Cruis'n USA

"It's Still The Best!!!"

Last night I picked this game up from it's box on my shelf, and I popped it into my N64. Boy was I surprised. I had forgotten just how fun this game was. I made a profile and entered the main screen. I played it for 5 hours. In that time I maxed out 5 of the 7 classic cars, and I am currently half-way through another one. I have decided that even though there have been MAJOR improvements in racing games since 1996, this one still takes the cake as my favorite racing game ever. Lets get started on my rating:

Sound (9/10) - Even though some of the words the crowd was yelling at me were impossible to decipher, this game still has some of the most awesome original songs I have ever seen in a video game. My personal favorites are the cowboy style ''Deadwood Drive'' and the dance beat of ''House Special''. The features such as the engines roaring, and cars in opposite lanes screeching their brakes and yelling ''We're gonna' crash!!!!!!!'' make this game even more entertaining.

Graphics (9/10) - Well, considering it was an N64 game in 1996, I'd have to say they did a pretty good job with this one. You can find way better graphics in any newer game, but this game was ahead of it's time in all departments including this one. Their are some nice details on the cars, but the background scenery looks like crap. I still love it anyway.

Gameplay (10/10) - At some points this game does get frustrating if your hands sweat, and your thumb slides around on the control stick. If your dry though, you have pretty good control over your car. The only problem that always exists is going around corners. Because of the fact that you're traveling at such high speeds, taking a corner without wiping out can be very tricky in this game. I suggest letting go of the gas on corners in the tougher levels such as ''Redwood Forest'' and ''US 101''.

Options (9/10) - There's not very many options on this game, but there are enough to keep you busy trying everything out.

Two Players (10/10) - Yes, this game dos have a two player mode where you can choose to either travel across the nation, or select a single course. Both players select cars, and you can choose different settings, such as having the other 8 racers, or having oncoming traffic. It's very fun.

Replay Value (10/10) - This game is awesome with replay value, because to beat the game, you have to complete it 4 times with each of the 7 cars, so it will keep you busy for quite a while if you choose to get it.

Rent or Buy?- Depends. Back in the day I would say rent it for a party, and buy it for loneliness, but now days nobody would want this for a party, so I would buy it for my ''classics'' collection.

Overall (10/10) - Overall I feel that this was a revolutionary game in racing, because it seemed to really push on the other series like ''Need For Speed'' and ''Gran Turismo'' to make better games in order to beat this one out. It has had a great effect on the racing genre, and will always be hailed as a great.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 05/25/03, Updated 05/25/03