Excitebike 64

"A smashing success."

Excitebike 64 was released in May of 2000 for the Nintendo 64. It was developed by Left Field Productions (the creators of such hits as Kobe’s Bryant’s NBA Courtside and it’s sequel) and was distributed by Nintendo of America. It is the sequel to the original Excitebike which was released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), the original game featured the first ever track editor. This game features 20 tracks. This game supports the Expansion Pak and uses the Memory Pak to save time trial information (40 pages) and created tracks (4 pages).

Graphics-10/10- This game boasts the best graphics ever in a motocross game, even moreso if you use an Expansion Pak (the graphics become sharper, but the game is letterboxed.) The animation is also great, everything, from popping wheelies to crashing looks perfect, everything has a very fluid look to it. Another high-point is the in-game environments, they are amazing, the rocks look like real rocks, the same goes for the flowing water. The only downside is the ever so occasional slowdown that occurs when
things get cluttered on-screen.

Pros- Everything has a sharp and defined look to it. The animation is fluid. The environments look amazing.
Cons- Occasional slowdown.

Sound-10/10-The sound in this game is excellent across the board; the music is good enough, it’s nothing fancy, but it serves its purpose. The sound effects are perfect, everything from the engine revving up, to bikers falling off of their bikes sounds just like you’d expect it to. The in-game announcer is a huge surprise for me, I was expecting the worst (after all, announcing usually get hacked up on the N64), but I was very surprised with the quality of it in this game, he sound crystal clear and doesn’t repeat himself too much.

Pros- Excellent sound effects. The in-game announcing is well-done.
Cons- The in-game music is kind of bland.

Gameplay-10/10- First things first, the in-game racing engine is among the best ever on
the N64; it’s definitely up there with WaveRace 64, F-Zero X, and Mario Kart 64. It makes this game a dream to play. There is a ton of stuff to do in this game; the amount of modes and options is virtually endless.
Some of the modes featured in the game are:
Season: From here you can do tutorials on the various techniques found in the game, successfully completing it will unlock the original Excitebike. You can also choose to start competing for the gold, you can choose from Novice or Ameteur difficulty levels at first, each one features different tracks and prizes for beating them. Before you compete in a race, you’re given the option of changing your player, his/her color, and the color of the bike.
Exhibition- this allows you to play any of the Novice or Ameteur tracks whenever you want.
Track Editor- allows you to create your own indoor track where you can place turns, jumps, and items wherever you want.
Secret Tracks- allows you play secret tracks that are unlocked by progressing through the game. At first you’ll only have access to the Desert Track (your goal is to snuff out 10 fires) and the Stunt Course (you get points for doing tricks, this occurs in an indoor track), but if you meet the prerequisites you’ll be able to unlock the original Excitebike, Soccer (multiplayer only mode), Hill Climb, and Excite 3-D (the original Excitebike tracks running on the Excitebike 64 engine.)

Pros- Tons to do. Excellent game engine.
Cons- None

Control-10/10- This game controls like a dream, the controls are super-responsive. There are many new facets to the control, like stunts and brake turning, but they’re all pulled off without a hitch.

Pros- Very responsive control. The new control aspects are easy to pull off.
Cons- None

Replay Value-10/10- This game is packed to the gills with replay value, it has more secrets than any other racing game in recent memory, from new difficulty levels to courses, this game has it all. If nothing else, replay it for nostalgia, Excitebike is hidden in the game, if you don’t want to unlock everything, at least unlock this.

Pros- There’s a ton of secrets.
Cons- Some may not feel like unlocking everything.

Presentation-9/10- The in-game presentation, as well as the menus fit the game’s them perfectly, but some of the menus are a little clunky and hard to navigate through.

Pros- Everything fits the game’s theme perfectly.
Cons- Some menus are clunky.

Overall-10/10- This game features great graphics, sound, control, and one of the best racing engines ever to make a motocross game that all gamers can enjoy.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/29/00, Updated 09/29/00