Cruis'n USA

by Nintendo

Product Details

• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00000ID60
• Media: Game Cartridge
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,153 in Video Games (See Bestsellers in Video Games)

Product Description

GameSpot Review
Cruis'n USA, along with Killer Instinct, was to be one of the original games slated for release on the "Ultra 64" (the working title for the Nintendo 64). Nintendo also promised arcade-perfect translations of these titles. They delivered on neither count. Now, after years of wading through rumors and delays, the Nintendo 64 has made it to the store shelves, and so has Cruis'n USA. And while Nintendo's game machine lives up to its billing, Cruis'n USA doesn't even come close.

The dazzling qualities of Mario 64 and other banner-title N64 games make Cruis'n USA pale by comparison. Cruis'n USA's frame rate isn't up to speed, meaning that the movement is a touch jerky. Even so, the graphics are crisp and colorful, but the horizon is too close. The result is some pretty bad "pop-up," where scenery simply fades away into the distance with little to no warning. The same tunes from the arcade version are present, but they come up short after being brutalized by the N64's weak music capabilities. The arcade's speech and sound effects are also present, though they're muffled.

The Nintendo 64's analog stick controller really comes into play during Cruis'n. After getting used to the feel of the stick, players should be able to take turns as though they were using the arcade version's steering wheel. Weaving in and out of oncoming traffic is no problem. Another nice feature is the addition of faster cars, each of which is earned by completing the entire 14-leg cross-country race. The game also includes hidden cars, most notably a school bus. But as much fun as driving a gray school bus may sound, it isn't a compelling reason to finish each difficulty level with each vehicle.

Ultimately, Cruis'n USA is a dead conversion of a dead arcade game. Perhaps if Nintendo had waited to release a home version of the planned sequel, Cruis'n World (like they did with KI Gold, an enhanced version of Killer Instinct 2), this effort may have been worthwhile. --Jeff Gerstmann
--Copyright ©1999 GameSpot Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of GameSpot is prohibited. GameSpot and the GameSpot logo are trademarks of GameSpot Inc.

Manufacturer Description
Slam the pedal to the metal and hang on for a wild race across the highways of America. Catch all the roadside scenery and famous landmarks - from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge South Dakota's Mount Rushmore to the rolling hills of Appalachia.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Restricted driving ability .. boring tracks. Good images., November 19, 1999

By A Customer

Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This game could be so much better, the graphics are great and sound is ok. The cars are very nice but the driving ability is restricted, you cannot drive in reverse or in wrong way.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It's cool when people who aren't you crash, August 5, 2000

By A Customer

Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Cruisin USA is a really cool game. The best part is earning faster cars. However it's very frustrating when people crash right in front of you so you're stuck, then you run out of time. Overall it's a pretty good game.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hot racing and cool cars, September 28, 2001

By	Tyson Wilcox "Carhothion" (Glendale, AZ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you like fast cars that do suicidal speeds, you will love Cruisin' USA. The cars in this game are awesome. There are sveral Hidden cars you can find(police car, school bus, ect.)