Snowboard Kids (1997)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Snowboard Kids (1997) is a snowboarding game developed by Racdym and published by Atlus for the Nintendo 64. It was released in Japan on December 12, 1997, and in North America and Europe in 1998. The game features nine playable characters, each with their own unique abilities and stats. Players race down various courses, collecting items and using special weapons to attack their opponents.

Snowboard Kids was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music. The game has been ported to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service in 2023.

Gameplay

Snowboard Kids is a racing game in which players control one of nine characters as they race down various courses. The game features nine main courses, each with its own unique obstacles and challenges. In addition to the main courses, there are also several bonus courses that can be unlocked by completing certain tasks.

Players can use a variety of tricks and techniques to gain an advantage over their opponents. These include performing grabs, spins, and flips. Players can also collect items that can help them, hinder other players, or both. Items include speed boosts, invincibility shields, and weapons.

Snowboard Kids also features a unique two-item system. This allows players to carry two items at the same time, one shooting item and one support item. Shooting items can be used to attack other players, while support items can be used to help the player, such as by increasing their speed or protecting them from attacks.

Characters

There are nine playable characters in Snowboard Kids. Each character has their own unique abilities and stats. The characters are:

  • Slash: A well-rounded character with no major strengths or weaknesses.
  • Nancy: A fast and agile character, but with low strength.
  • Tommy: A strong and powerful character, but with low speed.
  • Linda: A technical character with good all-around stats.
  • Jam: A beginner-friendly character with easy-to-control stats.
  • Sabu: A fast and agile character, but with low strength.
  • Pete: A strong and powerful character, but with low speed.
  • Mike: A technical character with good all-around stats.
  • Shinobin: A hidden character that can be unlocked by completing certain tasks.

Courses

There are nine main courses in Snowboard Kids. Each course has its own unique obstacles and challenges. The courses are:

  • Beginner’s Slope: A simple course designed for beginners.
  • Forest Course: A winding course through a forest.
  • Valley Course: A wide-open course with plenty of space to maneuver.
  • Amusement Park Course: A course set in an amusement park, with obstacles such as roller coasters and Ferris wheels.
  • Desert Course: A sandy course with ramps and jumps.
  • Highway Course: A dark and dangerous course set on a highway.
  • Japanese Village Course: A course set in a Japanese village during the cherry blossom festival.
  • Rainbow Course: A bonus course that can be unlocked by completing certain tasks.
  • Expert Course: A bonus course that can be unlocked by completing certain tasks.

Reception

Snowboard Kids was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music. The game sold over 1 million copies worldwide.

Snowboard Kids was also nominated for several awards, including “Best Racing Game” at the 1998 Golden Joystick Awards.

Legacy

Snowboard Kids is considered to be one of the best snowboarding games ever made. It has been praised for its innovative gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music. The game has been ported to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service in 2023.

Snowboard Kids has also spawned a sequel, Snowboard Kids 2, which was released in 1999. Snowboard Kids 2 features new characters, courses, and items.

Conclusion

Snowboard Kids is a classic snowboarding game that still holds up today. With its innovative gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music, it’s a must-play for any fan of the genre.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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