Highlights
Beetle Adventure Racing is highly acclaimed but often overlooked among the best Nintendo 64 games, making it deserving of a comeback on modern platforms.
Beetle Adventure Racing, a highly deserving game, is unfortunately confined to the console and lacks the recognition it deserves, unlike many other top Nintendo 64 games that can be enjoyed on modern platforms.
The inclusion of Beetle Adventure Racing in the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack would not only offer gamers the opportunity to indulge in a distinct racing game but also provide a refreshing experience for avid Nintendo 64 fans.
Despite being one of the highest-rated games on the Nintendo 64, Beetle Adventure Racing rarely gets mentioned in discussions about the console's greatest games. This oversight becomes even more notable considering it deserves a resurgence on modern platforms. Although the Nintendo 64 may not boast an extensive game library, it is home to titles that continue to be regarded as some of the finest games of all time, such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64.
While the Nintendo 64 may have lacked quantity, it certainly made up for it in terms of quality. Fortunately, numerous exceptional Nintendo 64 games are conveniently accessible on modern platforms. Services like the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack or various re-releases, remakes, and remasters ensure that players can enjoy many of these beloved titles. Despite this, one game remains frequently overlooked and confined solely to the original console.
Beetle Adventure Racing, a racing game centered entirely around the Volkswagen Beetle, was developed by Paradigm Entertainment and EA Canada. Published by EA in 1999, the game received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, boasting an impressive 90 overall rating on the review aggregate site Metacritic. Despite its high score, Beetle Adventure Racing often finds itself overshadowed by Nintendo 64's renowned titles and more popular racing games such as Mario Kart 64 and Diddy Kong Racing.
Beetle Adventure Racing would be an excellent addition to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, providing more gamers with the opportunity to experience this unique racing game and understand why it garnered such high praise in 1999. Unlike most of the popular Nintendo 64 games already included in the Expansion Pack, Beetle Adventure Racing offers a fresh and exciting option that would resonate even with the most devoted Nintendo 64 enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, the chances of seeing Beetle Adventure Racing in the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack are slim. Currently, the majority of Nintendo 64 games available on the service are Nintendo's first-party titles, and there may also be expired licenses that prevent EA from re-releasing the game in this format. However, if a new licensing agreement could be reached, there might be hope for a Beetle Adventure Racing remaster or sequel. In the meantime, those interested in playing the game will need to locate a cartridge and unearth their Nintendo 64 from storage.
Source: Metacritic
