Trickstyle

Review by : The Ragin Cajun

Format : Dreamcast

Type : Furtureistic racer

Players : 1 - 2

Racing games are no longer restricted to the “4 wheels and an engine” formula of old. Now we have skateboarding, cycling, go-karting, hovercrafts and now hover boards. Taking its cue form 2000AD comic book character Chopper this game sees a variety of manga style hoverboarders racing around distinctly futuristic version of toady’s major cities i.e. London, New York, Tokyo etc. Races are the typical be 1st after 3 or so laps, with a variety of other racers varying for the No. 1 slot along side you.

The innovation of this game comes not form any twisting of the “normal” rules of racing but from the way in which it handle its premise. The handling of the racers is spot on, with the boards themselves actually turning, not the boarder, so the whole thing feel authentic (not that anyone would truly know what a hoverboard is meant to handle like).

The graphics are also stunning, the light trails from the rear of the board cast a glow on the racers and all your competition are as equally detailed as you. The course-side detail varies from level to level but in general is of a very high and beautiful standard.

The sound and FX of the game never cease to amaze, a curious blend of musical styles they fit the racing atmosphere perfectly, but are never obtrusive, they sit in the back ground and are a real delight.

The game is not in anyway flawless. The amount of stunts available can be bewildering and often confusing, and because these stunts are often the key to victory, races can become annoyingly repetitive and infuriating as you can’t remember how to pull off the 1080 spin you need to win the race. Also the games lifespan is in question as there is precious little to pull you back once you’ve cleared the game. That said though, the 2player mode is a timeless classic with various options ensuring a long life for the multiplayer end of things.

Overall this is a fine racer, with a unique and well executed twist that makes it stand out from the glut of racers on the dreamcast at the moment. For anyone in doubt of this game the demo is packaged with the dreamcast, playing that is a thousand times more convincing than anything I could ever say.

Sound         : Good music and sound fx

  9/10

Gameplay    : Easy controls

  8/10

Difficulty     : Limited in one player but last long in two

7/10

Graphics      : Smooth and highly detailed

  9/10

  8/10

Overall         : A very unique raceing game

Review by : The Ragin Cajun