Snowboard Kids

"One of the best and most underestimated games on the ol' N64!"

I really don't know how I came across the game, but I know now, my N64 wouldn't have been the same without it.......

Graphics: 9/10

At first glance, they don't look like the best graphics on N64 what with the cartoony effects, such as the characters huge noses, but when you get playing, you'll experience the true amazement. Ride across beautiful snow-covered mountains, dodging trees or ride through tunnels where the sunsets filter through. There's even a course that takes place at night-time which is lit up.... its truly stunning what they've done with the N64.

Sound/Music: 10/10

The music is classic. Simple. Atlus managed to get music to fit with each level perfectly and not only that, its some of the best music on any game! You'll find yourself humming the tunes to yourself all the time and I enjoyed them so much, I downloaded Snowboard Kids MIDIs to listen to! Its like dance music, but better. I'd turn the game on while doing something else instead of getting out a radio/CD Player. Its that good.

The sound effects let it down a bit, nothing more than grunts or "Yeah" or "Ha!" etc. but it isn't really that important, its not something you'll notice while playing and start complaining about!

Gameplay: 10/10

First we have the characters. It isn't a huge selection, in fact, there's only 5 to start with, with 1 secret character available to unlock, but they've designed them well (apart from the big noses). They are Slash, Nancy, Jam, Linda and Tommy, plus the secret character which you should go and earn yourself. Each character has different stats, based on Speed, Turn and Trick. To begin with, its best to use an all-around character like Slash but when you become more experienced, you might be better to go for someone like Tommy when going for speed.

Then there's the boards. There's a board that excels in Turn, one which is average, and one for pure speed. Its a small selection but you can buy an extra 2 levels for each board which are better than the originals. Special boards are to be unlocked, one which is great in all aspects, one which gives extra jumping power and one which was designed to be bad, if you want a real challenge. In the board shop, you can customize your boards by changing the patterns etc.

The courses. Amazing. There may only be 9 of them, but they sure are stunning. There is absolutely amazing design on the levels, it really brings the game to life. Sometimes, you aren't even riding on snow, on some courses you'll find yourself riding on normal land, grass or even sand! Ride through tunnels, over huge cliffs on a mountain, through a gorgeous misty mountain setting and much more. They don't even get boring. Even after you've played them so many times, you'll still be coming back to them again and again!

But racing isn't the only mode of play. There is a speed game where you have to pick up fans along the course to keep your speed up. Shot game where you have to shoot down snowmen littered around the course with missiles and finally Trick game where you must earn as many points as possible doing tricks.

There's many weapons and items you find in shops along the course. These range from parachutes which send your opponent high in the air, to float down slowly, fans which power you along the course, a mouse which steals opponents money, even a pan, yes a pan, which crushes all your opponents.

Multiplayer doesn't come much better than this. This is where Snowboard Kids really shines. The thrill of suddenly launching a weapon at your friend who was leading the whole time, only to make them finish in last as you race to the finish line is great. Get some friends over and you're in for a great time.

Finally the unlockables. There's many things to unlock. 3 of the 9 courses have to be earned by beating the previous courses, there's the secret boards and the 1 secret character. It isn't loads, but it'll keep you playing longer than you think.

Difficulty: 10/10

Perfect. For beginners, there's a tutorial to guide you through the basics of the game and the levels range from a simple beginning level right through to very hard challenges, which you'll find yourself playing for ages to beat, but still not getting frustrated.

Bob's Grade: 10/10 (NOT AVERAGE)

Rent or buy?

Obvious. Buy it now. NOW! *pulls out knife* GO YOU IDIOT! BUY IT!!!!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/01/04