Speed Racer

{Overall, Speed Racer doesn't cross the finish line ahead of the pack. The absence of a two-player mode, along with the light selection of cars and tracks, steer this speedster straight to rental city.}

Based on the popular retro cartoon, Speed Racer is an average fast-paced racing game that doesn't break any new barriers.

Playing as Speed, you race in variants of the Mach 5, all of which, like its cartoon counterpart, contain a variety of fun and wacky gadgets to use against your opponents. Engage the rotary saws to run cars off the road or hit the auto-jacks to vault over enemy cars. Unfortunately, these gadgets usually don't improve your race position, and sometimes they're even a hindrance. Depending on how well you do, you can gain access to new cars and new levels.

The control makeup is simple, featuring only acceleration and brake buttons. And as with most arcade-style racers, powersliding is a technique you'll need to master. It'll take a little time, but it's especially helpful when burning around tight turns at 200 mph.

Visually, the illusion of high-speed driving is done well, but the stale, inanimate objects in the bright backgrounds reduce the graphics to sheer boredom. The sound just adds to the game's misery, with dull, synthesized techno music and a voice that constantly shouts out annoying advice. Actually, the best use of the sound and graphics is at the start of the game, which includes the opening sequence from the TV show.

Overall, Speed Racer doesn't cross the finish line ahead of the pack. The absence of a two-player mode, along with the light selection of cars and tracks, steer this speedster straight to rental city.

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