Excitebike 64
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| Excitebike 64 | |
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| Developer(s) | Left Field Productions |
| Publisher(s) | Nintendo |
| Distributor(s) | Nintendo |
| Release date(s) | NA April 30, 2000 JP June 23, 2000 EUR June 08, 2001 |
| Genre(s) | Racing |
| Mode(s) | Single player, Multiplayer |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Everyone (E) |
| Platform(s) | N64 |
| Media | Cartridge |
| Input | N64 Controller |
Excitebike 64 is a videogame published by Nintendo and developed by Left Field Productions and was released in North America on April 30, 2000 for the Nintendo 64 video game console system. It is the series first jump in full 3D. It is the sequel to the acclaimed NES game Excitebike and the second game in the series. It was later succeeded by the Wii game Excite Truck.
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[edit] Gameplay
You can choose from one of six riders, each with his own pre-set handling attributes. To control the bike,
- use the analog or D-pad moving the bike,
- A and B for acceleration/deceleration,
- R for sliding,
- and Z for a turbo boost.
Just as in the original, holding down gives you more air on jumps, while holding up aims your front wheel forward to enable landing on slopes. The game isn't meant to be an accurate motorbiking simulation. It chooses to follow the original in giving "extreme" jumps and physics, creating a far more "exciting" atmosphere.
[edit] Features
The main game features a 20-track season mode. Completing races unlocks more tracks and features. Also included is a tutorial that will teach you how to play through 17 different tracks. Also included are a variety of exhibitions and time trial modes that let you do more activities other than the main game. A major feature is the track editor, were you can create your own fully-functional track and save it into the game.
This game supports the expansion pack for the N64, giving the game a higher resolution of 480i. The game visuals were, at the time, very impressive for a the Nintendo 64.[citation needed] The framerate went a little bit slower compared to other titles of the system, varying from 30 to 15 frames per second and anywhere in between.[citation needed]
[edit] References to past Excite titles
This game is quite a departure from the original Excitebike game compared to Excite Truck, but still keeps a lot of gameplay elements that are similar and pay homage to the first game. The turbo boost appears in this game, just like it appeared on the first game and it's sequel. Also returning are the series' trademarked giant cliffs and jumps that let you jump unrealistically high altitudes with your bike.
It's strongest references perhaps is the level editor, that was present in the original. Also is a remake of the original Excitebike track, but done in 3D. Also, as an unlockable, you can play the original NES Excitebike thanks to an emulator included in the game.
[edit] Release
The game was revealed by Nintendo to the public at the pre-E3 conference on May 12, 1999.[1] The game was later shown playable the next day. IGN saw how similar it was to another racing title that was yet to be released called Supercross 2000.
On May 2, 2000, to coincide with the game's release, Nintendo launched the game's very own website. This was rare back in 2000, and it showed that Nintendo was excited about the game. However, after the redesign of Nintendo's webpage, the website has been taken down and cannot be seen again.
[edit] Receptions and awards
The game received an average 88 out of 100 from the review compilation site Metacritic.[2].
Review scores:
- GameSpot: 8.8
- GamePro: 80
- Electronic Gaming Monthly: 9.0
- IGN: 9.7
- Reviews on the Run: 9/10
