Wave Race, the third N64 title on the U.S. market, is a lush jetski racing game that sets players in nine different courses with constantly changing waves patterns and tides that affect your race every time you play. The oceanic force of nature never felt so real or has ever affected the gameplay in a title in such a degree as it does in Wave Race. The way in which jetskis cut into the ocean's surface, lift off ramps, bounce into and off oncoming waves, or slide on icy surfaces is not only believable and engaging, but simply unparalleled. And oh, the feel of Wave Race is phenomenal. Few polygonal glitches occur despite the speed with which the racers are moving, and graphic highlights are abundant, ranging from the crystal clear water or heavy fog in Drake Lake, to the bright glare and reflections of Sunset Bay to the glimmering night lights in Twilight City.
Control is solid, learnable, and neither too loose nor to tight, and yes, there is a learning curve.
But it's more or less like familiarizing oneself with any new game. Wave Race is weaker than, say, Psygnosis' Wipeout XL in regard to musical soundtrack, and at least one of the Mary Tyler Moore retread themes can be bothersome after a short period, but other soundtracks are appropriate to the environment, and are far more appealing than the cheese found in PilotWings 64. Regardless, the sound effects are phenomenal, making up for the soundtrack with realistic engine sounds, the call of seagulls, the roar of the crowd, waves, and even dolphins. Perry Wave Race is a piece of art. I mean that.