The controls were generally praised, although Todd Mowatt of "Electronic Gaming Monthly" ("EGM") noted that getting used to them can take some time. Glenn Rubenstein of GameSpot also praised the controls, stating that "Wave Race 64" "makes the best use yet" of the Nintendo 64 analog stick. Although he highlighted the multiplayer mode for offering a "fairly good competition", he criticized its small split-screen play areas for detracting from the drama. Alex Huhtala of "CVG" felt that the game was too short, but admitted that the multiplayer and stunt modes give the game longevity. In March 1997, "EGM" editors named "Wave Race 64" their Sports Game of the Year and a runner-up for their Nintendo 64 Game of the Year award (behind "Super Mario 64"), citing the realistic physics and variety of tracks.