California Speed (N64 review)

Developer: Atari Games
Publisher: Midway
Released: 1999

California Speed is a racing game that was first released in the Arcade in 1998.

+ Fans of Cruis'n USA (1996, N64) will enjoy the over-the-top racing, and the game's sense of speed is decent.

+ Course design is exceptional, with atypical environments and five unlockable bonus tracks not found in the Arcade.

+ Many memorable moments, including the narrow climb of Yosemite and driving on top of the Golden Gate bridge!

+ Load times are almost non-existent and the adrenaline pumping music heightens the chaotic action.

- Controls are abysmal and it's impossible to perform precise movements due to twitchy vehicle handling.

- Rubber banding is egregious and whenever you make a small mistake the CPU will immediately be on your tail.

- Bonus tracks are uneventful and the limited draw distance makes it a struggle to anticipate upcoming turns.

Gex: Enter the Gecko (Sony PlayStation review)

Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Publisher: Midway
Released: 1998

Gex: Enter the Gecko is a 3D platformer and the follow-up to Gex (1995, 3DO).

+ World themes are creative (especially the Star Wars inspired setting), and each level is vast with multiple branching paths.

+ Like Super Mario 64 (1996, Nintendo 64), several worlds are typically open at the same time in case you're floundering.

+ Entertaining missions have a nice blend of platforming and puzzle elements, and the boss fights are a real highlight.

+ Plenty of collectable items and unlockable bonus levels, and there's more content here than in the Nintendo 64 port (1998).

- Controls have a loose, unpolished feel, and judging spatial distance between platforms is an unrelenting issue.

- Camera is a constant annoyance and it often rotates erratically while you're attempting delicate movements.

- Themes are repeated across multiple worlds, and Gex talks incessantly with many quips missing the mark.