Re-Volt

"Mute the TV and PLAY this game. . ."

Ah, my childhood. I had the coolest battery powered remote control car. The White Tiger, and that was before the crappy Power Rangers White Tiger. I took that thing everywhere, even on vacation. Of course, the best part of any remote controlled vehicle is the fact that you can sit down with your remote controller, and then zip down the street avoiding cars, dogs, and whatever else is in your way. Of course, I've grown up now, but sometimes I wish I could get back to those days. That's what made me pick up ReVolt. And sadly, its what made me put it down.

Gameplay 7/10
ReVolt is a well designed game. It takes the best elements of racing, miniaturizes it, adds in a dash of Mario Kart goodness, and a bit of ingenious level design. The controls are exactly what they should be, seeing how what we're racing here are 1/20 scale remote control cars. There's no real story, but the ease of control of these little rascals (heh) is remarkably sharp. They respond quite well, and they react just as well according to the surface they are on. For instance, levels on road, and levels on shiny floor cause the car to handle differently. I found that to be refreshing, as well as the details to the levels. Of course, if the entire game was so refreshing, the gameplay would get a higher rating. The championship mode in which you unlock cars and tracks, is extensive, but not enjoyably so. The tracks repeat, and considering the originality of the level design, this is horrendously obvious. For some odd reason, the higher class car you unlock, the more difficult it is to handle it. As soon as you get some speed, the car either spins out, or flips itself. The car can't be tweaked to your specification or desire, which really bothers me, because it'd make for such a great feature. At least change the color of the car, if not the way it tends to flip over or spin out. Most of the cars you drive against are increasingly aggressive, do not believe in loss, and capitalize on advantage. This would be great, if it weren't so impossible to avoid flipping a car.

Graphics/Sound 6/10
The graphics are, of course, on par with what I've grown to expect from the Dreamcast. The cars look pretty darn sharp, and the obstacles and track look pretty much how I like them. The frame rate is pretty constant, and jaggies are few. Of course, I'm a little biased, being a pretty rabid Dreamcast fan. My biggest gripe with this game, however, is the sounds. In fact, the sound alone has drug down the score. Tires do not sound like nails scratching against a chalkboard. Speaking of which, I'm pretty sure the puttering of the cars is at least considered torture in third world countries. There is nothing charming about the way this games sound. In fact, there is nothing even remotely good about the sound. The music is relatively non-existent, and the sounds will make enrage you. My only advice to dealing with it is to mute the television. I know I did quite often. But don't let that stop you from playing the game. Its fun, just has really bad sound effects.

Replay 7/10
If you got friends, you'll play this game again. Its fun, its got cars in it, and the cheats are pretty darn easy to remember. Okay, that's not a good argument, but the game is fun. It makes for a fun party night when you want to entertain the unwashed masses you may call friends. I call them associates. If any of them are reading this, be warned, you need to wash. The multiplayer has a good set of tracks, and all of the available cars, as well as some secret unlockables, so it won't get boring anytime soon. Of course, you'll want to turn down the volume so as not to drive anyone insane. Or brainwash anyone.
Overall 7/10
ReVolt is a generally good game, definitely worth the money you'll invest in it, considering the fast dropping prices of Dreamcast games. I've enjoyed it thoroughly, and I'd buy it again, if it were the price I found it at. Be sure to go out and look for it. You'll have fun playing it.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 09/09/03