Random Game O' the Day: Cruis'n Exotica

[digitalpress]

The Random Game Generator was feeling a little exotic today and chose this arcade port for the N64.

You may be familiar with the Cruis'n series, how familiar are you with Exotica? Post your mini game review here.

DP Guide sez:

Cruis'n Exotica (N64, by Midway) $16/R5
Developed by Midway. Based on the 1999 Midway coin-op. Gray cart. Rated E. The third game in the Cruis'n arcade-to-home series, it's basically "if you played one Cruis'n game, you played 'em all". This version has three modes of play, six very different drivers, up to thirty different cars, twelve tracks from various world locations (Korea, Las Vegas, Holland and Mars for example), and four player simultaneous. Racing/Street Racing. PERIODICALS: Electronic Gaming Monthly gave this game a 6.5 (Out of 10). Released 10/19/00. #NUS-NXDE-USA.

http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/n64/crusinexotica_5.jpg http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/n64/crusinexotica_3.jpg

[Doonzmore]

That was a great game! Funky vehicle and music selection. :D

[Nez]

You got the Beat! You got the feellin.. to cruooose the world, mmm, mmm ,mmm.

Yeah I know its not the same game what of it?

The cruising series was one of my favs, growing up, second only to San Fran Rush.


The 3rd in the series, crusin Exotica was the worst IMHO. While the locals were more varied then ever, the rest was just too much of the same thing. Same driving engine, same sounds, same cab, just too much of the same. The series really needed an update. Plus you cant drive the Bus (as seen in the other games), the best vehicle to humiliate you opponents.

[DigitalSpace]

I played it once in an arcade and thought it was decent. Cruis'n USA is the one in the series I'd like to get the most, but if I came across a cheap copy of Exotica someday I'd probably get it.

[poloplayr]

This brings back memories of Crusin' USA, which was the start of me losing interest in gaming (when the N64 broke my heart with dissapointment), putting down the controller and never picking it up until the Dreamcast entered the scene and re-kindled my old love affair with gaming...

Must try to borrow a copy of Exotica or at least try it...

[Captain Wrong]

Fun game. I know lots pf people harp on the series, but I still think they're fun.

Granted, I haven't played the N64 ports, which I guess disqualifies me from commenting directly on the game of the day, but in the arcade this was always fun.

[vintagegamecrazy]

AHHH! One of my favorite arcade games, although I haven't played it too much on the N64. I was really great at that game as I could play 3 or 4 races in a row with one credit. I loved the music and the crazy stunts that could be pulled off, it also wasn't so rediculously hard that you had to dump tons of credits in before you finished one race. The fantasy land course styles made for one great game.

[fishsandwich]

It's funny how Midway gave so many racers exclusive rights on the N64. The only high-profile one I remember ever going to the PSX was the original SF Rush, and that conversion SUCKED. It could have been much better. The N64 got all the Rush games AND the Crusin' games.

Exotica is my favorite in the series, even if it doesn't look nearly as good as the arcade version. A lot of pop-up, but it sure moves fast.

Hydro Thunder... now that's my game. The N64 version is miles ahead of the PSX game and plays better than the nicer-looking port for the Dreamcast.

Cheers

:D

[Push Upstairs]

I played the Arcade "Exotica" but never the N64, but if its anything like "World" on the N64 i'll have to pass.

I loved "World" in the arcade and i still play it when i run across a machine. I tried out the N64 version and.....them graphics :( .

I should have known better than to have my expectations up since there is no way that the N64 could possibly have the power of its arcade counterpart...but man, no N64 Crusin' Games for me.

Perhaps Nintendo will do a arcade perfect port at some point in the future.

[Charlesaway]

Of the three Cruisin' titles ported to N64, I believe this one is the best. The levels are amazing, and when I first picked up the game they were simply breathtaking.

[CreamSoda]

I hated all these games on the N64! XD

But I always loved the Rush games for N64, crazy tracks, customizable cars, Damage effects, Huge jumps, The awesome crashes(with classic fireball explosion animations). I'll take Rush over Cruisin' games anyday for the Nintendo 64. IMO

[PDorr3]

I remember playing cruisin world alot, I believe I rented erotica once and really enjoyed it. I wish GCN would make a new game for the series.

[Doonzmore]

Midway also produced Stunt Racer for N64!

[downfall]

I believe I rented erotica once and really enjoyed it.

Unfortunate typo: yes. Hilarious: also yes. LOL

That aside, I really didn't care for this one. Cruisn' USA is still my favorite of the entire series, as it was just fun, simple, arcade racing at its best. World was worse with all its added tricks and shortcuts and whatever. I felt like it took away some of the charm of the original (though I did enjoy a few of the tracks). Then I really just couldn't get into Exotica after having been turned off to the series by World. Almost any time I hook up the N64, I play Cruisn' USA, but World and Exotica just sit on the shelf. I can play 'em, but given the choice, I'd rather not.

[chicnstu]

Digital Press, when are you going to reply to my PM????

It's been 3 or 4 days I think.

[EnemyZero]

when i worked for namco we had like every cruisin game imaginable, i used to like them before i worked in an arcade and had to listen to it all day :P but before that it was fun - me and my dad spent alot of time in arcades playing these types of games when i was younger