Beetle Adventure Racing punches so far above its initial impression as a “licensed game” through its inventive track design and terrifically fun multiplayer, even if the campaign is a drag. On the surface, it may seem like a meager package, with only Beetles to race and six tracks to race on. But the tracks that are there are wildly varied and dense with alternate routes and secrets. The joy of the game is finding all the different ways to veer off the path. In addition, the multiplayer mode, which sees players race around an arena collecting lady bugs, is a fun way to spend an afternoon with friends. Permeating the whole experience is a somewhat intangible good vibe, built through subtle, but mood setting music and sound design along with the artistic style.

It is a bummer, then, that the championships that must be beaten to unlock most of the tracks and multiplayer arenas are structured terribly. The four championships unlock one course at the end by getting first place. Each championship adds an new race onto the end, making the final one six races in a row against expert (cheating) AI. This gets to be infuriating when doing poorly in any race will make you start over unless you managed to nab a continue.

Even so, Adventure Racing is a hidden gem of the 64 era and still enjoyable to play today. The tracks are still clever and exciting to learn which carries the experience. Just maybe look for a way to play that involves save states if you want to unlock everything.