Software:Excitebike 64

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Short description: 2000 video game
Excitebike 64
North American N64 box art
Developer(s)Left Field Productions
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Producer(s)James Maxwell
Programmer(s)Sam Baker
Mike Lamb
Ben Stragnell
Artist(s)Jon Evans
Allan Hayburn
Richie Romero
George Simmons
Composer(s)Matt Furniss
Chris Lamb
SeriesExcite
Platform(s)Nintendo 64, iQue Player
ReleaseNintendo 64
  • NA: May 2, 2000[1]
  • JP: June 23, 2000
  • EU: June 8, 2001
iQue Player
Genre(s)Racing
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Lua error in Module:Lang/utilities at line 332: attempt to call field '_transl' (a nil value). is a racing video game developed by Left Field Productions and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. It was released on May 2, 2000 in North America, June 23 in Japan, and June 8, 2001, in Europe. It is the second installment in the Excite series, acting as a sequel to Excitebike on the NES, and is the first 3D game in the series. Many real-life dirt bike gear brands are extensively featured throughout the game, such as Bell Helmets, Alpinestars and No Fear.

The game received positive reviews from critics and was later re-released for Wii U via the Virtual Console in 2016 and on the Nintendo Classics service on August 30, 2023[2] but with the removal of every Fox Racing brand logo. A third game in the series, Excite Truck, was released in 2006 for the Wii.

Gameplay

Top: Canyon Chasm track with stunt, Excite 3D, Editor original Excitebike
Bottom: Soccer, Desert Track, Track Editor

Players can choose from one of six riders, each with their own pre-set handling attributes. Players control the bike by using either the control stick or D-pad. They can use the gamepad to accelerate, brake, slide and use turbo boost. As in the original, holding down gives the player more air on jumps, while holding up aims the front wheel forward to enable landing on slopes. The player can also tilt the bike to the side while in the air, to adjust the angle at which they hit the turns, and can sideswipe their opponents.[3] Besides the tracks main course many of the levels have hidden shortcuts, that require the player to slow down and change direction, or use a speed boost for jumping over chasms, from hill to hill, over other vehicles and buildings, choosing to follow the original game in its "extreme" jumps and physics.

Features

The main game features a 20-track season mode. Completing races unlocks more tracks and features. There is a tutorial that teaches players how to play through the 17 different tracks. There are a variety of exhibitions and time trial modes that lets players do more activities other than the main game. A major feature is the track editor, where players can create their own fully functional track and save it into the game. The announcer, Limua, shouts out the tricks and crashes throughout the race. Also featured is an emulated version of the original Excitebike and a 3D remake of it with the same obstacles called Excite 3D. There are also several other mini games such as a Stunt Course, Hill Climb, a Soccer game with a giant human sized soccer ball, and an "infinite, randomly generated" Desert Track where the player needs to put out ten campfires by driving over them, which Nintendo Power called "one of the coolest concepts ever".[4] As bonus features to the game, cheat modes were introduced, requiring the player to press buttons in a certain order to unlock a hidden "Cheats Menu". From there they could enter passwords that unlocked additional features, such as Invisible riders, Big heads, Debug mode, Midnight mode and even unlocking a picture of the programmers in the game's credits.[5]

Development

While in development some of the main features they concentrated on were the game's sense of speed, the jumps and the ability to perform tricks, similar to the original game, as well as taking inspiration from the earlier released Wave Race 64.[6] To recreate the riders' movements and tricks the developers used a technique called 'inverse kinematics' to create a life like feel.[6] While other parts of the tracks were littered with bumps, log bridges and streams to run through. Using the N64's Rumble Pak allowed the player to feel these game experiences, as well as such things as making a hard landing.[6] Besides the standard tracks, several mini games were also added as unlockable content. The Desert Track was fractally generated for an endless desert, but despite the random building of its dunes, it also keeps the current configuration in the game's memory, allowing the player to return to the same spot that they once left.[6] The game was revealed by Nintendo to the public at the pre-E3 conference on May 12, 1999.[7] The game was shown playable the next day.

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic88/100[8]
Review scores
PublicationScore
AllGameStarStarStarStar[9]
Edge8/10[11]
EGM9/10[12][lower-alpha 1]
Famitsu29/40[14]
Game Informer7.25/10[15]
GameFan(L.B.) 95%[16]
(T.R.) 91%[17]
82%[18][lower-alpha 2]
GameSpot8.8/10[19]
Hyper77%[20]
IGN9.7/10[21]
N64 Magazine90%[22][3]
Next GenerationStarStarStarStar[23]
Nintendo Power8.9/10[24]

The game received "generally favorable reviews", just two points shy of "universal acclaim", according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[8] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of 29 out of 40.[14]

N64 Magazine mentioned the low quality of other similar games released around the same time and said: "After the lackluster efforts of Jeremy McGrath and Supercross 2000, we now have an intelligent racer."[3] IGN commended the game for its "fantastic 3D engine, delightfully realistic physics, intuitive control, brilliantly detailed graphics, ingenious subtleties and tons of options".[21] Levi Buchanan of GameFan stated: "In addition to the superb animation, the game sounds awesome... Its dirt bikes actually sound like the real thing--none of that high-pitched tin squeal you'll find in other sub-par racers."[16] Michael Wolf of NextGen said, "With all the secrets and special tracks, not to mention the realistic physics that'll make you wince during crashes, this is one motocross racing game that will entertain for hours on end."[23] The Freshman of GamePro said of the game in one review, "It could have been so much more, but Excitebike 64 manages to be only the latest motocross game whose reoccurring bugs mar an otherwise excellent racing game. Various unlocked extras make Excitebike 64 a truckload of fun, but it's playing to get those goodies that kicks up the dirt."[25][lower-alpha 3] In another GamePro review, Dan Elektro said, "While you can't help but feel that Excitebike 64 is a few tweaks short of greatness, it's still a quality, enjoyable ride."[26][lower-alpha 4]

While the game received high praise, certain publications voiced complaints. GameCritics said, "The game isn't perfect — I would have liked even more tracks to race on as well as a few more racers."[27] GameSpot opined, "Some will cry about the frame rate, and some will wish the game featured real riders."[19]

Another problem the game encountered was that it was one of the last games released for the N64 in Europe, having been released there over a year later than the Japan and U.S. releases. The delay was due to Nintendo's struggle to keep up with the demand for the games Pokémon Stadium and Perfect Dark.[28] This led some to feel that it was released too late in the system's life and if it "had appeared earlier... it would have been a bigger hit".[29]

Nonetheless, the game ultimately went on to sell approximately two million units, according to information provided by former employees of Left Field Productions.[30]

The game was nominated for the "N64 Game of the Year" award at The Electric Playground's Blister Awards 2000, which went to Perfect Dark.[31]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Three critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the game each a score of 9.5/10, 9/10, and 8.5/10.
  2. ↑ In GameFan's viewpoint of the game, three critics gave it each a score of 75, 90, and 81.
  3. ↑ GamePro gave the game two 4.5/5 scores for graphics and sound, 3.5/5 for control, and 4/5 for fun factor in one review.
  4. ↑ GamePro gave the game three 4/5 scores for graphics, control, and fun factor, and 3.5/5 for sound in another review.

References

  1. ↑ IGN staff (May 2, 2000). "An Exciting New Website". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on April 17, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230417033859/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/05/03/an-exciting-new-website. Retrieved April 17, 2024. 
  2. ↑ Phillips, Tom (September 14, 2022). "N64 classic Goldeneye 007 headed to Nintendo Switch Online and Xbox Game Pass". Gamer Network. Archived from the original on October 21, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221021105403/https://www.eurogamer.net/n64-classic-goldeneye-007-headed-to-nintendo-switch-online-and-xbox-game-pass. Retrieved April 17, 2024. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Maddrell, Alan (July 2001). "Excitebike 64". N64 Magazine (Future Publishing) (56): 56–59. 
  4. ↑ "Excitebike 64 Guide". Nintendo Power (Nintendo of America) 132: 23. May 2000. 
  5. ↑ "Excitebike 64 Cheats & Codes for Nintendo 64 (N64)". Gamer Network. Archived from the original on October 17, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20111017183858/http://cheatcodes.com/excitebike-64-n64-cheats/. Retrieved April 17, 2024. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Excitebike 64 (Preview)". Nintendo Power (Nintendo of America) 121: 84-85. 
  7. ↑ IGN staff (May 12, 1999). "Excitebike 64 Tears Up E3". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on April 17, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230417035543/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/05/12/excitebike-64-tears-up-e3. Retrieved April 17, 2024. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Excitebike 64". Fandom. Archived from the original on November 6, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231106092444/https://www.metacritic.com/game/excitebike-64/. Retrieved April 17, 2024. 
  9. ↑ McCall, Scott. "Excitebike 64 - Review". All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141114213406/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=19929&tab=review. Retrieved January 29, 2020. 
  10. ↑ Ham, Tom (May 26, 2000). "Excitebike 64". CNET. Archived from the original on August 24, 2000. https://web.archive.org/web/20000824015814/http://gamecenter.com/Consoles/Nintendo/Excitebike/. Retrieved April 18, 2024. 
  11. ↑ Edge staff (July 2000). "Excitebike 64". Edge (Future Publishing) (86): 88-89. Archived from the original on April 21, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230421181710/https://retrocdn.net/images/7/7b/Edge_UK_086.pdf. Retrieved April 18, 2024. 
  12. ↑ Hager, Dean; Wochok, Cyril; Sewart, Greg (June 2000). "Excitebike 64". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (131): 164. Archived from the original on April 8, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230408134403/https://retrocdn.net/images/b/bf/EGM_US_131.pdf. Retrieved April 18, 2024. 
  13. ↑ Conlin, Shaun (July 4, 2000). "Excitebike 64". Greedy Productions Ltd.. Archived from the original on August 17, 2002. https://web.archive.org/web/20020817092801/http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=2695&full=1#mr_toppy. Retrieved April 18, 2024. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "エキサイトバイク64 [NINTENDO64"] (in ja). Famitsu (Enterbrain). Archived from the original on September 25, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230925101907/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=10215&redirect=no. Retrieved April 17, 2024. 
  15. ↑ McNamara, Andy; Fitzloff, Jay; Reiner, Andrew (June 2000). "Excitebike 64 - Nintendo 64". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (86). https://www.gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=4755. Retrieved January 29, 2020. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Buchanan, Levi (May 2, 2000). "REVIEW for Excitebike 64". GameFan (Shinno Media). Archived from the original on June 20, 2000. https://web.archive.org/web/20000620052609/http://www.gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=1319&t=r. Retrieved January 30, 2020. 
  17. ↑ Rodriguez, Tyrone "Cerberus" (June 2000). "Excitebike 64". Shinno Media. p. 64. https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_8_Issue_06/page/n65/mode/2up. Retrieved September 4, 2020. 
  18. ↑ Mylonas, Eric "ECM"; Weitzner, Jason "Fury"; Ngo, George "Eggo" (June 2000). "Excitebike 64". GameFan (Shinno Media) 8 (6): 12. https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_8_Issue_06/page/n13/mode/2up. Retrieved September 4, 2020. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Provo, Frank (May 19, 2000). "Excitebike 64 Review". Fandom. Archived from the original on April 11, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160411064317/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/excitebike-64-review/1900-2569925/. Retrieved April 17, 2024. 
  20. ↑ Ellis, James (September 2000). "Excitebike 64". Hyper (Next Media Pty Ltd) (82): 70–71. 
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Casamassina, Matt (May 1, 2000). "Excitebike 64". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230415222031/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/05/02/excitebike-64. Retrieved April 17, 2024. 
  22. ↑ Green, Mark (July 2000). "Excitebike 64 (Import)". N64 Magazine (Future Publishing) (43): 58–61. 
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Wolf, Michael (August 2000). "Excitebike 64". NextGen (Imagine Media) (68): 91. https://archive.org/details/NextGen68Aug2000/page/n91/mode/2up. Retrieved July 8, 2020. 
  24. ↑ "Excitebike 64". Nintendo Power (Nintendo of America) 132: 123. May 2000. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230415215722/https://www.nintendo64ever.com/scans/mags/Scan-Magazine-374-123.jpg. Retrieved April 17, 2024. 
  25. ↑ The Freshman (May 2, 2000). "Excitebike 64 Review for N64 on GamePro.com". GamePro (IDG). Archived from the original on December 5, 2004. https://web.archive.org/web/20041205133814/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/n64/games/reviews/5416.shtml. Retrieved April 18, 2024. 
  26. ↑ Dan Elektro (June 2000). "Excitebike 64". GamePro (IDG) (141): 124. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220707090814/https://retrocdn.net/images/a/a5/GamePro_US_141.pdf. Retrieved April 18, 2024. 
  27. ↑ Weir, Dale (June 30, 2000). "Excitebike 64 – Review". Archived from the original on April 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230416235450/https://gamecritics.com/dale-weir/2740/. Retrieved April 17, 2024. 
  28. ↑ "Fast News: Mario Party and Excite Bike delayed until September". Nintendo Official Magazine (Future Publishing) (94): 91. July 2000. 
  29. ↑ Fox, Mat (October 20, 2006). The Video Games Guide. Pan Macmillan Ltd.. p. 136. ISBN 0-7522-2625-8. 
  30. ↑ Valay, Brian (November 28, 2015). "Excitebike 64 devs on the game's development – origins, Miyamoto feedback, more". Archived from the original on May 17, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230517043924/https://nintendoeverything.com/excite-bike-64-devs-on-the-games-development-origins-miyamoto-feedback-more/. Retrieved April 17, 2024. 
  31. ↑ EP staff (2001). "Blister Awards 2000 (Console Games 3)". Greedy Productions Ltd.. Archived from the original on July 20, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010720222556/http://www.elecplay.com/feature.html?id=5130&page=6. Retrieved April 18, 2024. 

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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