Speed Racer
SCORE: 88
Let us be brutally honest, most movie based video games are not that good. In fact most gaming sites, and magazines will accept that as a truth. There have been some good movie based video games in the past, and Speed Racer is making that list even longer. Speed Racer is part racing game, and part skate boarding game. Tricks can be performed on multiple places throughout each of the race tracks. These will increase a meter that allows the player a turbo boost. A completely full meter means the player is invincible (editor: until the meter is used up).
I was really surprised to see how nice the graphics are in Speed Racer on the Nintendo DS. Warner Bros Interactive took their time tweaking the details. There are plenty of wonderful colors, and the twisting roads animate decently. There are characters from the movie, but none of them reached a lustful level to me. Cars can knock each other around and that is where the cartoon violence comes into play.
Speed Racer has some decent little sound bytes that compliment this DS game. The music was pretty cool, and I am guessing much of it comes from the movie (since I have not seen the movie yet). I did not find any offensive sounds, or words while playing Speed Racer on the Nintendo DS.
Speed Racer includes a fair amount of tracks to race on. They all feel pretty similar to me. The inclusion of the tricks, and plenty of unlockable content is what will bring most gamers back for more. There is a lot of different things that can be unlocked.
Speed Racer controls nicely, and this game totally tripped me out at first. Speed Racer lets you race with the car facing forwards, backwards, and sideways. The Car-Fu (the way to knock a vehicle just in front of you out of the way) is a simple button press at the right time. There is a definite intelligent design to the different race tracks, and vehicles. I am amazed at how much fun I had playing Speed Racer for the DS.
Parents will be happy to
know that Speed Racer is very clean. The cars getting knocked out of the
way is like boys playing with Hot Wheels. Recovery can occur quickly,
and no one is hurt. I really like seeing games like Speed Racer come out
on the Nintendo DS. The blending of styles works beautifully, and
sequels are definitely needed. Race clean out there my friends.
- Sam
Graphics: 89%
Sound: 87%
Replay/Extras: 90%
Gameplay: 91%
Family Friendly Factor: 83%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Warner Bros Interactive
Rating: 'E' for Everyone
{Mild Cartoon Violence}
Want more info on this
product,
or the company that made this product?
Set web browser to:
Link
Got a question, comment,
or a concern regarding this
review?
Email them to:
GameReviews@familyfriendlygaming.com