Driving

I wasn't supposed to like World Driver Championship (WDC). Right from the start, the chips were stacked against it. Did the N64 really need another racing game to add to its already extensive library dedicated to the automobile?

What I think should be stressed are the graphics in this game because they are phenomenal. Boss made a point to mention that they wouldn't be supporting the 4MB Memory Pak. In fact, they said they wouldn't need it. After seeing the game in action, I have to side with Boss; World Driver Championship needs no help in the graphics department.

Game Description: From the minds that brought you TOP GEAR RALLY comes this ultra-detailed, highly addictive combination of simulation and arcade-style racing. In order to master the 33 cars the game offers, you can take part in a Training mode, which allows you to practice cornering, acceleration, and more. The game features 10 tracks, which send you traveling the globe to Hawaii, Black Forest, Las Vegas, Kyoto, New Zealand, Les Gets, Sydney, Zurich, Lisbon, and Rome.

My first thought was where did this game come from? Published by the makers of the hit series, Need For Speed, Beetle Adventure Racing is a totally unexpected release. Gone are the muscle cars, the rally vehicles, and the crazy collection of authentic automobile licenses. Even the traditional racing elements I've come to expect from racing games are missing or de-emphasized.

I found that seeking out and traversing through the often hidden alternate routes to be funny, thrilling and addictive, but where we differ is that while Dale found that there was enough in the gameplay department, I wanted something more. It seemed strange to me that I would play the game expecting an arcade racer, but ended up enjoying this other unexpected adventure/exploration feature.

Game Description: In Beetle Adventure Racing you can leave the road behind and drive anywhere you want. Start out with a Single Race or take on a friend in Duel Mode, then jump into a Championship Season to uncover hidden tracks. If you prefer smashing to dashing, duke it out with up to four players in a Beetle Battle where free-for-all bashing mayhem rules!

You are familiar with the hype and whether it was generated by the media, George Lucas, or the fans themselves, it's helped to sell everything and anything Star Wars. Whether a product was any good was irrelevant, if it was graced with Star Wars, it was a must-have for any "true" fan. So as soon as Nintendo announced that they had a limited exclusivity deal with LucasArts, many in the media saw it as a coup for Nintendo. Others, however, doubted the game's significance because although it carried with it a big-license name, Pod Racer (as it was then called) was still merely a racing game.