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Cruis'n Exotica

Score: 60%
ESRB: Everyone
Publisher: Midway
Developer: Midway
Media: Cartridge/1
Players: 1 - 4
Genre: Racing (Arcade)

Graphics & Sound:

One thing I have always believed is that N64 always was one of the better systems pertaining to graphics. I can now say that I don't believe that after playing Cruis'n Exotica. I've played the Cruis'n series in the arcade, and I can say that graphically, I wasn't impressed with this version at all. The pixels were very blocky, and overall, car models and background alike were not very clean. I did like the different background styles because they were very creative, but when they aren't cleaned up, it makes them look tacky.

Sounds were the basic car noises, and the background music was ok. I really found nothing spectacular about any of the sound effects whatsoever.


Gameplay:

Cruis'n Exotica is another version of the same old game, but instead, you're driving pretty much anywhere and everywhere instead of just in the U.S.A. It's just a basic arcade racing game, meaning not very realistic. There are three different game modes to choose from, the Cruis'n Challenge, Cruis'n Freestyle, and Cruis'n Exotica. For the Cruis'n Challenge, you race through each track, but you can't advance until you place third or higher. In the Cruis'n Freestyle, you're able to practice up on any of the tracks, just to help yourself out in the future when you come upon it for the other modes. And the Cruis'n Exotica is like the Challenge, except you can only advance if you place first, adding to the difficulty (which I'll get into in a bit).

Like most racing games, you can choose from many different vehicles. You'll notice I said vehicles, and not cars, because with Cruis'n Exotica, you're able to drive anything that has a motor and wheels. And each vehicle has different characteristics like Acceleration, Traction, Handling, and Aerodynamics. And with 60 different tracks and 28 different racing machines, you'll have plenty of options to have fun with.


Difficulty:

The difficulty for Exotica is so easy, a baby could understand: Easy, Medium, and Hard. Each level makes it tougher to pass your computer counterparts, along with how they treat you on the road. They'll try bumping you off with any chance they get, and oncoming traffic won't show you any mercy.

Game Mechanics:

Handlings of the controls aren't difficult whatsoever. I don't even think I read the instructions, and I was capable of braking and accelerating with the greatest of ease. Loading time wasn't even noticed because it took so quick.

Cruis'n Exotica wasn't one of my personal favorites, but I gave it a 60 because it was enjoyable, and I'm in the giving mood with the holidays upon us. I think kids could definitely get some playing time out of this one.


-Red Dawg, GameVortex Communications
AKA Alex Redmann

Sega Dreamcast Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue! Nintendo 64 Indy Racing 2000

 
Game Vortex :: PSIllustrated