Exhibition lets 1 to 4 players challenge a single track. Winning a cup can open up another cup, a higher difficulty, or a special course.
Placing in the top 4 earns points, and the highest score at the end wins. Season is the main portion of the game, sending one player through a set of tracks against computer opponents. In Excitebike 64, there's a Season, Exhibition, Time Trial, Special Track, and Track Editor mode. Once the controls are mastered, and a few races have been won, it might be time to check out all of the modes available. Even after the tutorial and a few races, I still had a hard time, but believe me when I say that all the times landing last place were worth it.
There's also the inclusion of a tutorial mode that gives players the chance to learn all of the basics mentioned above. Learning to do so results in some incredible aerobatic acts on the track. Taking ramps straight is key, as is learning to adjust height in mid-jump. Other than turning and watching the motor, managing the jumps in each track is important. Overheating the bike stalls the motor, which could result in nasty accidents. Much akin to the original Excitebike, the bike's engine heats up as acceleration is used, with turbo boosts taking things into dangerous territory. After coming to grips with the controls, the game really opens up. Just imagine me trying to take corners with powersliding in mind and you'll understand why I had to re-learn racing. Brake too much and there's not enough momentum to get good speed on a straightaway, turn too hard, and the bike over steers A LOT. Let's just say it takes some readjusting to running around corners will require a fair degree of braking and turning skill. Coming from the school of arcade racing (thank you Ridge Racer), I've never really known how the same cornering tactics would work in mud, dirt, and sand. The control scheme is basic - accelerate, brake, turbo, and slide - but the off-road aspect is where the pain comes in. So how does this sucker play? Actually, it's a test in patience and frustration at first, but the trials pay off in the end. Though in all seriousness, the game is easily one of the best-looking N64 games. Yep, I like seeing half of my biker disappear into a wall. The only shortcomings involve the game's slows pace and some clipping issues. Then there's some obvious eye candy - lens flares, transparencies, and such - all at a decent framerate (somewhere in the 30fps range). Though the models aren't smooth, small details such as turning wheels and revving engines are given to each character.
What really gets me though are the racers and their humble dirt bikes. Everything from deserts, mountain ranges, to indoor arenas are meticulously detailed pushing the 'fun machine' to the limits. Not only that, but also each racing locale is quite a site to see. Although the Nintendo 64 isn't famous for clean textures, Excitebike is filled with them. I was quite impressed with the game's graphics. Even though the controls take some getting used to, the enjoyment that can be had is worth the time spent. Was I ever wrong using concepts found in the original and then some, Left Field has made quite the unique motocross game. When I first saw Excitebike 64, I was quick to dismiss it as another dirt bike racing venture with the 'Excitebike' namesake slapped on. Developer: Left Field Studios | Publisher: Nintendo
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