Wave Race is a 1992 racing video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy. It is the first game in the Wave Race series. The player controls a jet skier competing against AI opponents or up to three friends (using the GameBoy multiplayer link cable accessory) in two different racing modes across sixteen tracks.

Gameplay

thumb|left|Gameplay screenshot

The game contains two gameplay modes. In "Slalom", the goal is to take posts by racing through pairs of posts across the track. Each post a racer passes through increases their score by one point. The racer with the most points once all posts have been taken wins. In "Race", players must proceed through certain checkpoints and complete each lap in a set time limit. Two on track powerups are available. The dolphin powerup gives the player increased turning ability, while the octopus powerup allows the recipient to steal from opponents.

There are eight tracks for each mode (a combined total of sixteen tracks). In both modes, racers have to navigate a variety of on track obstacles (buoys, pylons, shallow water, whirlpools) and jumps. Players begin at a slower class of watercraft and graduate to faster engines. Players can also use a limited turbo boost. The game features four-player multiplayer.

|HC = 60/100

|JP = 45%

|JS = 84%

|MF = 80%

|NP = 3.7/5

|PO = 90%

|TOT = 2

|VGS = 77%

|rev1 = Consolemania

|rev1Score = 84/100

|rev2 = N-Force

|rev2Score = 52%

|rev3 = Nintendo Acción

|rev3Score = 60/100

|rev4 = Power Unlimited

|rev4Score = 71/100

Wave Race on the Game Boy garnered average reception from critics. Nintendo Powers George Sinfield and Rob Noel wrote that the game successfully emulated the feel of watercraft racing. They praised the effect of skidding around corners, and recommended the four-player multiplayer experience. In a series retrospective, Jon Partridge of Red Bull Games celebrated its fresh take on the racing genre, tight controls, gameplay, unique setting, and multiplayer.

Legacy

Wave Race sold well enough that it was eventually added to Nintendo's Player's Choice marketing label (a marketing label that promoted a lineup of the best selling Nintendo games). It was later followed by two sequels: Wave Race 64 and Wave Race: Blue Storm. Unlike the first game, Wave Race 64 and Wave Race: Blue Storm were also released in Japan.

References

  • Wave Race at GameFAQs
  • Wave Race at Giant Bomb
  • Wave Race at MobyGames