Road Trip

"Big Fun Comes In Small Packages."

This is a great racing game which also splices in a sense of adventure, fun arcade racing, and car customization. It's one-of-a-kind, and I don't think any game will ever again be able to achieve the style of Road Trip. This game does not usually get the respect that it truly deserves, this coming from a lifelong racing fan- realistic or otherwise.

Graphics- 9/10
Being a PS2 game from 2002, this game has excellent programming for its time. Granted, there are a few glitches- but the programmer's sense of light and beautiful landscape designs are very good. Well-done and diverse environments combined with interesting places and AI / other characters combine to give this game a unique and one-of-a-kind flavor.

Sound- 8/10
The lack of tracks that are popular and/or have words is a bit disappointing, but what can you expect for a less popular title? I do think that the instrumental tracks (on E Radio) are well done and compliment the game's adventurous side, whereas the racing music captures the essence of arcade-stlye, fun racing as well. Peach FM (tracks with words) include tracks from the pop-style band Push Kings (and one other track that no one seems to be able to identify.)

Gameplay- 10/10
This game is extremely enjoyable and a bit whimsical. For the adventurous and the competitive, the game creates its own style of combining adventure with racing. An entire world (though a small one, in terms of worlds) awaits you in this game to drive across and explore. You can also combine different parts for your car and customize paints, wheels, and car performance by mixing and matching parts.100% is achievable in terms of difficulty.

Replayability- 9/10
The game has an entire storyline that can be restarted as many times as you'd like, but you have to begin again without your high-speed parts. Because you can name your player anything you want and use any car body, the game is not as repetitive as you'd think, making sure to keep the story as loose and unique each time as possible. You'll want to go back and play again.

Overall- 10/10
This was the first game I truly ever held as my favorite. Though newer games come out every day with better graphics and favorites change, nothing will ever match the unique flavor of Road Trip.

Buy or rent? I would say buy. Though its looks can be deceiving, this is an incredibly good game.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/05/06, Updated 11/09/09

Game Release: Road Trip (US, 10/26/02)