Vigilante 8 [Model NUS-NV8E-USA]

Vigilante 8 © 1999 Activision, Incorporated.

Stayin' alive is the key to success in Vigilante 8, Activision's far-out approach to combat driving.

V8 takes place in an alternate universe where reversible bell-bottom slacks and gold medallions are still hot commodities. A devastating oil shortage has ravaged the American Southwest, resulting in a lawless free-for-all where the population is too concerned with survival to evolve beyond the cultural miasma of the 1970s. With faint disco riffs echoing throughout the landscape, super fly drivers push their vehicles to the limit in the ultimate demolition derby death match.

Activision has done a groovy job of capturing the spirit of the 70s, but this would be a great combat game even if it were set in the middle of the boring 80s. There are 12 vintage vehicles to choose from, each one with a satisfyingly stereotypical driver. The combatants are broken into two opposing groups: the Vigilantes and the Coyotes.

Depending on which character you choose, your mission will either be destruction or salvation. The Coyotes' focus on destroying the landscape, and the Vigilantes' goal is to stop the Coyotes. No matter which side you choose, annihilating the other drivers will always be at the top of your list. Each character has an individual storyline which unfolds throughout the game, and secret missions and drivers are unlocked as you complete each sequence.

Eight sprawling environments are immediately available for destruction, and three areas can be unlocked as you complete the quest mode. One of these bonus levels, Super Dreamland 64, is exclusively available in the N64 version of the game. Even though the explosive action is far from realistic, the Expansion Pak-powered graphics are incredibly lifelike.

Each of the 13 levels is based on a different Southwestern theme, and you can blow up almost anything you see. Since your opponents can be damaged by falling debris, the environments themselves are potential weapons. Special power-ups can be found inside buildings and on rooftops, so if it looks suspicious, blow it up.

Just like disco dancing or fondue parties, Vigilante 8 is best experienced with friends. Two players can work together in the Quest mode, or up to four Tony Manero wanna-bees can enter a chaotic drive to the death.

High-powered weaponry can be found everywhere in the arenas, and each driver has his/her own special weapon. Old man Beezwax can surprise you with a stinging swarm of bees, while Boogie can overwhelm you with his bullet-spewing inflatable disco ball. One of the coolest weapons definitely belongs to John Torque, who can turn up the bass on his stereo to send a ground-rippling blast in all directions.

Backed by a soundtrack that'll make you wanna strut your funky stuff, V8 delivers more action than an all-night Charlie's Angels marathon. This Pak is destined to be one of the greatest party games on Nintendo 64, so you may need to buy a few extra bean bag chairs to accommodate your hustlin' pals.