GENRE
	Puzzle
	DEVELOPER
	Zed Two
	PUBLISHER
	Ocean
	NUMBER OF PLAYERS
	1-2
	CONTROLLER PAK
	yes
	RUMBLE PAK
	no
	RAM PAK
	no
	BUY NOW AT

I stand back from the fray of Nintendo mayhem and as I analyze the efforts of third party developers, I have to rank Ocean as one of the top producers. They have helped to diversify the N64 lineup via their titles: MRC, Fighter's Destiny and Wetrix. Another great thing about Ocean is that each of their titles is solid in that it is well built and enjoyable. I cannot really complain that any of their N64 titles is pure garbage like Off Road Challenge or Mischief Makers.

Wetrix is no exception in Ocean's track record. Following in the deep rooted history of the drop and rotate puzzle format, Wetrix delivers addictive and challenging fun. Much like Fighter's Destiny's unique point scoring system, Wetrix puts a twist on the puzzle format by setting the pieces on a landscape in the attempt to capture falling water. It's almost like playing God, except he's probably playing BK right now.

visuals

There is a cool trend going on in the N64 in regards to the main options screen. Griffey's has that neat spinning ball and Wetrix has this funky pool of water. In the pool are the different modes of play. I just thought it would be cool to note the creative effort that went into Wetrix's interfaces. All of the interfaces are graphically efficient and subsequently easy to navigate. As for the gameplay graphics, in some ways Wetrix surpasses the simple Tetrsisphere. The water effects are really something to be seen and the presentation of the landscape is really funky. The background of the action is equally cool as it attempts to trance the game player into an addicted stupor. Much the same way that Tetrisphere melted what's left of my brain an year ago. One problem though is that when the rain clouds come an overcast dark light covers the landscape. When things get dark on the landscape they get a little too dark. Especially when a big cloud comes floating in. Perhaps Ocean should have went a little easier on the shading as it really adversely affects the vantage point on the playing surface. Another minor or major problem is that the VS. mode becomes a real challenge to see. Things get a little to small and the indicators at the bottom of the screen in VS. mode aren't very efficient.

Overall, the graphics are original and funky. Having said that they really compliment the unique theme and gameplay of Wetrix.

audio

Not bad at all! The atmospheric techno is a nice compliment to the action on screen. Although it doesn't touch Tetrisphere. But then again what game on the 64 does rival Tetrisphere's outstanding tacks? Bond?

gameplay

The basic movement of pieces in Wetrix follows the tried and true Tetris format. One button drops the piece faster while the other one rotates a falling piece. The control pad/stick guide the piece into the desired landing zone. Kind of like President Clinton guiding his piece into…..never mind. In addition, there is an attack button that allows you to zap a friend or drop some heavy duty atom bomb on your landscape. There are four controller set ups that are all variations on this three button theme. Finally, the yellow buttons provide camera control in the same way that Mario did. The up button helps to give a top down perspective while the left and right buttons shift the landscape slightly to the left or the right.

The object of Wetrix is to build walls, damns and reservoirs to hold water. If too much water leaks off the landscape you loose. Sound easy? NOT! You also have to deal with ice cubes, bombs, fireballs, and uppers and downers. No the last section isn't a reference to Keith Richards medicine cabinet, it is the corner stone of the game. Red uppers (there must be a Spinal Tap joke in this!) move the landscape upwards while green downers drop the landscape. If you make too many walls, it's earthquake time. And don't bother dropping a bomb in the same place twice because you'll get a rebomb. What's a rebomb? Pure mayhem=game over.

Here's some hints. Start by building a perimeter around the surface. That way you won't be leaking like Watergate. Then look for point multipliers like rubber ducks, rainbows and the amount of lakes that you have. Capitalize on these things to get high scores. Also, build up one corner heavily so that you can bomb it over and over.

Modes are many: Classic, Pro, Challenge, Multiplay, Practice (really good feature). Overall though, these modes don't seem to provide the same diversity that Tetrisphere's modes did. They all seem a little too similar. Maybe it's just my television or something?! Play control is swift and accurate. No problems there. One major complaint that I have is really an opinion thing. I hate the continuous setup. If I pass level one, I want a break and then level two can begin. This gives a nice feeling of accomplishment. Instead Wetrix just keeps going so that if you want a good hi scoring game you have to sit there for an hour. Tetrisphere is better in this way.

multiplayer

N/A

overall

Another solid effort by Ocean. It's tough to go up against Tetrisphere but Ocean managed to do quite a nice job of dealing with the puzzle concept. Great work.

8.0/10