Tokyo Xtreme Racer 2
Score: 70% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Crave Developer: Genki Media: GD/1 Players: 1 Genre: Racing
Graphics & Sound: The graphics of Tokyo Xtreme Racer 2 are pretty smooth. The cars look incredible and the track has little to no pop-up in the distance (because of the blackness of night). The music, on the other hand, is quite droning, even though it is meant to pump you up. Of course, I think that this numbing effect is also relative to the gameplay.
Gameplay: There is really only one word to describe TXR2: boring. I found it painstakingly obvious as I drove around the tracks looking for rivals. You see, the basic goal of the game is to track down rival drivers and flash your headlights at them, challenging them to a race. This concept is really quite cool, but there is just too much distance between you and your next rival most of the time, making you feel like you're playing a catch-up game all of the time. Had there been twice as many rivals out there, the game would have moved on with a bit faster pace, thereby holding my attention span longer. The tracks in Tokyo Xtreme Racer 2 are surprisingly vast in size. There are many different pathways to choose in pursuit of rival cars, which gives the game a larger presence. The tracks actually are roadways in Tokyo (then why do your license plates say 'California' and your driver is on the right side of the car?). Using the turnoffs to your advantage, you will earn money by defeating rivals, allowing you to upgrade your car or buy a new car all together (can you say 'custom license plates?').
Difficulty: Tokyo Xtreme Racer 2 actually plays pretty easily. You drive around looking for rivals to race. When you find one, flash your headlights and the race is on (unless they reject you). The whole key to each race is getting in front of your opponent. Once there, unless you have a major error, the race is pretty much over. Take your money home and look for another 'sucka' to race.
Game Mechanics: The controls of TXR2 are pretty simple. Basically you floor it with one button, brake (if you're a wuss) with another, flash your headlights, and shift gears (if you choose). Drive around looking for rival cars to race and collect money for any victories. Then upgrade your car and do it all over again. Tokyo Xtreme Racer 2 plays pretty much like a cross between the physics and control of Gran Turismo, but with the gameplay of Ridge Racer. If you're not much into racing games, don't bother with TXR2. But if you do like racing games, make sure you rent before you buy, as Tokyo Xtreme Racer 2 is mostly eye candy without the gameplay.
-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele
Sega Marine Fishing Virtua Athlete 2000