Extreme-G
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| Extreme-G | |
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| Developer(s) | Probe Entertainment |
| Publisher(s) | Acclaim Entertainment |
| Engine | Extreme G Engine. |
| Release date(s) |  May 29, 1998 October 25, 1997 December 9, 1997 |
| Genre(s) | Racing |
| Mode(s) | Single player, multiplayer |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: K-A (Kids to Adults) |
| Platform(s) | Nintendo 64 |
| Media | Cartridge |
Extreme-G is a racing game that became the first game of the Extreme-G series. It was developed by Probe Entertainment and published by Acclaim Entertainment.
Contents |
[edit] Plot
Extreme-G is set in the distant future where Earth is a mere wasteland. From their new found planet the human colonists watch with joy as their remote controlled power-bikes wreck havoc through their ancient cities. There is only one winner, the first to cross the line… or the last to survive. An impressive array of defensive and offensive weapons are available on-track to achieve this. These include multi-homing/reverse missiles, magnetic/laser mines. Special weapons can also be found such as invisibility, phosphorus flash and the mighty Wally-Warp which if not avoided, can instantly transport a bike right to the back of the pack.
[edit] Gameplay
[edit] Overview
As with all Extreme-G games, futuristic racing pilots race plasma-powered bikes in an intergalactic Grand Prix at speeds that are over 750 km/h making it the second fastest racing game on the Nintendo 64, only beaten by F-Zero X. The emphasis is on speed and creative racetrack design, with tracks looping through like roller-coasters.
At the beginning of each round, the player is given three "nitro" powerups which provide a temporary speed boost (these powerups cannot be replenished). If a machine loses all of its energy, it will simply slow down much more when hitting a barrier or being inflicted with an attack. Also, falling off cliffs results in simply just losing time rather than losing 'lives'. However, energy can be regained by driving over special recharge icons in the road. It is also possible for players to fall off the tracks, which are shown to be several miles up in the air.
This is the only Extreme-G in the series where a vehicle is unable to reach Mach Speed.
[edit] Game Modes
The single player games come in three difficulty settings: Novice, Intermediate and Extreme.
The main game mode (Extreme Contest) features three championships: Atomic (four tracks, Critical Mass (eight tracks) and Meltdown (full 12 standard tracks). The player must come first in each championship to progress. Winning championships on the various difficulty levels will open up the hidden bikes, levels and cheats.
Once the levels have been opened they can be used for the additional single and multi-payer modes.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Practice Mode | Single stage race where the player chooses his/her track and difficulty. |
| Time Trials | With only one niro per lap the player must attempt to break the chosen tracks record. |
| Shoot-Em-Up | The player must drive around the track whilst shooting down waves of speedy automated drones. |
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Cup | Up to 16 players can register for this survival tournament. |
| Head to Head | With only one niro per lap the player must attempt to break the chosen tracks record. |
| Flag Game | The player who drives through the most flags wins. |
| Battle Arena | Up to four players can battle each other in these specially designed arenas. |
[edit] Audio
The soundtrack features some of the better trance music in a N64 game.
One of the defining characteristics of the game is the sound generated by the futuristic plasma engines whilst running at maximum velocity.
[edit] The Vehicles of Extreme-G
Each of the machines have their own strengths and weaknesses. These are decided by the following 5 characteristics:
- Accel (acceleration)
- Speed (maximum velocity)
- Turns (handling)
- Shield (electronic armor battery life)
- Weap (primary weapons battery life)
Another variable between the bikes is the type of primary weapon the bike has installed. There are three types Pulse, Laser and Excel. Again each having its own strengths and weaknesses.
With the characteristics varying considerably between vehicles, some will be better than others at reaching specific goals.
[edit] The Stages of Extreme-G
There are shortcuts in many of the tracks, but the tracks are very linear.
Players are presented with 4 track groupings. Each has its own unique feel and setting. The groupings are: Desert, Ancient City, Underground and Alien in addition there is a "secret" Bonus Track
[edit] Sales and Success
[edit] Competition
In terms of competition, it was seen as a "Nintendo's own" version of Wipeout, which ironically was also released on the N64 (Wipeout 64) and subsequently received bad reviews; possibly due to its Playstation origins.
[edit] Extreme-G Legacy
In September 2004, Acclaim Entertainment filed for bankruptcy, registering over $100 million in debt. This meant that the franchises Acclaim had rights to were up for grabs. The Extreme-G franchise was purchased by Throwback Entertainment in July 2006, as seen on Throwback's Official website www.throwbackentertainment.com. Throwback has issued word that it will bring its newly acquired franchises to new levels on the next-generation platforms, indicating a strong possibility that the Extreme-G franchise may see the light of day on one of the new next-generation platforms.
| Extreme-G video game series |
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Extreme-G | Extreme-G 2 | Extreme-G 3 | XGRA: Extreme-G Racing Association |
