Racing Philosophy
In my personal experience, Racing Games can be divided or classified into two general types: racing games per se (whether against time, other vehicles, or both) and balance games (those in which the challenge lies in going over certain obstacles without crashing the vehicle). Of course, then you have the kind of “Pimp my Ride” games we discussed last time we talked about this section, but we also said those were just fancy car dress up games, so they do not count. Most of today’s reviewed games fall into the second category.
Mini Dirt Bike is one of them. The difference between the size of the driver and that of the bike actually makes balancing a lot trickier that it seems. Obstacles abound and are quite varied. There are several levels throughout which you have to collect as many points as possible, and you have three lives to try and make it to the end. You will probably have to hit the brakes more than once before that, though.
War Machine is quite similar, of course: we are still talking about the same kind of game, the same premise. Novelty here comes with the ride; we control a military vehicle, properly equipped with guns and everything. Other than keeping your balance long enough to ensure a safe trip, your task consists of running over everything and everyone daring to cross your path, which includes not only people but also sheep and plenty of inanimate objects. Of course, if you are bold enough, you might even complete the mission while performing one or two X-Games-worthy tricks!
Mars Buggy is the last “balance” game featured today. Buggies are pretty neat, but also pretty uncontrollable when operated under Martian gravity. The challenge this game presents is trying to speed the vehicle up without crashing it. Once you have mastered that particular aspect, you might just be able to do back flips and whatnot, adding a bit of fun to an already exciting game. Of course, do not forget to pick up whatever astronauts you may find in your way! After all, that’s what you are here for.
Lastly, there is Gorillaz Final Drive, a Racing game per se, through and through. The first time I went into this section I tried to play it, but apparently my computer wasn’t feeling all too well that day or something, because I couldn’t, for the life of me. You see, I am a bit of a fan of the band (or maybe I am a bit of a Blur fan, which translates into being a bit of a Damon Albarn fan, thus transferring my fandomness to Gorillaz), so I was pretty set on seeing what this was all about. The game is fun, and quite simple: you have to drive the vehicle from one point of the highway to the other, á la 19-2000 music video. Quite a way of taking part in the music business.
Click to play Gorillaz Final Drive
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