Racing
Gran Turismo 3 A-spec
- Platform:
- PlayStation 2
- Release Date:
- 2001
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
Sony's award-winning racing series makes its debut on the PlayStation 2 with Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec. Taking the driving engine and interface of the 1998 PlayStation original, the game offers enhanced visuals using the system's 128-bit processing power. With over 150 cars available from actual car companies, some of which include Ford, Fiat, Audi, BMW and Chrysler, Gran Turismo 3 offers players a choice of models based on their real-life counterparts, from the car bodies to the individual engines.
As before, Gran Turismo 3 A Spec is divided into an Arcade Mode and a Simulation Mode. Both modes have a variety of updated courses from the previous two titles as well as a few new tracks. The Simulation Mode has players purchasing and racing for money, with 60 different racing circuits divided into beginning, amateur, and championship difficulty levels, as well as ten rally and ten endurance rounds. In order to enter many of the races, players will have to earn certain licenses by passing a series of tests, some of which involve taking turns and stopping correctly within a time limit.
The soundtrack features artists ranging from Snoop Dogg to Lenny Kravitz to Judas Priest. Players can also alter their gameplay view from a camera positioned behind the car to a first-person perspective inside the driver's seat. As with others in the series, Gran Turismo 3 supports vibration feedback and full analog control. A memory card is required in order to save progress, statistics, and accumulated cars. ~ J.C. Barnes, All Game Guide
As before, Gran Turismo 3 A Spec is divided into an Arcade Mode and a Simulation Mode. Both modes have a variety of updated courses from the previous two titles as well as a few new tracks. The Simulation Mode has players purchasing and racing for money, with 60 different racing circuits divided into beginning, amateur, and championship difficulty levels, as well as ten rally and ten endurance rounds. In order to enter many of the races, players will have to earn certain licenses by passing a series of tests, some of which involve taking turns and stopping correctly within a time limit.
The soundtrack features artists ranging from Snoop Dogg to Lenny Kravitz to Judas Priest. Players can also alter their gameplay view from a camera positioned behind the car to a first-person perspective inside the driver's seat. As with others in the series, Gran Turismo 3 supports vibration feedback and full analog control. A memory card is required in order to save progress, statistics, and accumulated cars. ~ J.C. Barnes, All Game Guide
NASCAR Heat 2002
- Platform:
- PlayStation 2
- Release Date:
- 2001
- Rated:
The second NASCAR game on the PS2 features 25 professional drivers as they compete in a full 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Season. A total of 19 authentic tracks are available, including Daytona International Speedway and Watkins Glen, to race in five modes of play: Beat the Heat, Race the Pro, Single Race, Championship, and Head-to-Head. Each mode can be raced on an expert setting, allowing players to tweak their car's weight, shocks, springs, tires, camber, gears, and more to improve overall performance.
Beat the Heat is a series of 36 scenarios to complete for a gold, silver, or bronze trophy. Race the Pro is structured similarly to a time trial in that players are trying to beat the best laps from a roster of 11 pro drivers. A ghost image of an opponent will appear on the course to help gauge speed. Single Race is one race on a choice of tracks, with options in the number of laps, computer AI, wear factor for tires, racing flags, and car performance.
The Championship mode features an adjustable season (full, medium, or short) as players earn points for top finishes on their way to the Winston Cup. After each race, a standings screen will appear with the overall time and points earned for each driver. The final mode, Head-to-Head, is the same as Single Race but against a friend on a split-screen. In order to save options, standings, and season progress, a full 8MB of space is required. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Beat the Heat is a series of 36 scenarios to complete for a gold, silver, or bronze trophy. Race the Pro is structured similarly to a time trial in that players are trying to beat the best laps from a roster of 11 pro drivers. A ghost image of an opponent will appear on the course to help gauge speed. Single Race is one race on a choice of tracks, with options in the number of laps, computer AI, wear factor for tires, racing flags, and car performance.
The Championship mode features an adjustable season (full, medium, or short) as players earn points for top finishes on their way to the Winston Cup. After each race, a standings screen will appear with the overall time and points earned for each driver. The final mode, Head-to-Head, is the same as Single Race but against a friend on a split-screen. In order to save options, standings, and season progress, a full 8MB of space is required. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
The Getaway
- Platform:
- PlayStation 2
- Release Date:
- 2003
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
Originally conceived as a PlayStation title, The Getaway is a mission-based game set in London, England. Inspired by such films as The Long Good Friday and 1968's Get Carter, The Getaway has players slipping into the shoes of an ex-con named Mark Hammond. Hammond finds himself reluctantly drawn into a life of crime again after his wife is brutally murdered and his son abducted by the Bethnal Street Mob.
Now Hammond must complete 12 missions on behalf of a once-powerful crime boss named Charlie Jolson, whose control over London's East End is as frail as his health. If Hammond fails to comply, he'll never see his son again. The result is a cinematic adventure encompassing car chases, gunfights, stealth, and a second playable character in the form of embittered Detective Frank Carter, whose 12-mission storyline runs concurrent with Hammond's.
The 3D city captures an estimated 20 square miles of London, complete with authentic storefronts and landmarks. Players will also be able to walk into mission-related buildings such as restaurants, pubs, warehouses, and hotels during the course of the game. Actors were filmed using an advanced form of motion-capture technique, where up to five people could be recorded at once (along with their dialogue) inside actual sets. Each actor's face was also digitally scanned and mapped to his or her character model.
The main adventure in The Getaway consists of 52 objectives spread across the 24 missions, with driving representing nearly half of the action. The game distinguishes itself from others in the genre by its lack of on-screen indicators for targeting enemies or viewing health. Instead players must rely on subtle visual cues rather than obvious meters to advance through the game. Once the main mode is complete, players can embark on a scenic tour of London to visit various landmarks and notable attractions without worrying about time or having to complete objectives. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Now Hammond must complete 12 missions on behalf of a once-powerful crime boss named Charlie Jolson, whose control over London's East End is as frail as his health. If Hammond fails to comply, he'll never see his son again. The result is a cinematic adventure encompassing car chases, gunfights, stealth, and a second playable character in the form of embittered Detective Frank Carter, whose 12-mission storyline runs concurrent with Hammond's.
The 3D city captures an estimated 20 square miles of London, complete with authentic storefronts and landmarks. Players will also be able to walk into mission-related buildings such as restaurants, pubs, warehouses, and hotels during the course of the game. Actors were filmed using an advanced form of motion-capture technique, where up to five people could be recorded at once (along with their dialogue) inside actual sets. Each actor's face was also digitally scanned and mapped to his or her character model.
The main adventure in The Getaway consists of 52 objectives spread across the 24 missions, with driving representing nearly half of the action. The game distinguishes itself from others in the genre by its lack of on-screen indicators for targeting enemies or viewing health. Instead players must rely on subtle visual cues rather than obvious meters to advance through the game. Once the main mode is complete, players can embark on a scenic tour of London to visit various landmarks and notable attractions without worrying about time or having to complete objectives. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
RalliSport Challenge
- Platform:
- Xbox
- Release Date:
- 2002
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
Digital Illusions' first racing game on the Xbox comes in the form of RalliSport Challenge, a rally title taking place across a variety of terrain. Unlike traditional rally titles, crashes and car damage do little to affect a car's overall performance, with the designers emphasizing speed and forgiving control over strict realism. Four game modes consist of Single Race, Time Attack, Multiplayer, and Career.
Career is the heart of the game, requiring players to compete in 17 events (each consisting of a varying number of races), with progress dictated by the number of points accumulated in each event. Surfaces such as sand, ice, gravel, and tarmac require players to master different driving techniques. The 25 licensed cars include models from Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Ford, Toyota, and Subaru.
Though damage does not significantly affect vehicle performance, it does have a bearing on the number of points awarded at the end of a race, providing some incentive for keeping the vehicle on the course as much as possible. Real-time damage appears in the form of broken taillights, smashed windows, and dents as players negotiate a number of hairpin turns and hills on their way to the finish line.
During a career, players will participate in four distinct rally events: Point-to-Point Rally, RallyCross, Ice Racing, and Hill Climb. The first is a traditional rally event where players race the clock in an attempt to place within the three top times; the second is a race to the finish against three other opponents. Ice Racing is similar to RallyCross but takes place on ice, while Hill Climb requires players to reach the top of a treacherous slope in the shortest time possible.
The in-game soundtrack features a variety of techno musicians, but the developers have made use of the Xbox's ability to store songs on the hard drive, allowing players to include their own custom soundtracks on the game's play list. Using the cars and courses unlocked in Career, up to four players can engage in split-screen competition in Multiplayer mode. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide
Career is the heart of the game, requiring players to compete in 17 events (each consisting of a varying number of races), with progress dictated by the number of points accumulated in each event. Surfaces such as sand, ice, gravel, and tarmac require players to master different driving techniques. The 25 licensed cars include models from Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Ford, Toyota, and Subaru.
Though damage does not significantly affect vehicle performance, it does have a bearing on the number of points awarded at the end of a race, providing some incentive for keeping the vehicle on the course as much as possible. Real-time damage appears in the form of broken taillights, smashed windows, and dents as players negotiate a number of hairpin turns and hills on their way to the finish line.
During a career, players will participate in four distinct rally events: Point-to-Point Rally, RallyCross, Ice Racing, and Hill Climb. The first is a traditional rally event where players race the clock in an attempt to place within the three top times; the second is a race to the finish against three other opponents. Ice Racing is similar to RallyCross but takes place on ice, while Hill Climb requires players to reach the top of a treacherous slope in the shortest time possible.
The in-game soundtrack features a variety of techno musicians, but the developers have made use of the Xbox's ability to store songs on the hard drive, allowing players to include their own custom soundtracks on the game's play list. Using the cars and courses unlocked in Career, up to four players can engage in split-screen competition in Multiplayer mode. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide
Quantum Redshift
- Platform:
- Xbox
- Release Date:
- 2002
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
Quantum Redshift is a futuristic racing game in the vein of Wipeout, where players have the added ability of using weapons to knock out the competition as they approach speeds near 650 mph. Set 100 years in the future, the world of Quantum Redshift is focused on a racing tournament that takes place across 16 tracks throughout the planet. Seven pilots are initially selectable, with additional characters opening up after winning specific events.
Each character also has a specific nemesis, such as a spurned lover or a rival candidate up for re-election, who will taunt and act hostile toward the player. This added drama will unfold through cinematic cut-scenes in between races. Weapons found along the courses range from plasma bolts to tidal wives, and can be either offensive or defensive in nature. Players will also be able to unlock five racing speeds and can battle against up to three friends on a split screen. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Each character also has a specific nemesis, such as a spurned lover or a rival candidate up for re-election, who will taunt and act hostile toward the player. This added drama will unfold through cinematic cut-scenes in between races. Weapons found along the courses range from plasma bolts to tidal wives, and can be either offensive or defensive in nature. Players will also be able to unlock five racing speeds and can battle against up to three friends on a split screen. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
ATV: Quad Power Racing 2
- Platform:
- PlayStation 2
- Release Date:
- 2003
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
AKA Acclaim takes the extreme approach to off-road four-wheeling in ATV: Quad Power Racing 2. In addition to other improvements, this sequel to the 2000 original features ten real-life professional riders and over 40 real-world sponsors. Races take place on ten tracks set in five international locations. For added competition, players can punch and kick each other as they race around the track. Tight control and a forgiving physics model are designed for action-oriented, arcade-style racing, with big air jumps, mud-spewing power slides, and more than 20 different freestyle tricks. ~ All Game Guide
ATV: Quad Power Racing 2
- Platform:
- Xbox
- Release Date:
- 2003
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
The sequel to 2000's ATV: Quad Power Racing on PlayStation continues the off-road action on 17 tracks across five international environments. An arcade-style approach offers players an opportunity to catch big air off jumps, power-slide around corners, and perform more than 20 different tricks for style points. Players can choose from ten professional riders, including Kory Ellis, Tim Farr, and Dana Creech, as they enter competitive races against the computer or their friends in a variety of multiplayer modes. ~ All Game Guide
Project Gotham Racing 2
- Platform:
- Xbox
- Release Date:
- 2003
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
This sequel to the million-selling Project Gotham Racing features officially licensed sports cars from such manufacturers as Ferrari and Porsche. Over 50 automobiles are available to race as or against in a variety of new cities, including venues in Hong Kong and Edinburgh. The basic structure of its predecessor remains intact, meaning players will compete for Kudos points by demonstrating a number of skills while racing. Of course, new techniques will have to mastered to earn additional Kudos, and the ranking system has been redesigned to better reflect a player's true racing ability. Multiplayer competition is supported through Microsoft's Xbox Live broadband service. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Freestyle MetalX
- Platform:
- Xbox
- Release Date:
- 2003
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
Billed as the "first freestyle motocross" video game, Freestyle MetalX offers eight go-anywhere environments filled with objects like swimming pools and skyscrapers to trick off. Since there are no limitations imposed on players, they are free to smash windows, plow through parks, and do things that would otherwise be illegal. In addition to riding across real-world locales, players can participate in side events like bus jumping, wheelies, and zipping through tunnels of fire to earn some notoriety and cash for their character. Money can then be used to purchase new equipment including bikes, clothing, accessories, and more.
Nine professional riders are available to play as or against, including such legends as Kris "The Rock" Rourke and Ronnie "Kung Fu" Faisst. Seven generic riders are also selectable, bringing the total lineup of characters to 16. Players must guide these characters through various skill-based challenges in order to unlock the remaining courses. Once unlocked, the eight levels seamlessly connect with one another to form one sprawling environment. Within each region are special events entitled Big Air, Freestyle, Hill Climb, and Race, which typically involve performing as many aerial stunts as possible to outscore the competition.
Freestyle MetalX also features a number of sub-games to add some diversity to the racing action. Players will ride off a cliff to see how many tricks they can perform during their rapid decent, become a human dart while hurling themselves toward an enormous dartboard, and even participate in a game of motocross pinball. Those tired of the existing courses can create their own arena using the built-in level editor, and players can learn more about the game via the included making-of documentary as well as other exclusive DVD content. No matter which mode is selected, players can listen to hard-driving music from such bands as Megadeath, Mötley Crüe, Motörhead, and Twisted Sister. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Nine professional riders are available to play as or against, including such legends as Kris "The Rock" Rourke and Ronnie "Kung Fu" Faisst. Seven generic riders are also selectable, bringing the total lineup of characters to 16. Players must guide these characters through various skill-based challenges in order to unlock the remaining courses. Once unlocked, the eight levels seamlessly connect with one another to form one sprawling environment. Within each region are special events entitled Big Air, Freestyle, Hill Climb, and Race, which typically involve performing as many aerial stunts as possible to outscore the competition.
Freestyle MetalX also features a number of sub-games to add some diversity to the racing action. Players will ride off a cliff to see how many tricks they can perform during their rapid decent, become a human dart while hurling themselves toward an enormous dartboard, and even participate in a game of motocross pinball. Those tired of the existing courses can create their own arena using the built-in level editor, and players can learn more about the game via the included making-of documentary as well as other exclusive DVD content. No matter which mode is selected, players can listen to hard-driving music from such bands as Megadeath, Mötley Crüe, Motörhead, and Twisted Sister. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Freestyle MetalX
- Platform:
- Nintendo GameCube
- Release Date:
- 2003
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
Billed as the "first freestyle motocross" video game, Freestyle MetalX offers eight go-anywhere environments filled with objects like swimming pools and skyscrapers to trick off. Since there are no limitations imposed on players, they are free to smash windows, plow through parks, and do things that would otherwise be illegal. In addition to riding across real-world locales, players can participate in side events like bus jumping, wheelies, and zipping through tunnels of fire to earn some notoriety and cash for their character. Money can then be used to purchase new equipment including bikes, clothing, accessories, and more.
Nine professional riders are available to play as or against, including such legends as Kris "The Rock" Rourke and Ronnie "Kung Fu" Faisst. Seven generic riders are also selectable, bringing the total lineup of characters to 16. Players must guide these characters through various skill-based challenges in order to unlock the remaining courses. Once unlocked, the eight levels seamlessly connect with one another to form one sprawling environment. Within each region are special events entitled Big Air, Freestyle, Hill Climb, and Race, which typically involve performing as many aerial stunts as possible to outscore the competition.
Freestyle MetalX also features a number of sub-games to add some diversity to the racing action. Players will ride off a cliff to see how many tricks they can perform during their rapid decent, become a human dart while hurling themselves toward an enormous dartboard, and even participate in a game of motocross pinball. Those tired of the existing courses can create their own arena using the built-in level editor. No matter which mode is selected, players can listen to hard-driving music from such bands as Megadeath, Mötley Crüe, Motörhead, and Twisted Sister. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Nine professional riders are available to play as or against, including such legends as Kris "The Rock" Rourke and Ronnie "Kung Fu" Faisst. Seven generic riders are also selectable, bringing the total lineup of characters to 16. Players must guide these characters through various skill-based challenges in order to unlock the remaining courses. Once unlocked, the eight levels seamlessly connect with one another to form one sprawling environment. Within each region are special events entitled Big Air, Freestyle, Hill Climb, and Race, which typically involve performing as many aerial stunts as possible to outscore the competition.
Freestyle MetalX also features a number of sub-games to add some diversity to the racing action. Players will ride off a cliff to see how many tricks they can perform during their rapid decent, become a human dart while hurling themselves toward an enormous dartboard, and even participate in a game of motocross pinball. Those tired of the existing courses can create their own arena using the built-in level editor. No matter which mode is selected, players can listen to hard-driving music from such bands as Megadeath, Mötley Crüe, Motörhead, and Twisted Sister. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
XGRA: Extreme-G Racing
- Platform:
- Nintendo GameCube
- Release Date:
- 2003
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
Acclaim's Extreme-G series of futuristic racing games continues with the release of XGRA, short for Extreme Gravity Racing Association. In addition to the high-speed races across 14 twisting, loop-filled courses, the game emphasizes a league-style atmosphere, complete with real-time commentary during competition, a fleshed-out background on the sport's history, and the ability to compete for lucrative contracts by catering to corporate sponsors. The setting is the year 2080, and the main attraction is the SiNN Global Championship, where cutthroat racers from around the world gather to compete in a deadly season of weapons-based racing.
The career mode, referred to as 2080 Season, features multiple race types across five classes of competition. Each new format features a twist: endurance races extend the number of laps, peacekeeper races remove each cycle's weapons, while speed limited races ban the use of turbo. Other formats include extreme weather races, which affect handling, burn off races, which reduce the number of laps, and warmonger races, which add gun turrets on the courses and reward those who kill off the competition. As players progress through a career they can earn contracts with special incentives. Instead of wearing apparel, however, players receive extra cash for targeting specific rivals on the course.
Two additional game modes are supported: Arcade and Time Trial. Arcade races allow up to four players to compete on courses unlocked in the career mode. Time Trial also supports four players simultaneously as they attempt to shatter course records. XGRA features a total of eight racing teams, each featuring signature weapons, sponsors, and handling tendencies. By winning championships or by completing secondary objectives such as destroying a rival company's billboard, players can unlock new, more powerful bikes with improved speed, shielding, acceleration, and more. There are also two distinct soundtracks selectable from the options menu: a choice of rock or dance music. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
The career mode, referred to as 2080 Season, features multiple race types across five classes of competition. Each new format features a twist: endurance races extend the number of laps, peacekeeper races remove each cycle's weapons, while speed limited races ban the use of turbo. Other formats include extreme weather races, which affect handling, burn off races, which reduce the number of laps, and warmonger races, which add gun turrets on the courses and reward those who kill off the competition. As players progress through a career they can earn contracts with special incentives. Instead of wearing apparel, however, players receive extra cash for targeting specific rivals on the course.
Two additional game modes are supported: Arcade and Time Trial. Arcade races allow up to four players to compete on courses unlocked in the career mode. Time Trial also supports four players simultaneously as they attempt to shatter course records. XGRA features a total of eight racing teams, each featuring signature weapons, sponsors, and handling tendencies. By winning championships or by completing secondary objectives such as destroying a rival company's billboard, players can unlock new, more powerful bikes with improved speed, shielding, acceleration, and more. There are also two distinct soundtracks selectable from the options menu: a choice of rock or dance music. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Crash Nitro Kart
- Platform:
- PlayStation 2
- Release Date:
- 2003
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
The orange wonder from down under is back for another adventure, this time from behind the wheel of a go-kart. Inspired by 1999's hit CTR (Crash Team Racing) for the original PlayStation, Crash Nitro Kart offers four-player racing action in a variety of game modes. Players will compete in cup challenges, time trials, and an assortment of multiplayer battles. While speeding along the predominately outdoor environments, players can run over such items as wumpa fruit to increase speed, ramps to leap over chasms, and crates to acquire power-ups for offense or defense. In addition to Crash Bandicoot, featured characters include Crunch, Coco, Dingodile, Neo Cortex, and more. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Crash Nitro Kart
- Platform:
- Xbox
- Release Date:
- 2003
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
The orange wonder from down under is back for another Xbox adventure, this time from behind the wheel of a go-kart. Inspired by 1999's hit CTR (Crash Team Racing) for the original PlayStation, Crash Nitro Kart offers eight-player racing action in a variety of game modes. Abducted from Earth by the evil Emperor Velo, Crash Bandicoot and the gang are forced to take part in a series of races in order to save their home planet. In addition to Crash, players will be able to compete as or against Dingodile, Crunch, Coco, Dr. Neo Cortex, Pura, Polar, and many more characters from previous games.
Players will compete in cup challenges, time trials, and an assortment of multiplayer events in Adventure, Arcade, Time Trial, and Battle modes. While speeding along the predominately outdoor environments, players can run over such items as wumpa fruit to increase speed, ramps to leap over chasms, and crates to acquire power-ups for offense or defense. A total of 17 courses take place within four themed worlds, ranging from jungles and volcanoes to space stations and futuristic cities. Four players can compete simultaneously on a single system, but two Xbox consoles must be linked together to support the maximum of eight racers. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Players will compete in cup challenges, time trials, and an assortment of multiplayer events in Adventure, Arcade, Time Trial, and Battle modes. While speeding along the predominately outdoor environments, players can run over such items as wumpa fruit to increase speed, ramps to leap over chasms, and crates to acquire power-ups for offense or defense. A total of 17 courses take place within four themed worlds, ranging from jungles and volcanoes to space stations and futuristic cities. Four players can compete simultaneously on a single system, but two Xbox consoles must be linked together to support the maximum of eight racers. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Demon Driver
- Platform:
- Game Boy Advance
- Release Date:
- 2004
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
Demon Driver is a top-down racing game with eight car types and a choice of 32 tracks. Each vehicle offers variable ratings in speed, acceleration, and handling, and players must race against three rivals in a series of ten laps. Twists on the genre include collectible coins, oil slicks, and a temperature gauge that gradually diminishes the longer the gas button is depressed, meaning players must carefully balance speed with the risk of overheating their engine.
Running over coins found along each course is necessary to purchase vehicle upgrades in the areas of tires, engines, brakes, and cooling systems. Each of the 32 tracks ranges in the type of terrain encountered, from asphalt and mud to sand and ice. Water power-ups are also strewn about the courses, which decrease an engine's temperature once acquired. Up to four players can compete simultaneously using the Game Link Cable. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Running over coins found along each course is necessary to purchase vehicle upgrades in the areas of tires, engines, brakes, and cooling systems. Each of the 32 tracks ranges in the type of terrain encountered, from asphalt and mud to sand and ice. Water power-ups are also strewn about the courses, which decrease an engine's temperature once acquired. Up to four players can compete simultaneously using the Game Link Cable. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
The Simpsons: Hit & Run
- Platform:
- Xbox
- Release Date:
- 2003
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
The Simpsons: Hit & Run takes players on a trip through the colorful streets of Springfield in a mission-based racing game with the ability to continue objectives on foot. Something is amiss in Springfield, as strange crop circles have been reported and people are suddenly disappearing. After Homer notices a mysterious satellite-equipped van parked outside his home, he takes it upon himself to discover the truth behind these unsettling events. A total of 17 characters are available for the mission-based driving sequences, with Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart, and Apu able to leave their cars and enter such buildings as Moe's Tavern, the Kwik-E-Mart, Kamp Krusty, and the Springfield Power Plant. To lend a degree of authenticity to the game, the animated show's original cast recorded the voice-overs for their respective characters. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Corvette
- Platform:
- Xbox
- Release Date:
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
The first console game to exclusively feature the Corvette races onto Xbox with a selection of 80 authentic car models and a cross-country trip down the infamous Route 66. Players will start in Chicago and make their way toward Los Angeles while avoiding numerous obstacles, or they can challenge multiple opponents on a variety of tracks as they attempt to set the fastest lap times on their way to a first-place finish. Each Corvette, ranging in production year from 1953 to 2003, features a speedometer display modeled after the true-life dashboard found in the selected vehicle. Six characters are available to play as or against, and each car features upgradeable engines and suspension systems. Multiplayer competition supports both a split-screen format as well as Xbox Live for racing online. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Quad Desert Fury
- Platform:
- Game Boy Advance
- Release Date:
- 2003
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
Developed by Skyworks Technologies, Quad Desert Fury is the second all-terrain vehicle racing title to be released for the Game Boy Advance. Users can choose to race on a trail-based track in which they must stick to the set path or on the freestyle track for more freedom of movement. Each race through the desert is against three computer-controlled opponents.
Modes of play include Quick Race, Time Trial, and Championship. All races feature a variety of obstacles, such as sinkholes, large dunes, and desert wells. An in-game map is available to assist players during each race. As a race progresses, checkpoints are charted on the map in order to help drivers locate their position quickly.
A quick glance at the top of the screen will inform players of their collected time, the number of laps that remain, and their current position in the race. Quad Desert Fury also places an arrow at the top center of the screen, which indicates the correct direction to proceed. ~ Jonathan Sutyak, All Game Guide
Modes of play include Quick Race, Time Trial, and Championship. All races feature a variety of obstacles, such as sinkholes, large dunes, and desert wells. An in-game map is available to assist players during each race. As a race progresses, checkpoints are charted on the map in order to help drivers locate their position quickly.
A quick glance at the top of the screen will inform players of their collected time, the number of laps that remain, and their current position in the race. Quad Desert Fury also places an arrow at the top center of the screen, which indicates the correct direction to proceed. ~ Jonathan Sutyak, All Game Guide
IHRA Drag Racing 2004
- Platform:
- Xbox
- Release Date:
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
Licensed by the International Hot Rod Association, this third release in the series that began on the PC in 2000 is designed with graphics and gameplay worthy of the 128-bit generation consoles. Choose from dozens of customizable vehicles and lay rubber on a selection of quarter-mile and eight-mile tracks. ~ All Game Guide
Powerdrome
- Platform:
- PlayStation 2
- Release Date:
- 2004
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
This futuristic racer from Mud Duck features contests of nearly inconceivable speed, with an assortment of supersonic "blade" vehicles that can push 1,000 miles per hour. The over-the-top action is matched with a selection of exaggerated characters, "from de-commissioned war droids to spoiled rich kids," giving each vehicle-driver combination its own distinct personality. In addition to competing on a number sanctioned tracks, players can also take to the streets for some "illegal" racing. Tricks are a part of the game as well, but pushing a "blade" racing vehicle beyond its driver's limits may result in a demonstration of the game's real-time damage modeling -- buckled panels, broken hydraulics, smoking engines, and worse can result from minor miscalculations at mach 1.3. Powerdrome supports multiplayer racing, both on the PlayStation 2 and through Microsoft's Xbox Live service. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide
Enthusia Professional Racing
- Platform:
- PlayStation 2
- Release Date:
- 2005
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
This original driving simulation from Konami is designed to offer PS2 gamers a realistic racing experience, featuring detailed re-creations of 100s of models of automobiles from more than 40 manufacturers, including Acura, BMW, Mazda, Mercedes, Maseratti, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen. The game boasts detailed, realistic physics, brought to the forefront by its "Visual Gravity System," which is designed to convey the sense of speed, inertia, and G-forces through graphics, sound, and control. Cars can be tweaked and upgraded, but Enthusia focuses on the racing action itself, so even the best-tuned car will come in last place if its driver doesn't learn how to take control where the rubber meets the road. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide
Forza Motorsport
- Platform:
- Xbox
- Release Date:
- 2005
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
An Xbox answer to the PlayStation's popular Gran Turismo series, Forza Motorsport is a serious driving simulation boasting licensed vehicles and realistic action. The game features automobiles from more than 60 brand-name manufacturers including BMW, Chevy, Dodge, Ferrari, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Nissan, and Porsche. Vehicles are extensively customizable, allowing players to trick out their favorite ride with new paint and rims, or upgrade with new engines, brakes, suspensions, and additional systems. Astute drivers can also fine-tune gear ratios, timing, tire pressure, and other elements for top performance in particular driving conditions.
Like the cars and equipment, the game's courses are also based on real-world equivalents, so players can race through re-creations of famous runs such as the Nurburgring or the streets of Rio de Janeiro. Opponent behavior is influenced by the game's "Drivatar" technology, which is designed to learn and mimic the tactics and tendencies of human players. Gamers can train their own Drivatars, who can race for them or help train new members of their team. In spite of the customizable artificial intelligence, sometimes nothing beats racing against other gamers, so a number of multiplayer modes are supported through the Xbox Live service. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide
Like the cars and equipment, the game's courses are also based on real-world equivalents, so players can race through re-creations of famous runs such as the Nurburgring or the streets of Rio de Janeiro. Opponent behavior is influenced by the game's "Drivatar" technology, which is designed to learn and mimic the tactics and tendencies of human players. Gamers can train their own Drivatars, who can race for them or help train new members of their team. In spite of the customizable artificial intelligence, sometimes nothing beats racing against other gamers, so a number of multiplayer modes are supported through the Xbox Live service. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide
Mario Kart DS
- Platform:
- Nintendo DS
- Release Date:
- 2005
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
The series that first taught gamers to "kart" race speeds online in its DS debut. As in the popular SNES, N64, and GBA versions of Mario Kart, players choose a favorite character from the Nintendo canon and compete in chaotic, anything-goes races around variety of Mushroom Kingdom-themed tracks.
Each character comes with his or her own custom go-kart, and offers a different mix of speed, pick-up, and strength. Adding to the excitement are an assortment of power-ups, such as high-speed boosts, slippery banana peels, and ricocheting shells, which when used properly (and with a little luck), can knock a front-runner off the track or launch a last-place racer into first.
New in the DS version of Mario Kart is an online multiplayer mode, designed to be accessible through a proprietary DS-to-DS wi-fi connection (for as many as eight) or a wireless connection to the Internet (for up to four). ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide
Each character comes with his or her own custom go-kart, and offers a different mix of speed, pick-up, and strength. Adding to the excitement are an assortment of power-ups, such as high-speed boosts, slippery banana peels, and ricocheting shells, which when used properly (and with a little luck), can knock a front-runner off the track or launch a last-place racer into first.
New in the DS version of Mario Kart is an online multiplayer mode, designed to be accessible through a proprietary DS-to-DS wi-fi connection (for as many as eight) or a wireless connection to the Internet (for up to four). ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide
Gran Turismo
- Platform:
- PSP
- Release Date:
- 2009
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
Featuring over 650 cars designed with "real life" physics that affect speed, weight, and friction, Gran Turismo 4 Mobile is now available for on-the-go play. Players may select and customize their chosen rides and then test drive their creations on over 100 courses in such locations as New York City, the Grand Canyon, Tsukuba Circuit, and Nordschleife. Gamers can control their whip with the PSP controls or steer with a compatible driving wheel. ~ Gracie Leach, All Game Guide
ATV Offroad Fury 3
- Platform:
- PlayStation 2
- Release Date:
- 2004
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
Sony's ATV Offroad Fury series races back on to PlayStation 2, with new features and a return of the online multiplayer modes highlighted in the 2002 version of the game. In ATV Offroad Fury 3 players can choose from over two dozen all-terrain vehicles, each with more than 20 customizable parts. Races take place across more than 30 different courses, made up of ice, snow, mud, dirt, water, and grass terrain types. Mini-games include "tag," "treasure hunt," "king of the hill," and others. Up to six virtual racers can compete online, through the PS2 Network Adaptor, and real-time voice chat is supported for those with a compatible USB headset device. While earlier Offroad Fury releases came from Rainbow Studios, this 2004 edition was developed by Climax Group, which had previous success with its own cross-platform ATV: Quad Power Racing off-road racing games. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide
Top Gear: RPM Tuning
- Platform:
- Xbox
- Release Date:
- 2005
- Rated:
- Member Rating:
This budget-friendly driving game invites Xboxers to race through the streets of a virtual Los Angeles. Players take the role of a character attempting to infiltrate the underground street racing scene, so they'll be free to drive wherever they want, whenever they want, and participate in seven different kinds of races and driving challenges. The game's five modes of play include a two-person multiplayer option. ~ All Game Guide
