GENRE
	Racing
	DEVELOPER
	Paradigm Entertainment
	PUBLISHER
	Electronic Arts
	NUMBER OF PLAYERS
	1-4
	CONTROLLER PAK
	yes
	RUMBLE PAK
	yes
	RAM PAK
	no
	BUY NOW AT

I've developed a philosophy towards buying games for my 64. I now buy games based on developers. For instance, if a game I may be interested in from either Nintendo, Paradigm, Rare or Acclaim comes out I buy it. Why? Because I know I'm buying a quality product. That's what B A R is.

Beetle Adventure Racing is literally an outstanding racer. There's nothing quite like it for the 64. For instance, the single player mode is an incredible blend of platform concepts, racing and sheer exploration. In addition, the multiplayer action rivals Goldeneye with it's unique blend of 4 way competition.

According to Nintendo Power's preview of the game, the breakdown for the development of BAR saw EA Canada creating some vicious level design and 3D models while Paradigm Entertainment coded this beauty. Most of you know that I have a soft spot for Paradigm Entertainment. Their commitment to detail in World Grand Prix was simply breathtaking. In keeping with this commitment to quality and excellence, Paradigm Entertainment has coded yet another winner, Beetle Adventure Racing. B A R features great control response, realistic physics and an incredible fun factor.

The skinny of this review is this gang: nevermind "rushing," "cruising," "speeding, california" and blah blah blah. Beetle Adventure Racing is the only action racer you'll need for your N64. Put simply, this game is so good that it deserves your money no matter what type of video game you enjoy playing. Here's why I think so highly of this title Dojo Disciples:

visuals

Graphics aren't just about textures and veneers. An important aspect of visual representation involves the total visual sensation the game offers a player. In a racing game, this sensation is 100% dependent upon the motion model. Paradigm has its physics and motion models perfected. Now some of you may not know what a motion model is. Basically, a motion model is the way the subject (vehicle) interacts (and for that matter...how it looks) in the atmosphere while in motion. The better the model, the more realistic and exciting the game seems. Let me tell you something Dojo Disciples, Paradigm Entertainment has mastered this element of game design. I can almost smell the exhaust of my Beetle as I race through Adventure Racing's different environments. Whether you're are a fan of the new Beetle or not you really won't have time to study the car in this game. The incredible environments of this game won't afford you an opportunity to discover the contours and design of the Beetle. The worlds of B A R are incredibly detailed and challenging. Believe me, when a T-Rex is about to chomp on your ass the last thing your thinking about is the new Beetle's body moulding.

All of the surroundings are splendidly well done and interactive. The racing environments are crafted in such a way that they seem more akin to a platform game than a racer. Huge sprawling worlds with tonnes of moving elements lavish this incredible graphic experience.

Although the visual highlight of BAR is it's incredible environments the action around the vehicle is superbly handled via Paradgim's trademark attention to detail. You'll whip up skid marks, blur out with a nitro burst and a whole lot more. Every visual detail is top notch and what is more is that all of the on screen action occurs at a consistently effective frame rate. Finally, the front end (menus) are very clever. With a cool hippy motif that reminds me of the last party I went to, B A R offers a refreshing front end presentation.

audio

They say that a great bass player in a band is the guy you never hear. Well, you'll never notice how effective the sound effects of B A R are because they ingeniously fill out the soundscape. From small dings, to big crashes, it's all there and it sounds great! Detail! That's the best way to describe a game whose sound effects cover every single impact of on screen action.

As for the games' tunes...the drum and bass tracks are a nice touch. They're something like the World Grand Prix soundtrack without the Heavy Metal Guitar. I don't mind the announcer at all. In fact, he arrives at well cued times during the action. Thankfully, he doesn't ruin the game. This accomplishment shouldn't be underestimated because more then one N64 game has gone down the toilet due to bad (annoying) commentary.

gameplay

The reward system of B A R is fantastic! Similar to Goldeneye's "pay for your play" access to upper levels, you have to earn the right to play certain boards and cars in BAR. In fact, most of the good stuff has to be earned. The best thing is the way that the doors are opened to upper levels. You don't beat times in B A R like in most conventional racers. You have to collect a total of 100 points on a level and beat varying degrees of difficulty. Points can be found in boxes scattered througout the courses. But you really have to explore to find all of them. This is what makes B A R a winner in the replay and challenge department.

As for the play of the game. It's fast, fun and exciting. You can't ask for more can you? Throw in B A R's outstanding multiplayer action...and it's like you just hit the space on Bob Barker's Price Is Right wheel baby! What an awesome game!

multiplayer

Fantastic innovations are apparent in Paradigm's racer. Not only can you go head to head in a standard race but there is also an incerdibly cool BEETLE BATTLE multiplayer mode. In this mode you and three of your friends attempt to collect ladybugs of six different colors while assaulting each other mercilessly. It's a fantastic idea for multiplayer and the best way to describe it is Goldeneye with Beetles. The great thing about BAR's multiplayer is that it is not an afterthought but a staple of the game. Very good stuff here! Did I say that already?

overall

I'm sorry if I neglected EA Canada in this review. But I can see alot of Paradigm's work in this game. From the incredible attention to detail to the solid action of the game itself. Mark my words Dojo Disciples, Paradigm Entertainment is a name that belongs in the same class as Rare and Iguana. If you haven't checked out F1 WGP yet, slap yourself. Hard. You'd be a fool not to turn onto Paradigm Entertainment's outstanding efforts for your favourite console.

Check out my review of F1 World Grand Prix. You don't have to be a race fan to appreciate a quality video game. And quality is a trait synoymous with Paradigm Entertainment's efforts. And while you're enjoying B A R you can think about F1 WGP II and Harrier 2001. These are two more upcoming Paradigm Entertainment titles that are on my hot list.

9.5/10