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Test Drive Le Mans

Score: 80%
ESRB: Everyone
Publisher: Infogrames
Developer: Velez & Dubail
Media: Cart/1
Players: 1
Genre: Racing

Graphics & Sound:

Yet again, I am surprised (pleasantly) with the graphics. Over the years, I have become accustomed to bad graphics on the GameBoy; however, lately I have to admit that more times than not, I find the graphics to be good. Test Drive Le Mans is no exception. I thought the colors and details in the game were great. Even the environmental features like rain and fog were added (and still look nice). Each car has a unique color and style. Even the different tracks looked different (and all looking nice, of course). The cars, tracks, and environment all looked good with lively color and modest detail. Hey, I even liked the sound effects. All in all, I would have to say that Test Drive Le Mans has some pretty impressive graphics.

Gameplay:

As the title might imply, this is a Le Mans racing game. What does that mean? Basically, it's a long indy car race. A long, long indy car race. Within the game, you have the option of three race modes. These modes include Le Mans, Arcade, and Championship. In the Le Mans mode, you get to race against 19 other cars (from three different car classes) in the famous Le Mans race. Arcade mode is just a one shot race; choose your car and your track (from 10) and get after it. In Championship mode, you get to race in 10 different races, trying to win as much as possible. As you win races, you unlock more cars to use for the different races.

The Arcade mode is fun. The Championship mode is even better. Of course, Test Drive Le Mans' claim to fame is indeed the Le Mans. Unfortunately, it's probably the worst mode. Don't get me wrong, the course if fun; however, after about ten laps, it gets old. You can choose from 4, 24, or 100 laps. 100 laps! No thank you. And, why bother with only 4? Good idea, just nothing there ... sorry. Another thing that I liked was the pit and the garage. In these areas, you can tweak your car to get out better performance.


Difficulty:

The only difficult part of the game is maintaining concentration for 100 laps. Even 24 is a bit much. As far as game difficulty goes, there is hard and easy - your choice. Overall, I thought the game was easy. It's easy to play, but difficult to stay focused.

Game Mechanics:

Okay boys and girls, get ready for a shock. Use the D-Pad to move. Use A to accelerate. Use B to brake. I hope I don't need to go over that again. Basically, easy, easy control. The only thing I found wrong mechanically is in dealing with the fluidity (or lack there of). I found that the game runs choppy and a bit sluggish, but it is a good-looking GameBoy game. If you're in to racing games with LOTS of laps, then you are going to love Test Drive Le Mans.

-Storm, GameVortex Communications
AKA Jeremy Kelso

GameBoy Color/Pocket Spider-Man GameBoy Color/Pocket Tonka Raceway

 
Game Vortex :: PSIllustrated