"Look at all the pretty loops.."

For stunt driving games, it’s tough to find a good one that incorporates different aspects of actual multi-dimensional visuals and impressive game play. Though 4D Sports Driving gives you access to some interesting tracks and some pretty cool stunts, it does not have what you might be looking for in a true dimensional game. There are plenty of cars and plenty of track options, but the game lacks a two-player option and various visual aspects such as textures and 3D functions. However, 4D Sports Driving is only set back by the age and those of you who like the Amiga games will find it to be one of the better racing games available.

-The Game Play-

From the start you can select from several different cars, all of which have their own sets of attributes and otherwise that will change the outcome of the stunts that you perform. Where one car has super fast acceleration and speed, another might be slow yet have a better turning radius. The balance of tough and delicate here is apparent the minute you start the game and those who are looking to play through a racing game with all sorts of options on the vehicles will be sorely disappointed. There are no options to change the cars and the way that they run as you might find in other simulation games such as Gran Turismo, so be prepared for that disappointment.

As you get into the game, the basis is to perform different stunts on the different tracks that you have available. You pretty much go up against the computer or a clock on any of the race tracks, so you’re not going up against a full field of other cars. The further you get into the game, the harder the tracks become until you find yourself struggling to get through the toughest part of the stunt layouts. Another cool feature is the track editor, which allows you complete control over how each of the tracks are supposed to look and how you’re supposed to go about racing through them.

Control really isn’t all that difficult to pick up on and the cars all handle differently but it isn’t anything that a seasoned racing game player can’t pick up on. Different tracks require different styles of driving, so the need to adapt to your environment is key to getting the top scores on some of the harder tracks. Playing against the computer requires some key timing in certain spots, so you’ll have to have a good handle on just how the track twists and curves around in order to beat the computer. Beginners shouldn’t have a problem with this and veterans to the genre will find it a breeze to master.

-The Visuals-

Though the game says 4D, it actually refers to the way that you can manipulate the camera once you’ve gotten through the different tracks. The models of the cars are all polygon and shaded to look real, though it seems to lack the true to life realism. Track designs and otherwise are all done in proper fashion with just enough detail to make your eyes wander from the race at hand. However, once you fall into seeing the same track a few times, the use of the track editor becomes key to any future differences in the way that the game looks as you play.

-The Audio-

Most of what you have here that makes up the audio portion of the game just doesn’t seem to reach the par of racing game standards. The audio effects from the roar of the engine to the squealing of tires is what you have to look forward to, so be aware that there really isn’t much after you hear that. The music that you find here is pretty poor at best and for all intents and purposes, best left off or muted for the duration of the play. For some reason, it has this ear-splitting tone to it that isn’t helpful to the theme of the game but rather a detraction from what you’re attempting to do.

-The Verdict-

4D Racing isn’t a bad game, but by today’s standards it just doesn’t seem to hit on all cylinders. The game play is solid but dated and the visuals are exceptionally good, though the 4D portion of the title seems to be misleading. The audio that you find here is less than stellar and minimal at best while the control takes a little getting used to for the beginners. All in all you have an average racing game when compared to other systems but a true gem on the Amiga. If you’re into the racing games and especially the stunt driving, then this is the title for you!

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 09/27/02, Updated 09/27/02