Wave Race 64 - Nintendo 64 Review - HD

Wave Race 64 is a racing video game developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo. It was released for the Nintendo 64 in 1996 and is a follow-up to the 1992 Game Boy title Wave Race. Most of the game involves the player racing on a Jet Ski on a variety of courses while successfully manoeuvring the vehicle around various buoys. A multiplayer mode where two players can compete against each other on a chosen course is also included. The game supports the Controller Pak, which allows players to transfer saved data from one game cartridge to another.
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WaveRace 64 review on the nintendo 64. Recorded using a dazzle and on original console hardware and cartridge. waverace 64 is a classic retro racing title and one which still plays great even today.

[@videovibes101]

I was addicted to this game. It was perfect in every way. Graphics, sound fx, physics and gameplay. Doing a handstand in the middle of a race, a whale jumping out of the water while the sun is setting on the horizon, doing backflips on ramps,.. Man I miss those good ol'days.

[@etherealbirchwood5748]

I can remember getting an N64 for Christmas, along with Mario 64, and Wave Race back in the day. I have so many fond memories of playing this game with my Dad! Great video.

[@nathanmcdonald610]

This was the first game I played on N64 back when they first came out. I remember thinking to myself, WOW THAT WATER LOOKS AMAZING! lol.

[@n64glennplant]

Nathan McDonald and to this day the physics are still awesome :)

[@nathanmcdonald610]

***** No doubt! Awesome videos by the way! Glad I discovered your channel by accident! Lots of nostalgia for me here. :)

[@turokforever007]

+Nathan McDonald same here it was my first game for the 64 and i can still remember playing it for that first time.

[@JavenarchX]

I know right! And all I really wanted was Mario kart

[@Tolbat]

Same here, was the first game i got for my system.

[@rgiublin]

the soundtrack is memorable! Everytime I navigate a Jetski the opening theme starts to whisper in my mind.

[@tallyp.7643]

Got my original N64 still hooked up, and I STILL play the hell out of this game when I get a half hour to just play around. I've beaten it repeatedly and never get bored of it. Sometimes I can still shave milliseconds off my times. The water mechanics play with your head a bit. It's the one racing game I've played that feels the most real in my hands as I make turns. I feel my insides jump a bit when the racer goes through choppy water. It's freaky. Probably why I keep playing!

[@tjbanville]

I can remember being a boy of maybe 10 or 11 who was perfectly content with his Genesis and SNES in December 1997. My mother would always take my younger brother and I to the local video store to rent games every Friday. I was planning on taking home the usual but one day my mother suggested that I look at the N64 shelf and pick something out. We left that day with WaveRace and the original Turok. My father was setting up the console when we got home-early Christmas present. As soon as we turned that button and saw those waves and those jetskis....wow things were going to be different. Thanks Mom and Dad.

[@kola8076]

Love this 😊

[@chrisbg99]

16 years later those water physics are still very impressive. Haven't gotten much better since then.

[@kdkseven]

Not even in Blue Storm?

[@boshaft]

Almost 25 years later and still amazing!

[@chrisbg99]

@@boshaft Crap that 8 years ago. God I feel old.

[@epstone]

Now it has been 24 years and its still the same ;)

[@conflicthorizon]

I think it has some amazing music. I find myself humming the opening song to this day, even though I haven't played it in 20 years.

[@n64glennplant]

+D man it's just that catchy!

[@moviemetalhead]

Still own my copy of this. Jeter was my go to driver. I still have to pull this one out every once in a while. Gotta love that water.

[@onx9920]

28 years old now, one of the first games i vividly remember loving

[@DJET-ss4bj]

Man I loved this game! Wish they would put it on our switch subscription... N64 classic when it inevitably comes out has to have this game!

[@FoxDeth77]

i had wave race music stuck in my head all day speak for yourself its one of the most memorable n64 music other then mario and zeldas too me NOT HATTING good review and love your videos keep posting them!!

[@n64glennplant]

Matts FoxDen always more on the way :) everyone has their own opinions which i love hearing and responding too thats what makes this feel like more of a community rather than a channel

[@FoxDeth77]

yep i like your channel thanks for a reply! wave race is still stuck in my head been trying to find it in town no luck everything els but wave race sad having a pretty decent collection for n64

[@dw_drummer3828]

Yeah that intro tune is my jam.

[@daniloivensmina]

TOTALLY AGREE. The soundtrack has that 1996's feeling into it, dont know the age of the Reviewer, but its charming and totally from that era, just like Diddy Kong Racing ones.

[@n64glennplant]

D I M 34 👍

[@_J_Moore]

Great review! This was one of the games that I used to play all the time, back in the '90s. This game, Mario Kart 64, and Diddy Kong Racing were some of the best racing games on the console.

[@nestorguerrero4328]

My favorite game for the 64 1996

[@BlackMarketHoney]

I loved this game. I was off work with a leg injury and played this for 2 weeks non stop. The water effects, weather effects and controls were brilliant. Awesome! All the best, Rich in Sweden

[@romaocasals1]

Nintendo 64 is for me the best console ever, it has the most amazing games I've ever played. The experience I had with Wave Race, F Zero, Star Fox, Ocarina of Time, and Mario Kart 64, is indescribable, fascinating.

[@n64glennplant]

You’re on the right channel then romao! 😄

[@GTFour]

First game I ever saw on he N64 and the graphics just blew my mind, I knew I had to have one!

[@90sSportsNostalgia]

Sorry N64 Glenn Plant, but what is it with reviewers of this game and not liking the music. I just saw a KZbin review of this game (forgot the channel) and that narrator described the music as "generic." This one said "bland." Am I missing something here: the music in Waverace is remarkable. Good job to all who commented positively on the music. But all in all I do want to say good review N64 Glenn Plant. .

[@TheGunmanChannel]

Watching this gave me flashbacks to how amazing this really was back when it was released.

[@kefka34]

Never seen better water physics to this day.

[@jdmweeb8663]

This game was the bread and butter of my childhood on the N64

[@snakedogman]

I'm still amazed that Nintendo never capitalized on titles like this, or Stunt Race FX on the SNES to make some cool racing franchises next to Mario Kart. This game was awesome and there's nothing like it to this day. A great showcase of the N64's power back then.

[@liddz434]

I remember my brothers and I sneaking the 64 out into the lounge room to play on the big telly when our Dad was out of town. He was worried we'd break the telly but mum would look the other way and let us have our fun when he was on his work trips. Three young brothers taking turns playing it into the wee hours on the weekend. N64 gave me some great memories man.

[@cheapmovies25]

Wow I can't believe its been almost 20 yes holy shit I'm old

[@pepitopalotes5115]

Definitely one of my favorite games for this great console. Watching this video has made me remember how astonishing it's graphics, physics and controls are, even more if you think that it was 1996!; and left me crazy for replaying my nice silver box, player's choice edition. Glenn I just love your channel! Btw: I love it's background music! To me it feels like the perfectly suiting music for that game and Era.

[@jamesnewman4351]

Splendid water effects and the physics really make you feel like you are bobbing around on water!

[@n64glennplant]

yeah for the time the physics were amazing

[@rzrselliott]

Your channel brings back so many memories! Oh the nostalgia lol. I remember all of these games :)

[@n64glennplant]

glad you are enjoying! always more on the way

[@graphicsontelevision]

Oh man did I love this game back in the day. (I don't have an N64 anymore, but I'm tempted to get one again partly for this game.) I sure had a lot of fun with my N64 back when it was a "current generation" console, so I was really happy to find your channel. Seeing games I played many years ago is of course very nostalgic, and seeing games I'ver never even heard of is really cool as well. :)

[@pauldavis5665]

Just download an emulator.

[@Scopie33]

One of my fav racers even today. Top 3 n64 games for the system

[@NeoGeoNinja81]

Still an amazing game. To date, the water physics in this game have never been surpassed.

[@stanislawwasowicz4182]

I totally loved this game. The review doesn't adress the freestyle mode enough. Which was awesome in my opinion.

[@rwentfordable]

Passing through again after experiencing this game for the first time on NSO. A very impressive game.

[@Epoch222]

I was eight in 96 in second grade I came home from school and saw the N64 and WAVE RACE for the first time ever it was amazing...nostalgic memories

[@liddz434]

I remember looking at the water graphics and being absolutely in awe!

[@sabercrosby8128]

one of the classics!!! i liked doing hand stands and back flips

[@spooky_electric]

I absolutely loved this game. It’s one of my favorites, along with Ocarina of Time, Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon, and F-Zero X. I almost never played it, too. I knew the reviews were great, but like every other kid at the time, I really wanted Super Mario 64 with my Nintendo 64. Unfortunately, while the local Toys R Us had N64’s in stock, all their copies of SM64 were gone, and Pilotwings didn’t appeal to me, so I settled for Wave Race. Settled? That’s the wrong word, because the game blew me away. The water physics were incredible, the graphics were amazing for the time, the trick system was fun, the courses were well designed and challenging. As much as I would love to see a new F-Zero, I think I’d actually pop harder if they announced a new Wave Race, by the original team, not NST in Seattle.

[@n64glennplant]

Yeah I’d love to see a new one too...just can’t see them doing it sadly

[@VERMISIMILITUDE]

Hey Glen, I just downloaded this on Wii Virtual console.... it's brought all the wonderful memories back!!! God, I loved my N64.... it was a family favourite! Plus, I always loved the Nighttime course on this.... it took me ages to realise its quicker skipping the ramps & going around them! The last course on expert where you have to dip underneath the bridge just before the end of the lap was a truly heart pounding moment!

[@BLAZENYCBLACKOPS]

I hesitate to say that my cousin and I dominated this game back in the day in both racing and stunt mode but based on some of the speed running I’ve seen in other games recently I’ll just say we were no slouches.

[@rking1106]

Just ordered this on Ebay for $8 after watching your video. Thanks!

[@n64glennplant]

Easy deal for that cheap price!

[@squeallymaniac]

in the UK, the guy's name is Fatty? 1:54 omg I assume you're playing the PAL version?

[@Bunkerknacker_Retro-Nostalgie]

You can rename all four playable characters.

[@morriganaensland-hill975]

I asshume that all the 4 racers shown in this video were renamed after the South Park characters.

[@anywher3utube]

This brings back a lot of good memories. Had a lot of fun with this game back in the days. Still got my 64 somewhere in the house also. :-) nice review

[@silverwings21]

This is the 3rd game I beat in my challenge to beat all NA N64 games (296). One of the best racers I ever played, and definitely the best water racer I ever played, and it has the best water physics I seen. I actually like the music; the Dolphin Park song has a part that sounds like the Mary Tyler Moore song: 🎵"You're gonna make it after all"🎵

[@davidgraves3194]

Just sub'd to your channel. Great stuff! You've inspired me to purchase my old favorites over the last couple of weeks. I did originally have WaveRace 64, but for the life of me, I can't remember why I had it because I just remember not liking it at all and only played it (briefly) when I was incredibly bored. Thanks for all the effort you put into your channel. It's fun watching your N64 videos!

[@n64glennplant]

David Graves and thank you for coming onboard! thats what the channel is all about and I'm glad you're enjoying the content!

[@SuperDavidBrothers]

Also it's like both Mario Kart and Diddy Kong Racing, but on water and it's so so much more fast pace than both Mario Kart and Diddy Kong Racing too!

[@OpticalHaze]

the sound rocks!!

[@andrewattenboroughtwothumb4697]

I remember playing this on my friends 64 and it was fun classic game

[@PaulGaither]

While I loved this game, I still have fonder memories of JetMoto and JetMoto2 on the play station. Nothing negative about this game, but having been born in 1984 and being 13 in 1997 during that era, I can say what my my friends and I spent more time playing. It was my sister who played Wave Race all the time.

[@Ryokai395]

Maaan this makes me more nostalgic than gameboy pokemon games. One of the very first console games i ever played. I was 5 or 6 years old.... great times :)

[@benhaney5843]

Your tripping. The music was great and memorable. The music in that foggy lake level? Come on.

[@ashleygamer64]

In his let's play of Wave Race (that he did a few years after this review), he actually says he likes the music a lot. I guess he wised up and had a change of heart 😏

[@JohnnyDollar720]

Love this game. Just always wished it had a free ride mode or something

[@ChristopherH1985]

this was my first N64 game, and I thought it was an awesome introduction to an awesome gaming console, and the music instantly brings back fond memories

[@chadsdadbrad]

I used to always play this at my dentist's office in the waiting room

[@RikouHogashi]

Seriously this, Wetrix and Diddy Kong Racing did Really Nailed the Water Physics on the N64 while Crash 3 with Coco's Jetski stages and perhaps Jetmoto too Nailed it on the PS1

[@Bobdicklett1994]

I used to have this game as a kid, it was fun.

[@code470926]

This was my first game too. I never liked racing games so much until I played this. (well, super Mario kart and f zero I loved of course) but this game not only was the introduction to my new N 64 but showed off the relaxing music that I though was fitting for the game and the amazing graphics. The difficulty was brutal though.

[@n64glennplant]

yeah on the final expert mode it was sick! i loved unlocking the dolphin to ride on though

[@code470926]

yes I unlocked the dolphin as well. I had forgotten all about that.

[@blakedmc1989TranceHD]

i've loved everythang about Wave Race :D

[@n64glennplant]

***** its the muva fakin schiznit

[@blakedmc1989TranceHD]

***** same hahaha

[@SouthCntrlBred]

I use to think the water effects on this game was the greatest thing ever.

[@n64glennplant]

They’re still mighty impressive!

[@Jburneyjr]

One of the first games I got on the system. Along with Diddy Kong Racing and Killer Instinct Gold. I didn't really play it until much later and I got hooked on it.

[@n64glennplant]

thats some great initial games to have got!

[@hardtranceismylife]

used to love this game,the realness of the water back then was like nothing seen before which to me was the strongest point of the game.

[@BenTensDad]

Yeah, I too thought the water effects were jaw-dropping! Still a decent game, lost min many years ago so must get my hands on another copy.

[@IvoPoblete]

Completely complete in the box I have it. God Almighty, what a game!

[@AngryKurtz86]

Strongly disagree about background tracks. There are a few that are really good (opening, levels, 2, 3, final and credits). I still play this game from time to time, probably my favorite racer on the system, and I love N64 racers. Bought it day one back in the day, I liked it, but it really grew on me over time... back then I was locking forward to familiar experiences like cruis’n and Mario Kart and didn’t realized what a revolutionary gem this was.

[@n64glennplant]

Yeah it’s amazing how great the water physics were for the time

[@SuperDavidBrothers]

Wow this game is just so super duper awesome for sure I love the fast pace racing on the motor boat! It reminds me of Mario Sunshine where Mario rode on the bloopers as motor boats in Rocco Harbor! I've always wanted to ride a motor boat in a fast pace way like that but what does it take to ride a motor boat? Do I just need a driver's license and prior experience riding a motor boat?

[@xfxrxmxt1981]

I enjoyed the tunes on this one

[@dsthez55]

I spent many hours playing this game. The water I would say is variable which kept it interesting. A lot of time we would play two player and just do stunts etc. I want to upload my double barrel roll...

My favorite n64 game. I was blown away.

[@TOMMYDACOMMIE]

Yo! Love your channel! But one thing that I notice is your sound editing is a little off, and with a channel that is talking over gameplay that's a bit distracting. Other then that love your channel!

[@n64glennplant]

Tom Atkinson thanks for the feedback, this is a very old video now so this should be sorted on newer episodes i push out :)

[@TOMMYDACOMMIE]

***** Oh yes! Certainly less! Been getting all my old games back so your channel is very nostalgic and helpful to see what games are worth revisiting. Will you be reviewing Majora's Mask, Super Mario 64, or any of some of the bigger games?

[@brendan9734]

Hey! You can double the characters by holding down-C! This swaps the riders' and skis' color schemes and changes the display to the riders's alternate names! (Not really new characters, but very close.)

[@SLoMo4]

I've always liked most of the Waverace soundtrack. It's probably a nostalgia thing, but the mid-90's MIDI-style "muzak" is starting to grow on me a bit. I think at least the title track should be considered one of the best songs on the N64. Good game overall though. Great review!

[@n64glennplant]

SLoMo4 i really like it too, its quite relaxing and very much like pilot wings 64 its great to listen to

[@ThefortniteproYX]

Another game I just picked up, great fun. Got it cheap aswell :) 👍

[@VERMISIMILITUDE]

I'm looking forward to finding out more Glen... I really like your professional style on here. Very well made videos with someone who genuinely has an affection for the N64... it really shows in your enthusiasm in your reviews. Now my favourite channel, as I've lot really just come back to N64

[@loverdeadly6128]

This game was absolutely gorgeous (despite the bland music) at the time and a solid racer. I used to love doing tricks.

[@alvstar84]

Only managed to rent this. Really wish I had owned it though, I reckon I would have put in some serious hours into this.

[@morphiuszx3438]

0:45 You made that guy get washed away by that pun of yours...!

[@cinnamondan4984]

This game would be so dope with the theme song track for a sonic Heroes on loop.

[@VERMISIMILITUDE]

I tell you what, I just received WaveRace BlueStorm for the GameCube through the post & having played for the past couple of hours & then going back to do the expert course on WaveRace 64, not only is the original more enjoyable but it actually has better control of the jet ski & unbelievably far better & much more realistic water physics. Infancy, I would go as far to say that the graphics are actually much more appealing in WaveRace 64.

[@LMTF35]

Ooooookkkkkaaaayyyy

[@kungfunewfie555]

ahhh wave race the only game I can play piss drunk and still finish

[@benhaney5843]

No video of riding the dolphin?

[@kdkseven]

Love this game, and it pulled off some amazing things on the N64, but no way was it superior in any way to Blue Storm-- one of the best racing games of all time (imo of course).

[@Bladeslingersgamepreserve]

I wasn't able to appreciate this game until I picked up again recently. It really is a fun game with tight controls, great psychics, a very chill sound track, and some good challenge. My only complaint is that there is a lack particular lack of content, at least for me cause I'm able to breeze through this game like it's nothing, even on Expert, which is why I give it a 6 out of 10. Slightly above average.

[@l0rdcronus842]

Still one of my favorites. Have you covered extreme-g yet Glenn?

[@n64glennplant]

Indeed I have - both N64 ones

[@l0rdcronus842]

@@n64glennplant sweet ill have to look for it. Are you still putting off Aidyn Chronicles?

[@n64glennplant]

Leo Amaya not putting it off but focusing on other projects for the time being 👍

[@l0rdcronus842]

@@n64glennplant i hear ya. Well I'm liking what you're putting out. Have you done an acclaim games video yet?

[@n64glennplant]

not yet but will do one day

[@adroharv9213]

the game that forced me to buy an NTSC machine. The feeling of smashing off waves just isn't there in the pal version thanks to that 17% speed reduction and in comparison feels wrong. I didn't mind so much with other games running in pal but pal Waverace feels quite unrealistic when you go between the two. Less lines in NTSC of course which on a crt was the trade off but still I could never go back. Thankfully not a problem we have to deal with regarding the consoles of today. Oh and still this game is unmatched despite many games like it being released. The interaction of control and waves is simply better than anything that has since come along

[@softwalkz]

Man so much memories 😊

[@Xgxor]

I remember my aunt buying this game for us, but it was the PAL version (even though we live in Canada) and we sat there scratching our heads for hours wondering why until we brought it to the local video store and he told us the issue. It seemed odd that a PAL version got mixed up with the NTSC versions haha

[@n64glennplant]

ha thats so random! i don't even know how they could have made that mix up! the NTSC is faster too so glad you finally got the right version!

[@Xgxor]

I discovered that after reading your review of WaveRace, what was the reasoning for slowing the game down in PAL versions?

[@n64glennplant]

typically most PAL games run slower.....just check out castlevania on NES the music sounds like its being played in slow motion hah

[@Xgxor]

I'll check out a gameplay vid and see for myself! maybe it has something go do with the TV or something. PS i love the time capsule vids! I'm downloading the mags and loving the collective excitement we all felt waiting for the next big release!

[@n64glennplant]

yeah i think its to do with refresh rates of the tv's we have here in europe

[@MiguelPerez-cn4ee]

This is a good game. I played for awhile but it's on my mid/back log

[@_J_Moore]

I agree, about the 3 games. I definitely think the high point of Mario Kart 64 was the multiplayer, same with the single player on DKR.

[@user-dd1bb4tw4r]

I remember some of the expert courses used to piss me tf off you slip up once and you lose 🤣

[@AlexCole272]

Only thing I didn’t like about this game is the Left/Right gates , I felt like it was telling me how to race.

[@SubieandFriends]

Too bad it didn't support the rumble pack as it would have complimented the beatiful realistic water physics by making you feel the waves thru the vibration....but not it's fault since the rumble pack wasn't out yet when this game came out.

[@n64glennplant]

They rereleased the shindou edition of this which had rumble pak support (like super Mario 64) 😬👍

[@senorsnipey1595]

I thought Blue Storm was good but they kinda lost what made 64 so unique. They tried too hard to expand on the experience instead of perfecting the already amazing package. Dude I'm sorry but the music suited the experience. I loved it. This is still the best water sports game of all time. There was nothing like Nintendo's sports games. The water is still so impressive. If you dont move and let racers drive by you. They produce wake!!!! An effect that was dumbed down in the sequel

[@vietguy808]

This game was awesome

[@davy_K]

read that the PAL version was poor so I didn't get this until recently when I picked up the Japanese version - plays brilliantly - would loved to have experienced this back in the day as it is still pretty impressive.

[@steveothehulk]

the recent switch online version looks great

[@BlackJohnnyCage]

I received this Game as gift on My 11th birthday, My first impression on the Game wasn't good. After a few months of being bored with My other Games & reading Tip & Tricks Magazines the Game grew on Me.... Also I thought it was Cool riding the Dolphin too.

[@FenrirFire18]

This needs an hd-remaster on Switch.

[@n64glennplant]

Or just a brand new entry

[@cloudyswildride]

This game was awesome and very beautiful

[@jamesnewman4351]

WOW your voice sounds like Clive Owens voice!

[@n64glennplant]

haha so many people say that

[@hotdoggington6962]

The water in this game made me think: this is why “3D gaming” didn’t really start until Nintendo did it. Because there was nooothing like this on og PlayStation.

[@WhatAboutTheGame]

Despite owning an N64 back in the day, I never got to play this. I finally got to play it via the Wii U Virtual Console. What a classic! I would have loved it as a kid.