Death from above, need I say more?

GRAPHICS: Damage is always good, especially when it’s looks oh so great. I have to admit though, this wasn’t the first game I’ve played that combines good graphics and damage. As a matter of fact, the first game I have ever played that shows damage and looks good as well, had to of been Rally Cross. The damage wasn’t part of the game, but it made it look more realistic. The next game that impressed me, looks and damage wise, was Destruction Derby for Playstation. I remember when I first saw the game I didn’t think much of it, but when I played it I was amazed at how real the damage looked and how good the graphics were (although after a while of playing I found out it was quite hard considering if you were hit about four good times your race would be over). But now after a few years I decided to give this game a try. One of the reasons I bought this game was because I had already played the demo of it, and as I played it I found myself unable to shut it off especially because I could cause major damage without blowing up my car in the first lap. Damage with detail is the way I like it, and have always liked it ever since my brother and I use to play Rally Cross. Plus, not only do the cars look good (or bad depending on the way you paint it) the scenery looks great as well (unless of course your scenery happens to be a bunch of gray boxes). The cool thing I found is that even though I was racing the same track, the short cuts and just the overall look didn’t bother me as much as a lot of other racing games do. The best thing is the way it looks when you mash into someone else’s car causing the back end to crinkle up and the window to break, or when you hit someone broadside causing the car to crush like a tin can, or when you just completely annihilate the opponent, whether it be by T-bone or my favorite Death From Above. The only thing that I found to be a bit odd was the fact that when you do T-bone someone or kill someone the car doesn’t split in half or blow up, what a shame. 5/5

SOUNDS: Now this is what I’m talking about, music with lyrics instead of all techno. Now I’m not saying that you will like this (it’s mostly rock and a little rap) but I guarantee that it won’t bother you if you like this game as much as I do (I do like the music though). Besides if you don’t like the music just turn it down at the options menu, or just press pause while your playing and turn it down. The soundtrack for this game consists of Fear Factory, Cirrus, Empirion, and Coffee Boys which is says on the back of the case if you buy the game. If your not a fan of this music, big deal, just turn it down and put on some of your own music or just keep the music down and listen to the engine roar and the metal collide. Plus, the cool thing is that you can put the CD in your computer (if you have one) and listen to the music like that. 5/5

CONTROLS: Good lord this game makes me feel like I’m at Disney on Ice. This is where most people probably get turned off to this game. It just really sucks that the car seems like your on ice when your driving it, but I didn’t and don’t care so I just kept playing and made due with what I had. I mean, when your taking a turn I guess your going to slide if you don’t let off on the gas, but even when you do you still slide. I don’t really know how to explain it, but it just feels like the car doesn’t grip the road or the dirt. The good thing is that when you pick up the gold pit bull coins you can put them toward engine, armor, points, or handling. The bad thing is that you can only do this while your playing the one-player season mode. Another thing that is hard to get use to is using the brakes, I know it sounds weird but I don’t even use the brakes because there so touchy. The thing I hate the most about the controls is the fact that I can’t make the acceleration button A, B, X, or Y. Oh well I guess, but what I don’t understand is why it’s not joystick compatible? I don’t know if a good thing that you can use the Race controller or not, but you can. And no it’s not a glitch, it does say light gun compatible on the back, which I will let you find out what good it’s for by yourself. 2/5

GOODNESS: The best thing I like about this game is that it’s two-player. Plus, both the one and two-player modes are plentiful, although I wish somehow they could have made the season mode was two-player. I would have bought this game even if I hadn’t played the demo because I have always enjoyed mashing my car up. One thing that I forgot to mention was the fact that there are a lot of different cars to choose from, 16 to be exact. This game is basically like Destruction Derby except you get plenty of power to mash the opponent or your friend. Plus, the best thing about the two-player mode is that you can play the, “last man standing,” demolition derby bowl matches. But the best part about this entire game has to be the realistic looking damage. I would recommend at the very least you rent this game, but if you want a great unique racing game that doesn’t consist of racing mainly to be number one in position, you might as well buy this. 5/5

INTERNET: There are no options for this, but it would have been cool to be able to play against people all over the world.