Introduction
Released in arcades in 1994 by Midway and Nintendo, Cruis’n USA was one of the first racing games designed for the Nintendo Ultra 64 hardware (later known as the Nintendo 64). Developed by Eugene Jarvis and his team at Midway, it featured flashy 3D graphics, recognizable American landmarks, and high-speed arcade racing. With its accessible controls and exotic car selection, Cruis’n USA became a staple of ’90s arcades and kickstarted a popular series.
Development and History
- Developer: Midway Games
- Publisher: Midway / Nintendo
- Release Date: 1994 (Arcade)
Cruis’n USA was part of a collaboration between Nintendo and Midway, showcasing the capabilities of their new arcade hardware, which shared architectural similarities with the upcoming Nintendo 64. The game was built for spectacle, with colorful tracks and exaggerated physics that appealed to casual and hardcore players alike. Its design emphasized fun over realism, in contrast to simulators like Daytona USA.
Gameplay Video
Gameplay and Mechanics
Core Gameplay
- Arcade-Style Racing: Fast-paced races across varied U.S. locations, from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.
- Checkpoint-Based: Players race against a countdown timer, hitting checkpoints to extend time.
- Vehicle Variety: Choose from classic American muscle cars, exotics, and concept vehicles.
- Drifting and Drafting: Basic physics allow for tight turns and fast recoveries.
- Multiplayer: Link up to four cabinets for head-to-head competition.
Tracks and Locations
- Golden Gate Park
- Beverly Hills
- Grand Canyon
- Iowa farmland
- Washington, D.C.
Each race is part of a larger coast-to-coast tour, mimicking a road trip across the United States.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
- Nintendo Collaboration: One of the rare arcade titles co-branded by Nintendo.
- Home Ports: Released on Nintendo 64 in 1996; censored slightly for the home market.
- Series Launcher: Followed by Cruis’n World (1996), Cruis’n Exotica (1999), and Cruis’n Blast (2017).
- Arcade Favorite: Remains a recognizable and often-restored arcade cabinet in retro gaming circles.
Fun Facts
- Digitized Scenery: Real-world backgrounds were used to texture key landmarks.
- Cabinet Customization: Available in upright and deluxe sit-down formats with force feedback.
- Controversy: The original arcade version included bikini girls and highway police—elements toned down in the home release.
- Eugene Jarvis Involvement: The same designer behind NARC, Smash TV, and later Cruis’n Blast.
Conclusion
Cruis’n USA brought over-the-top racing and Americana flair to ’90s arcades, offering an accessible and thrilling experience for players of all skill levels. Its coast-to-coast design, iconic landmarks, and fun-first gameplay made it a defining racer of the era. Whether you played it for the exotic cars or the outrageous locations, Cruis’n USA is a joyride worth remembering.