Turbo. You can also choose the color of the bike and the racer, but only when you play by yourself.

The original Excitebike

All the racers can perform 8 acrobatic tricks, like the high flying jumps and in air stunts, just like on the original Nintendo game. It is also possible to race on one wheel.

If you beat the season mode, you will have access to 6 different tracks, like play soccer with your bike, or play the full original Excitebike from the first Nintendo.

You will see spectacular accidents because in this game the impact and the fall are proportional to the speed you are racing. During the race you have a commentator who will describe the actions during the race.

It is possible to save your best times in Time Trial with an invisible racer called "Ghost". You have to beat the ghost's time before you can replace it with a new best time. The Time Trial option is only available on the pre-made tracks, not on your custom designed ones.

The Tutorial lets you to practice and learn just the lessons you want to try. Each lesson shows you different racing techniques and how to make different tricks with the help of a ghost.

Jump high in the air

Play with friends

Excitebike 64 has a very limited map editor where you can design your own basic tracks that will not include many different elements, such as trees and tunnels.

You will encounter some problems when you go near the side of the track. You can get stuck, and will not be able to get out, even using Turbo or Slide.

A small problem is that the reverse and stop are the same button. In the Climb Hill Mode this can be fatal. Also sometimes the racers fall too easily off their bikes. The music has good rhythms, but sometimes it gets repetitive.

The racers move well on their bikes, you can see the hands revving the engine, turning the handlebars, and even putting their boots on the bike correctly. They also change posture depending on the trick they are performing.

Make your own track

The combination of good control, sound and movement gives good realism and at the same time a great gameplay.

The game is extremely competitive. Even when you are experienced and know the bike well the challenge factor is always present.

The menu interface are quite clear and well presented, we understand rapidly how everything works. Also, the menu keeps in memory the last options you have selected.

The Soccer mode included by the programmer Mike Lamb was an original and very exciting idea.

Left Field improved on Excitebike, while keeping the charm and quality of the original game.

Excitebike 64 is one of the best games there is on Nintendo 64, so if you are looking for a good racing game, or to relive the experience of the original, you will not be disappointed.

Companies

Developer
Left Field
www.leftfield.com

Publisher
Nintendo
www.nintendo.ca

Category
Motocross Racing

Notes

Originality: 94%
Gameplay: 95%
Interest: 96%
Graphic: 94%
Control: 92%
Sound: 91%

TOTAL: 94%

Requirements

Console
Nintendo 64

Analog Controller
Compatible

Vibration Function
Compatible

Rumble Pak
Compatible