 Review By: Jared Black |
Developer: | Eutechnyx |
| Publisher: | Global Star Software | |
| Genre: | Racing | |
| ESRB: | Everyone | |
| # Of Players: | 1-2 | |
| Online Play: | No | |
| Accessories: | In-game Dolby Digital, HDTV 480p, Wheel | |
| Buy Now: |   |
Fortunately Championship mode is a little more forgiving, but it can still end your race depending on how far out of the way the "shortcut" takes you. The fact that it's more forgiving isn't necessarily a good thing either, since this is due partially to the rubber band A.I. You'll rarely get too far ahead or behind; as long as you race relatively well you'll always be in the hunt for first place, yet you'll never leave your opponents in the dust. I can understand the reasoning behind it in a game like this (three one minute laps isn't enough time to recover from a bad mistake), but I'd rather see more realistic A.I. It's not realistic when you witness a computer driver brake on a straightaway for no reason other than the fact that you're too far behind him.
Although there is no online support, the game does support two players through a Quick Race (with any course unlocked in Championship mode being playable), Pursuit Race (players start on opposite ends of the track and try to close most of the gap, and Tug O' War (which factors in both speed and traction). Compared to other racing titles that's not a lot of options for multiplayer though, and it really hurts on Xbox when so many other racing titles thrive online.
Graphically, the game looks every bit like a low-budget PS2 title with a few easy effects thrown in for good measure. Track designs are bland, and far more closed off than they should be considering this is supposed to be an off-road game. As a result, it never really feels like a true off-road game the way something like the 4x4 EVO series does. Foliage is flat and dull, as are the few objects (mostly signs) that get in your way over the course of a race.
There is some animation here and there, which does help to give the world a little life, but it's predictable and follows the exact same pattern in every race. Yes, that train in Peru is always going to be triggered when you cross the exact same point on the course. There is also quite a bit of those nasty "jaggies" we should've been rid of years ago, and should never have on Xbox.
The Hummers themselves look pretty nice though, as clearly the art team's effort went into making sure they were the stars of the game. Each vehicle seems to represent its real-world counterpart accurately, and there's even some basic window reflection to add a little flair. It's unfortunate then that so many other graphic annoyances get in the way, such as the fact that you can see tire tracks being painted several feet behind your car (rather than coming directly off the tire) if you're looking backward.
Sound is about what you'd expect from a budget game. Uninspired rock makes up the soundtrack, although it's never too annoying. Engine and other car sounds are pretty generic, and aside from a fondness for birds ambient sound effects are minimal. The announcer is the game show type you'd expect to find in an arcade racer from Midway or Sega, and is actually somewhat enjoyable in a cheesy way.
Bottom Line:
While Hummer Badlands won't have you throwing away your copy of Forza or Colin McRae just yet, it's not a bad value at $19.99…particularly if you're a fan of the Hummer line and off-road racing in general.
| Pros: | Cons: | Final Score: |
|---|---|---|
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| 5.5 |
Posted: 2006-05-13 10:00:03 PST