The NINTENDO GAMECUBE’s blindingly fast CPU has eliminated all the graphics annoyances that plagued old-school racing games, including pop-up, clipping and dropped frames. Even if all eight riders are on screen, Wave Race: Blue Storm zips along with nary a hint of slowdown. Because Nintendo’s developers have gone to great length to ensure the game’s faithfulness to real-world physics, a personal watercraft will interact with the water in the game just as it would in real life.

The eight courses whisk you through the world’s aquatic wonderspots. Shatter gondolas and terrify tourists in the Venice-inspired La Razza Canal. Bear right by polar bears and rapidly crumbling icebergs in Arctic Bay. Each rider is rated for acceleration, top speed, maneuvering, stunt skill and strength

Nature will challenge you with glaring sun, shadowy moonlight, blinding fog, rain clouds, wind, snow and more. Wave Race: Blue Storm’s fully interactive environments mean that in a big storm, you may have to cope with both huge waves and crates tumbling from a freighter.

Take on all comers and unlock new tracks in single-player Championship Mode. In Free Roam Mode, you can scout the waterscapes and discover shortcuts without having to worry about a clock, buoys or rival riders. In Stunt Mode, your dual challenge is to race through a course as quickly as possible while completing jaw-dropping backflips, can-cans, nac-nacs, heel clickers, barrel rolls and more. Race your ghost (which takes the form of a bright yellow helicopter) and top your best time in Time Trial Mode. Finally, put the pedal to the metal against as many as three friends in Multiplayer Mode.