My journey through all games released for the Nintendo 64 in North America took one more step towards my ultimate goal last night. I finally rolled credits in Duke Nukem 64 after six long streams of confusing level design and cheap environmental deaths. It was an interesting if not frustrating romp through the alien infested streets of L.A. and outer space. Now that it's behind me, it's time to set my sights on the next game to tackle.
With the Duke all done, it's time to CHOOSE! Only YOU can help sway the course of #skankcore64. Vote for the racing game you'd like to see me complete live on @Shacknews Twitch. #DoitforShacknews and pick wisely, the future is at stake!
— Bryan Lefler (@skankcore) March 11, 2021
I have been taking suggestions for Nintendo 64 racing games during my past couple episodes because I haven't played one for this project yet. There's a lot of racing games to pick from out of the relatively diminutive library for the N64. Since I use Twitter polls to handle the voting, only four can be up for the honor of becoming the eleventh game to fall before skankcore64. A lot of great suggestions were given but I narrowed the field down to a pretty decent line-up.
First up, guides editor and Destiny 2 maestro, Sam Chandler shouted out Snowboard Kids for a couple of streams now. At first I thought it was a joke or troll suggestion since, I mean, it's Snowboard Kids. But no, Sam seemed pretty adamant about his choice so it's on the poll! I've never played this game and I don't think I know anyone who has. It seemed forgettable back then but maybe there's something memorable about this oft-forgotten snowboarding game.
Next we have Diddy Kong Racing and I don't think this one needs any introduction. This suggestion was shouted out by a few viewers over the last few weeks and it's easy to see why. DKR is a long-time fan favorite of N64 owners and another classic Rare developed title that slipped by my 64-bit console in its time. I personally had Mario Kart 64 and felt that it was good enough to keep playing. I think this one has a good chance of securing the most votes due to its overwhelming popularity but you never know what'll happen on skankcore64!
Fellow retro enthusiast and photography expert, lacker, threw out Wave Race 64 as a last minute choice during the final moments of my stream last night. I definitely remember seeing at least one other person call out the fluid jet-ski simulator as well. I would have to be a monster to not include such a classic and quintessential N64 title on my first poll of racing games. I didn't own a copy of this either when I was in my early teens, but I have played it a handful of times. From what I can remember, this should be an amazing ride when I do finally set on beating it.
Lastly, I like to include a personal choice on these polls from time to time, and Beetle Adventure Racing is absolutely a personal favorite. This game was mentioned briefly in chat while discussing other racing games to play, and I'm a little sad it didn't get more representation. Admittedly, there are a ton of racing games on the console to pick from, and a lot of them range from decent to really good. I don't think anything captures the late '90s and early '00s era of racers quite like Beetle Adventure Racing does. An entire game with only one model of car seems ludicrous nowadays, and the whole thing was basically a giant Volkswagen ad, but damn if it isn't an exhilarating time.
There's the choices for the next game I will finish on Shacknews Twitch, live for your entertainment! If you don't have a Twitter account because that website is a dumpster fire of burning hot takes, I can completely understand. Leave a comment with your pick below and I'll add it to the final tally! I hope to see you Sunday, at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET for the next skankcore64!
