Extreme-G 2, also known as Extreme G: XG2, is a racing video game developed by Probe Entertainment and published by Acclaim Entertainment for the Nintendo 64 and Microsoft Windows. It serves as the sequel to Extreme-G and is followed by Extreme-G 3.
| Extreme-G 2 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Probe Entertainment |
| Publisher(s) | Acclaim Entertainment |
| Platform(s) | Nintendo 64, Microsoft Windows |
| Release | Nintendo 64Windows |
| Genre(s) | Racing |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Gameplay
edit
This installment, like all Extreme-G games, focuses on futuristic racing: pilots compete on plasma-powered Tron-like bikes in an intergalactic Grand Prix, reaching speeds exceeding 999 mph. Each machine features distinct handling characteristics, including varying top speeds, armor values, and traction levels. All machines in the game possess an energy meter that includes two separate energy stores for protective shields and a primary weapon. If a machine depletes all its shield energy, it will explode upon contact, resulting in the player losing a life or the match. Players may also fall off the tracks when navigating jumps or similar obstacles; in such cases, they are simply teleported back to the track. Each player is granted three "Nitro" boosts per race. Extreme-G features a championship mode that ranges from novice to expert, a shoot-'em-up mode (referred to as "Arcade Mode" in XG2), multiplayer racing, and deathmatch. In shoot-'em-up/arcade mode, computer drones follow a lunar path while the player attempts to destroy them using Extreme-G's arsenal of weapons.
Reception
edit| Aggregator | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| N64 | PC | |
| GameRankings | 67%[2] | 65%[3] |
| Publication | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| N64 | PC | |
| AllGame | N/A |    [4] |
| CNET Gamecenter | 7/10[5] | N/A |
| Computer Games Strategy Plus | N/A | [6] |
| Computer Gaming World | N/A | [7] |
| Electronic Gaming Monthly | 6.67/10[8] | N/A |
| Game Informer | 8.25/10[9] | N/A |
| GamePro | [10] | [11] |
| GameRevolution | B−[12] | N/A |
| GameSpot | 5.5/10[13] | N/A |
| Hyper | 69%[14] | N/A |
| IGN | 6.9/10[15] | N/A |
| N64 Magazine | 85%[16] | N/A |
| Nintendo Power | 7.7/10[17] | N/A |
| PC Gamer (US) | N/A | 76%[18] |
The game received "mixed" reviews on both platforms according to the review aggregation website GameRankings.[2][3] Jes Bickham, an editor for N64 Magazine, noted that while Extreme-G 2 was an improvement over its predecessor, it still fell short compared to other racing titles like F-Zero X and Wipeout 64.[16]
IGN critiqued the gameplay, arguing that the N64 version was "nowhere near its competition," despite enhancements in controls and track design. The graphics faced criticism for their stuttering framerates and excessive filtering effects.[15]
Additionally, the Nintendo 64 version was a finalist for the "Console Racing Game of the Year" at the 2nd Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, ultimately losing to Gran Turismo.[19]
Trivia
editIn early May 1998, Acclaim organized an international contest to design a bike for the game. The contest was won by Daniel Hoppe, and his design, Wasp, was included in the game.[20]
References
edit- ^ "Acclaim Ships Futuristic N64 Racer Extreme-G2". Acclaim Entertainment. 3 November 1998. Archived from the original on 26 August 2004.
- ^ a b "Extreme-G 2 for Nintendo 64". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
- ^ a b "Extreme-G 2 for PC Reviews". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
- ^ Michael L. House. "Extreme-G 2 (PC) - Review". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on 15 November 2014. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
- ^ Ron Pacchiano (5 January 1999). "Extreme-G2 [sic] (N64)". Gamecenter. CNET. Archived from the original on 23 August 2000. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
- ^ John Altman (22 March 1999). "Extreme-G 2". Computer Games Strategy Plus. Strategy Plus, Inc. Archived from the original on 30 May 2003. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
- ^ Gord Goble (June 1999). "Extreme G2 [sic]" (PDF). Computer Gaming World. No. 179. Ziff Davis. p. 151. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
- ^ EGM staff (January 1999). "Extreme-G 2 (N64)". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 114. Ziff Davis.
- ^ Andy McNamara; Paul Anderson; Andrew Reiner (December 1998). "Extreme-G2 - Nintendo 64". Game Informer. No. 68. FuncoLand. Archived from the original on 8 September 1999. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
- ^ Dr. Zombie (1998). "Extreme G 2 Review for N64 on GamePro.com". GamePro. IDG Entertainment. Archived from the original on 9 February 2005. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
- ^ Jason D'Aprile (1999). "Extreme-G 2 Review for PC on GamePro.com". GamePro. IDG Entertainment. Archived from the original on 12 February 2005. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
- ^ Colin (December 1998). "Extreme-G 2 Review (N64)". Game Revolution. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on 8 September 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
- ^ Joe Fielder (2 December 1998). "[Extreme G:] XG2 (N64)". GameSpot. CNET. Archived from the original on 17 March 2005. Retrieved 17 March 2005.
- ^ Cam Shea (December 1998). "Extreme-G 2 (N64)". Hyper. No. 62. Next Media Pty Ltd. p. 50. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
- ^ a b Peer Schneider (17 November 1998). "Extreme-G 2 (N64)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
- ^ a b Jes Bickham (January 1999). "Extreme-G 2". N64 Magazine. No. 23. Future Publishing. pp. 50–52.
- ^ "Extreme-G 2". Nintendo Power. Vol. 114. Nintendo of America. November 1998. p. 125. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
- ^ Joshua Sheridan (September 1999). "Extreme-G 2". PC Gamer. Vol. 6, no. 9. Imagine Media. Archived from the original on 15 March 2006. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
- ^ "Second Interactive Achievement Awards: Console". Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Archived from the original on 11 October 1999. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
- ^ "Club Nintendo Magazin - Ausgabe 5 - Oktober 1998". October 1998.
