"The way it was MEANT to be played."

Arcade games are meant to stay as arcade games. Games like Cruis'n USA were a disaster on consoles compared to its arcade counterpart, and Off-Road Challenge is no exception. The arcade version plays much smoother. It's not the best of its kind in the arcade world, but its definitely worth a play.

Gameplay: 6/10
As soon as the title screen appears, you can select a one-player game, two-player competition or fiddle with the options. If you decide on the one-player game, you are given the choices to "Just Play," start a new Circuit, resume a saved Circuit, or view your best times for each course. The game has six courses total, featured around North American attractions. including treks through the scorching Mojave or the frozen Rockies.

The object is to continue through the Novice, Pro, and Master circuits until you are finally crowned champion. If you don't want to enter a Circuit, choose "Just Play," pick your truck, any of the six courses and prepare to challenge seven computer-controlled drivers. You can choose from one of eight different vehicles. All vehicles are rated in speed, power, handling, and weight, just like most racers are.

The game is played like any other racer except there are obstacles to avoid and four types of bonus items you can run over and use. Banners are also found along the way, indicating checkpoints you need to reach in time to keep racing. Once you get to the end of the course, however, the race is over. There are no laps to run, so you won't have the opportunity to grab missed items after you pass them by. Just one straight run on each track.

Graphics: 5/10
Sound: 7/10
The graphics in this game are a little lacking. Backgrounds are all pretty flat, and those that are tried to be textured appear blurry instead. The general sounds themselves aren't really anything special. Fortunately, you'll be too occupied avoiding ramming into things to pay much attention to the music.

Final verdict:
Though the arcade version lacks the customization feature that the console version does, it's still an overall more refined experience. It really simulates the feel of a wild 4-wheel ride. Sure, Cruis'n Exotica is better and more engaging, but Off-Road Challenge still gets a recommendation from me.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 07/06/05