Wave Race 64 Recompilation

About

RaceWave46 is a fan-made Windows recompilation of the USA Rev 1 version of Wave Race 64, built around N64Recomp and RT64. It adds higher resolutions, widescreen support, interpolated frame rates, optional rasterized or ray traced water reflections and shadows, and expanded local multiplayer. The README says v1.0.0 is available and the project is under active development.

How it differs from the original

Compared with the original, the README lists added resolution multipliers, widescreen and ultrawide support, new reflection and shadow options, split-screen and separate-window two-player modes, a Dolphin Park Free Ride mode and RetroAchievements support. Controller Pak save/load operations are not implemented, and online play is not included.

Getting started

It targets Windows 10/11 64-bit. Extract the release ZIP into a writable folder, open the executable, choose the option to select a USA ROM and import your own Wave Race 64 USA Rev 1 ROM, then start the game. The README states no ROM is included and the project does not provide game downloads.

Known issues & limitations

• Online play is not included; multiplayer is local.
• Original Controller Pak Save/Load operations are not implemented.
• The experimental Wave Draw Distance control is hidden and inactive in this release.
• RetroAchievements supports one signed-in account; Hardcore mode and leaderboard submissions are not included.

What you need to run it

Features

• Play the original modes, including Championship, Time Trials, Stunt Mode, two-player racing and Dolphin Park.
• Choose higher resolution, widescreen or ultrawide layouts, frame-rate options, interpolation and graphics enhancements.
• Use rasterized or ray-traced water and sky reflections and shadows where supported.
• Play two-player races with horizontal or vertical split screen, or separate player windows.
• Enable enhanced two-player detail or take an optional two-player free ride in Dolphin Park.
• Configure keyboard and controller bindings, profiles, player assignment and gameplay rumble.
• Use compatible optional texture packs through the Mods interface.

How to install

1. Extract the entire Windows release ZIP into a writable folder.
2. Open WaveRace64Recompiled.exe; it starts in fullscreen.
3. Choose Select USA ROM and import your own Wave Race 64 USA Rev 1 ROM.
4. Choose Start Game, then use Settings to adjust presentation and enhancements.
5. Keep the .runtime directory when updating.

Controls

• Keyboard and controller bindings can be configured, with profiles and player assignment.

Licensing & legal

• The project's original contributions are licensed under GPL-3.0-only; third-party components keep their own licenses.

AI assistance

• The README states the project is an AI-assisted recompilation, with project direction, review decisions and gameplay testing remaining the maintainer's responsibility.

Additional notes

Ray tracing requirement

Ray traced options require DXR 1.1 / Shader Model 6.5 support and are available only with the Direct3D 12 renderer.

FAQ

What is Wave Race 64 Recompilation?

Wave Race 64 Recompilation is an open-source recompilation of Wave Race 64. The original game's compiled code translated into a native program for a new platform, usually a PC port. The original game ran on N64.

Do I need the original game files to run Wave Race 64 Recompilation?

Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy.

How is Wave Race 64 Recompilation licensed?

project: GPL-3.0-only (project's original contributions); N64ModernRuntime: GPLv3 (third-party components). The repository itself is the authoritative source.

Are texture packs included?

No. Texture packs are optional and are not included in the Windows ZIP.

Does it support online multiplayer?

No. Multiplayer is local; online play is not included.