October 1997 Issue

A Barrage of Speed and Power

Size: 64 Megabit
Style: 1 to 4-Player Racing
Special Features: Three Bike Speeds (Fast, Faster, and Extreme), Tons of Game Modes and Multi-Player Options, Twelve Tracks, Weapons, Turbos, and Eight Different Bikes
Created by: Probe Entertainment for Acclaim Entertainment
Available: Now for Nintendo 64

Race for the finish line at insanely high speeds while trying to avoid a barrage of weapon assaults from bikers who would rather see you dead than alive in Acclaim's new Extreme-G for the N64. With the ability to handle up to 4 players, there are several different ways in which you can enjoy this game. In one-player mode, enter the Extreme Contest and try to battle your way through the Novice, Intermediate, and Extreme levels. Lap times, points, and rankings are all tallied during the run for extreme glory. Another mode is Shoot-Em-Up, where you literally blast through the course, experimenting with a wide array of futuristic weaponry while trying to shoot down moving targets accelerating ahead of you. This mode is a great way to perfect your aiming and driving abilities before stepping into the ring with the big boys.

Of course, you can also race head-to-head with friends (and enemies), because Extreme-G offers three different multi-player formats. There is head-to-head, where you can race against one to three player(s); and, for up four players, there is also the Flag Game and Battle Arena to compete in. In the Flag Game you race around the track trying to pick up flags that are spaced out at various locations on the track. Unfortunately, there are no special weapons to be used in this race. It's all speed. In Battle Arena, you drive around in one of four arenas trying to waste your opponents' shields and blow them up before they do the same to you.

There are eight different magnetic-wheeled cybercycles that have varying degrees of acceleration, top speed, shields, handling, cannon strength, and twelve separate tracks to ride them on. Because the cybercycles have magnetic wheels, it is possible to ride up and down 90 degree inclines and through loop-to-loops. The tracks are filled with bright colors and the backgrounds pass by smoothly as you tear through a variety of environments like alien ruins, subterranean lava pools, abandoned mine shafts, and water-filled tubes.

All of the Cybercycles have a cannon mounted on the front. However, similar to WipeOut for the PS-X and SS, you can pick up additional weapons by making contact with weapon icons at various places along the track. Once you make contact with an icon, the weapon itself hovers over you and attaches itself until used. Some of the different weapons are Swap Missiles that reverse your opponent's controls, Phosphor Flares that blind riders behind you, Grenades that encase a rider in a blob-like substance, and Lightning Rays that shoot out the side of your bike (just like those spiked metal hubcaps in Grease).

If you enjoy the speed and combat of the WipeOut titles, you will not be disappointed with Extreme-G. Eye-drops strongly recommended.

Andy, The Game Hombre
Concept:	8
Graphics:	9.25
Sound:	9
Playability:	8
Entertainment:	8
OVERALL:	8.5
"This game is the reason why Nintendo puts Epilepsy warnings in their games. It just moves so fast (faster than anything I've seen on the N64) and yet it still has gorgeous graphics. Playing the game is like watching a 60's psychedelic movie - the colors just keep coming. Mix that in with this game's pumping techno soundtrack, and it looks like Acclaim has got a winner on their hands. However, there are a couple of problems. The game should have been a tad more difficult and the weapons could have been a lot better. While I'm not saying they're bad, they certainly aren't as cool as WipeOut XL's. In a world of slow moving N64 racers, Extreme G is a definite standout that you should check out."

Reiner, The Raging Gamer
Concept:	8.75
Graphics:	8.75
Sound:	8.5
Playability:	7.25
Entertainment:	8.75
OVERALL:	8.5
"Extreme-G features a mixed design of two classics. The gameplay and thumping techno soundtrack are like WipeOut XL, and the insane speeds, track designs, and color scheme remind me of Nintendo's own Uniracers. This is definitely a unique blend, and it worked well. The physics are good and believable for this futuristic racer, but I would have liked to have seen more resistance when running into barriers. The way they have it set is so that you jump up on the rail or quickly bounce off it. With more resistance, the game would have been much more difficult, and as it stands now, it's a game you can beat in one sitting. The four-player battle mode is a nice addition, and most of the replay value lies in these multi-player modes, not the single racing."

Jon, the Greedy Gamer
Concept:	8.5
Graphics:	9.5
Sound:	8.5
Playability:	8.5
Entertainment:	8
OVERALL:	8.5
"Be prepared to lose your mind. I don't recommend this game for people who are stressed out, nervous, or suffering from high blood pressure, because the game is so fast, and there is so much coming at you, it just screams insanity. The tracks are laid out nicely, with exotic backgrounds, and the music is matched perfectly to the experience of the game. The weapons, although not a new concept, add to the already intense experience of racing. However, I would have liked to have seen some advanced vehicle control, such as in Jet Moto and WipeOut. This game's not for everyone. Stable-minded gamers only."