INTRO
The original in the series (Extreme G) was a futuristic, energetic racer. It had a ton of potential, but was plagued with control issues; not to mention horrible camera control. Nonetheless, it was a blast to play and became great rental bait for many players. The series was similar to the successful F-Zero but not nearly as fun.
Acclaim has taken the original, revamped it and released it for the Playstation 2 and the Nintendo GameCube. By the looks of the box cover and propaganda; the game looked visually stunning. Huge levels scattered with colorful eye candy simply couldn't go unnoticed on any review site, advertisement or commercial. As with many other gamers, I visited IGN.COM and downloaded a dozen screenshots and a handful of QuickTime videos. Quite frankly, I was shocked at the beauty of it all, but hesitant to believe that the game could actually play as good as it looks.
The storyline of XG3 Extreme G Racing is nothing new to the hybrid racing genre. To be totally honest, anything that has the word "extreme" in it, I avoid it like the plague. From "extreme" Doritos to "extreme" hand lotion. The entire "extreme" phenomenon has really freaked me out. Getting back on topic, the game takes place in the 23rd century. Racing has gone to a whole new level. Missiles, bombs and shields are now part of your entourages. Pitting yourself against this carnage is avoided by only one means... speed. Is breaking the sound barrier fast enough for you?
XG3 sports four different playing modes. A time trial, practice, arcade and career. The arcade mode is a no-frills action packed ride, a la arcade. The majority of your time will be focusing on the career mode however. Choose between one in six teams and pick one of two riders. Each team has varied skills, ethnicities and traits. Once you choose your team and rider, there are different leagues that you must complete ladder style. Each league consists of three tracks. Place within the top seven (usually) and move onto the next track. Depending on your placement in a race, you are rewarded with cold cash that can be used to upgrade your bike. Upgrading can be used to modify anything from your engine to your weapons.
Vigilante 8 meets light cycles
Back in the early 80's, probably when most of you were born a movie was produced that easily became one of my greatest films of all times. Jeff Bridges starred in TRON. TRON was set in the future, where Bridges was "sucked" into his computer. Aside from the constant "nerd" speak, Disney developed a cutting edge, sci-fi movie with special effects unseen before. From the movie, many games spun off of its success. Deadly Disks and Light Cycles were my favorites for not only the arcade, but also the Atari 2600.
Coming back to reality (and this review), it is uncanny to see the similarities of XG3 and the light cycles from TRON. All have the rounded futuristic motorcycles with a long trail of light. If you listen close, they even sound the same. Vigilante 8 is a balls-to-the-walls demolition game loaded with weapons out the wazoo. Combining the best of both games was the strategy Acclaim tried to produce.
Weapons range from frilly pansy to Hiroshima style carnage. To be honest, I rarely use the weapons and concentrate on controlling the bike. In later levels, it is obligatory to use your weapons properly in order to achieve top status. Your bike does, have a shield and really won't just "blow up" once your shield is depleted. Slowing you down is basically the principle behind the weapons, and simply becomes more of a nuisance than a bonus. Along the track there are two "recharging" paths. One recharges your shield, and the other recharges your turbo boost, which is vitally more important.
Controlling these machines is a breeze, but mastering takes patience and practice. Accelerating your bike is done by pressing and holding "A". The little red "B" button, gives you a reverse view to see what is behind you. The "Y" button shoots projectiles; "X" is your turbo boost and the "Z" button cycles through your weapons. Your most vitally used buttons, however, are your "R" and "L" shoulder buttons. In order to become successful in the game, using these properly is crucial. The term used is "air brakes", and basically is used for tight turning. Using the air brakes in conjunction with the analog controller efficiently is the best way to keep your bike rolling at top speed. One smack of a wall can slow you down dramatically; thus losing your edge and placeholder.
I'm a big supporter of the GameCube controller, and love the controls in most part. The only exception is the layout of the turbo button. It is awkward to hold the "A" button in, and to keep your boost going press the "X" button at the same time; holding on to both. Not sure how I would change it; it might have been a better option to use the "B" button for your turbo.
Skittles on crack
The game is all about physics and speed. XG3 is jam packed with both. The bikes have a nice feel to them, and seem physically true to form (if they were real). While many racing games lack a true sense of speed, XG3 matches and exceed all preconceptions. The game has an "edge of your seat" urgency within it. Many games totally lack this sensation, but XG3 is brilliantly accurate in giving you the sensation of intense speed. Racing is like a controllable roller coaster ride. Huge dips, turns and wind-in-your-face speed.
You start off with a 250-G bike. The "250" is the engine size. First timers will be impressed with the speed factor, but just you wait. With up to a 1000-G bike, speeds are nothing less than insane. The first time I hit 750MPH I actually dropped the controller. Breaking the sound barrier, whips you into frenzy and you truly feel like you are in an F-14. As mentioned, controlling these mini-rockets takes practice and patience. After a few hours of good gaming, controls become second nature and 90-degree turns can be taken at full force (a la TRON).
Screenshots don't lie, but heavily dumb down the beauty of the visuals from XG3. Tracks are highly detailed, long and jaw dropping beautify. The backgrounds are outstanding. The miniscule detail in every nook and cranny has been addressed. I would have guessed that with a game based on speed, would forget the small details, but I was astonished to see how even the slightest unnoticed pixel was framed perfectly for a still shot picture.
If there is an issue about graphics it is the inevitable hesitation at times. With graphics this gorgeous, and speeds this fast I would have been shocked to see a steady framerate. I was mostly impressed with the attempt at 60-FPS, and for the most part it ran well at that rate. However, when action tensed and speeds were ungodly, it would sharply decrease to about 30-FPS. Don't let the dramatic numbers slight you from the games essence. The game runs well and you will be holding on for dear life from the speed alone.
Acclaim recruited the alternative-techno sounds from Ministry of Sound; which is a somewhat "underground" "Moby-style" type music. I was totally impressed by the five or six songs produced for the soundtrack and is done very professionally. The intensity from the techno-sound matches frame by frame for the gameplay of XG3. Soundtrack alone is memorable, and fitting for this type of game. High kudos coming from someone who digs this genre, but others might be turned away wanting some edgier guitar riffs. The sound effects are plainly done, and nothing worth noting... expect for the breaking of the sound barrier. Worth the price of the game itself, is the satisfying effect of breaking the speed of sound. The slight echo, silence and mega-blast is very rewarding and your grip on the controller will hold onor dear life.
For those looking for multiplayer, the GameCube version has something the PS2 does not (yee-haw!). With up to four racers at one time, the split screen racing is a total blast to play. Sure the graphics are a bit dumbed down, not to mention the framerate; but still is very enjoyable and a classic party game for GC owners and their friends.
OUTRO
I put in a good two weeks into the game, and still pick it up on occasion. This isn't one of those games that I play for hours at a time, but more like in 15-minute intervals. It's a great pick-up game that is just a blast to play. One of the few games that I actually purchased after renting; this should say a great deal about the title.
Overall, I am satisfied with my experience and feel that Extreme G Racing is a solid title and worth of at least a rental. Sure I was a bit disappointed in the longevity of the game with under a dozen tracks to race, and the framerate loss wasn't truly an issue, I still think this is a great game to pick up and play at any given time. The tracks are drop-dead gorgeous, and really shows the potential the GC has. Will the Cube ever have a faster game than this? Not a chance. This is the fastest feeling game I have ever laid paws on.
If you are looking for a fun, adrenaline rushing title; this is the game for you. If you are looking for a realistic career type game such as Grand Turismo this is definitely not for you. Imagine taking the fun of F-Zero, multiply the speed times ten and throw in some next-gen graphics, and you have XG3 Extreme G Racing. Go get it.
