| Introduction
Racing games, like platformers have always been a
firm favourite for handheld conversion and while the
Gameboy Color was supported by both 'top down' (Micro
Machines) and 'rear viewpoint' (Wacky Racers) the GBA
has ushered in the 'Mode 7' racers. First seen in Mario
Cart this clever visual trick simply re-draws individual
lines of graphics in order to produce a 3D race track
effect. Looks alone however do not make for a great
racing experience so, does this new racer have what
it takes to go the distance?
GamePlay
It appears the days of 'single mode games' (i.e.
- get from A to B) are a thing of the past. As both
gamers and games become more sophisticated so do the
options available. Hot Wheels features a number of gaming
types so the fact you've come top in one mode may not
mean you even feature in another. Every race rewards
the winners with prize money, essential for success,
as all these funds can be ploughed into buying new parts
and fine-tuning your car. Grand Prix is basically the
championship option where you must come in first or
second in order to progress to the next race. Time Trial
speaks for itself, the fastest Lap Times are recorded
in the Champions' Gallery.
All the various races feature a handy directional
indicator which appears in the form of an arrow in the
centre of the screen. This is very helpful when a harsh
left, right or even a hairpin bend is coming up in the
track. The other symbol you'll encounter is a '!' which
appears when a secret or short cut is close by. Mastering
the use of this information is paramount both from a
winning and lap time point of view. All of the tracks
can and should however be practiced by selecting the
'Free Race' from the menu. You'll also find that sticking
with the same vehicle throughout is not an option. Fortunately
there are lots available so as the races get more difficult
you can change to a more powerful car and re-tune it.
The save feature is great and appears before the
beginning of each race so there's no searching through
endless menus for this most basic of tasks. There is
however only one slot so making sure this is the point
you wish to return to is very important. The save feature
also opens up more cars and tracks meaning you don't
have to enter a 16 digit code like in some of the earlier
GBA racers.
Controls
Cars are controlled in two different ways - automatic
or manual gear systems. The former is far easier for
beginners as the latter has you manipulating the shoulder
buttons in order to shift gears. All the cars handle
very well and actually change when you hit a different
terrain so mastering power slides in sand will not help
your driving in the snow. Navigating the substantial
menu systems has also been made very easy, every page
contains instructions on what you should press in order
to select a certain option.
Graphics
The various environments you race around here, both
indoors and outdoors, are wonderful and the attention
to detail is admirable. The huge number of menu systems
you have to negotiate throughout the game are also excellent.
In fact there's nothing here that doesn't feel necessary.
The only minor quibble is with the cars themselves which
on occasions can appear a little blocky although you'll
hardly notice this when racing around the track.
Sound & Music
The background music is incredible and can best be
described as the arcade version of 'Out Run'. As with
that timeless classic, every tune can be selected using
the options menu where you can also sample sound effects
of an equally high standard. Everything in the audio
department is, in short, fantastic and headphones are
essential to get the maximum effect.
Final Comments
Racing fans are in for a real treat here as there
really is nothing more fun than screaming around miniature
tracks at hundreds of miles an hour. In addition to
this Hot Wheels has all the options we've come to expect
and the large number of tracks should have you playing
for a considerable time. The only down point really
is that the multi player supports only one other player
and requires another copy of the game which considering
the technology on view here is a bit of an oversight.
Hot Wheels however is a great game and while it will
never topple the mighty Mario Cart it comes a pretty
close second.
|
Hardware
Reviews 
Game
Title
