4x4 Evolution

Terminal Reality has done a surprisingly good job of making the handling of the trucks in 4X4 Evolution fun, while retaining some of their more top-heavy, out of control qualities. The game leans more towards behaving in an arcade-like fashion, than being a sim, which works far better. If the trucks handled too realistically the game would be incredibly frustrating, as the vehicles would be constantly rolling over and swerving out of control. However, the game does take more getting used to than is normal. While the game is arcadie, the vehicles do retain some of their floating on air handling properties. As a result, unless you really slow down on the corners, it�s very easy to go careening into the trees or miss a checkpoint, then have to back track for ten seconds and pass through the checkpoint, which is exceptionally frustrating.

Also of note is the quality of the game�s collision detection. Players can actually drive past obstacles, barely grazing them, and keep on going without being ground to a halt by invisible barriers (although there are a couple of those in the game). This adds to the craziness of the game, as it allows players to slip around off of the track, weaving through obstacles in order to pass some of the other racers.

Dedicated racing fans will also be happy to see all of the licensed vehicles that appear in the game, as a number of popular lines are present including Ford, Dodge, Toyota, and Lexus (unfortunately automotive manufacturing�s sorriest excuse for a 4X4 is also selectable, the RAV4, the horror!). All of the trucks are modeled extremely well and are instantly recognizable in the game, although they don�t take visible damage in the game however (the manufacturers don�t like to see the babies all banged up). There are also a ton of different courses for players to choose from, ranging from mountains, to deserts, to highways, to the arctic. They all look beautiful, with great scenery, the ability to see far off into the distance, and with weather effects turned on it�s even better looking. Not only do they look good, the track layouts are designed extremely well, adding plenty of twists and turns to negotiate. The only downside to the track designs is that since they have so many checkpoints players are forced to stay on the track. With the vehicles in the game being 4X4s it would have been nice to be able to go off road more to find shortcuts (although you can leave the track and just do some off road driving if you like).

While racing on these tracks, the computer gives a real tough challenge. Many of the drivers will go so far as to try and muscle your truck off of the road and into a tree (thankfully it can be turned around, forcing the other truck into the tree). For racing games the easiest place to overtake an opponent is on a turn, but even this is difficult in 4X4 Evolution. The computer-controlled trucks will fight tooth and nail to keep you behind them.

The most glaring sore spot in the game comes from its soundtrack, which is a mix of guitar driven and electronic pieces. Unfortunately the tracks are lifeless. The tempo may be fast, but there is no stand out melody, no hook that makes them catchy. As such, you�re better off just listening to the stereo while playing the game.

4X4 Evolution is a very fun racing game that is well worth checking out. It looks good, has some clever tracks and is peppy enough to stay exciting for some time. For even more fun, play it online. This is easily one of the best racing games to come to the PC in 2000.

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