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News   Wave Race: Blue Storm screens.
- Posted By Travis Coats, 07.17.2001

We have touched briefly on some of these screens earlier in our Wave Race preview. However, since there aren't any new screens yet, we decided to take a closer look at what we currently have.

Screen 1:
The first thing that is apparent about this screen is the lack of Kawasaki anywhere on the Jet Ski. With the new PS2 Jet-Ski game coming I have a feeling that Nintendo has lost the license that Kawasaki granted them for Wave Race 64. Judging from this picture however, other sponsors have stepped in to fill that void nicely. Since Kawasaki owns the term Jet Ski, I wonder what the machines will be called in Blue Storm? Waverunners perhaps? Or maybe Personal Water Craft would be more appropriate.

Screen 2:
This level wasn't playable at e3 but it certainly is a nice sight. Snow levels have always had an appeal and charm to them that other levels can sometimes lack. The detail of the clouds and mountains in the backdrop are excellent, and the water spraying out of the Jet Ski serves to reaffirm the level of attention that NST has put into this game.

Screen 3:
There are a total of six riders in this shot, although it looks a little deceiving. Fully rendered, and running at 30 frames per second with six detailed riders on screen is a wonder indeed. Once again, take a look at the ground underneath the layer of water. No matter how many times I see that, I can't get over how amazing it is.

Screen 4:
Screen four shows off some of the weather effects that Blue Storm offers. This is a light set of waves with a mild rainstorm, but it still manages to create quite the chop on the water's surface. The best part of this effect is the wake that is created by each rider. This is most apparent in the large wave that follows the rider on the left. These created wakes can and will affect gameplay, which of course will heighten the entire experience.

Screen 5:
This shot shows the incredible detail of the riders themselves. Gone are the days of the polygonal Pac-man like elbow and knee joints. It's nothing but smooth, round, and textured humans from here on out. The reflections in the water, and the spray of water behind the rider should also merit some attention. On a side note... Does anyone else think this guy looks like Peter DeLouise? (He was the rough and tumble character on 21 Jumpstreet.)