ESPN Extreme Games, also known as 1Xtreme in North America and Street Games in Japan, is a sports video game released for the original PlayStation in 1995. While it may not be as well-known as some other sports games, it has its share of interesting facts:
Genre Pioneering: ESPN Extreme Games is considered one of the early pioneers of the extreme sports video game genre. It featured a mix of sports such as inline skating, skateboarding, BMX biking, and street luge, which were relatively new and exciting at the time.
Multiplayer Madness: The game offered a split-screen multiplayer mode that allowed up to eight players to compete simultaneously, which was quite impressive for its time. This made it a popular choice for multiplayer gaming sessions among friends.
International Appeal: While the game was called ESPN Extreme Games in North America, it was localized as "1Xtreme" in the United States to avoid any potential licensing issues with ESPN. In Japan, it was released as "Street Games."
Soundtrack: ESPN Extreme Games featured an energetic and memorable soundtrack with tracks from bands like Pop Will Eat Itself and The Reverend Horton Heat. The music added to the game's overall atmosphere and excitement.
Interactive Environments: The game included interactive environments, with obstacles like cars and pedestrians that could be crashed into or avoided. This added an extra layer of challenge and realism to the gameplay.
Hidden Characters: There were hidden characters in the game that players could unlock by completing various challenges or using cheat codes. These characters often had unique abilities or attributes, adding replay value to the game.
Wide Variety of Tracks: ESPN Extreme Games featured a diverse range of tracks in different locations, including San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Rome. Each location had its own set of challenges and obstacles, making for a varied gaming experience.
Influence on Subsequent Games: While not as famous as some other sports games, ESPN Extreme Games helped pave the way for the extreme sports game genre. It laid the foundation for more popular titles like the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series and the SSX series.
Cross-Platform Availability: In addition to the PlayStation, the game was also released on the Sega Saturn and MS-DOS platforms, further expanding its reach among gamers.
Nostalgia Factor: For many gamers who grew up in the mid-1990s, ESPN Extreme Games holds a special place in their hearts as a fun and exciting multiplayer game that provided hours of entertainment and competition.
ESPN Extreme Games played a significant role in the early development of extreme sports video games and is remembered fondly by those who experienced it during its heyday.