Uniracers

"A one of a kind racing game."

Introduction
Uniracers is a unique racing game that you won't hear much about. Not much history about it, it's a one of a kind game without a sequel... too my knowledge anyways. The game has a simple layout that's easy to understand, but the game is hard to get skilled at. You basically race as Unicycles, literally you ARE the unicycle. You race other unicycles and perform rad stunts to increase your speed, or win the challenge.

Gameplay - 8/10
This game is incredibly addicting if you're into different game types. I mean, the real objective seems obvious, race and win, but it's really more complex than that. The computer gets incredibly difficult throughout the game and makes it a real challenge.

When you first start, there's about 20 different Uniracers you have the choice to use at your own disposal. I would recommend choosing one to start with so you can get the feel of the game. You'll end up racing on some pretty weird tracks, and if you get motion sickness, this game might be a stir for those of you that are, just as a warning. But I like the unique layout of the game, it gives it more value.

For the most part, there are 5 tracks to a group. They have weird names like Runner and Sprint with weird animals next to them. I never understood that, but I guess it's supposed to express the idea of how much harder the races are compared to the previous. You normally have 4 racing tracks and one stunt track. The 4 racing tracks vary greatly and can proof to be very difficult if you aren't quick with the finger. The game has a weird way to keep you on your feet as you race due to the fast pace and lack of much visual on the track. You really have to pay attention to the colors of the track to know what is coming up. You'll eventually memorize them and be ready for what's up ahead so it shouldn't become much of a problem. The stunt tracks are pretty simple, but require lots of button pressing and timing in order to score big. That will earn you victory on stunt tracks. Just be sure you have LOTS of air when you do tricks or else you'll end up with low scores.

The game also has a unique statistics section that keeps track of how many total points you've gained, how many wins you've got, etc. If you have friends that play this game with you, it could be used as a means of bragging rights of who's better, haha. The game also has a weird thing that involves making "teams" or something, but I never understood that. And I haven't played the game in years so my memory isn't quite up to date with this game.

Control - 7/10
Alright, first off, the racing portion of this game? Not hard. Pointing in the direction you're going or wanting to go? Not hard. Performing a 360 twist flip? HARD! Performing 9 back flips? HARD! Yeah, I think my point came across. The trick possibilities you can do in this game are unreal. They are honestly not hard to get down, but when you're in the heat of competition and getting your ass beat by the computer by a couple hundred points in stunt tracks? Yeah, it gets frustrating and nerve racking. Some tricks I was never able to figure out. Main reason being, I was young, didn't think much... yeah. If I played the game today, I'd probably have a lot more fun and burn through it a lot faster. But let's skip the irrelevant stuff and back to the review. Tricks are hard, yes, but practice practice practice. Find out what will get you the points and how to do something fresh all the time. Most tricks gain you speed, which can get you huge launches off the ramps for a huge trick combo. Do not stall when the time is now!

Graphics - 8/10
This may be an old game, but from what I remember the graphics were awesome. However, playing it now would probably change my mind from the view I have of games these days. On topic, the graphics are really well done. Being a 2D side screen game I am surprised it looks as good as it is. The background and colors really make this game stand out compared to others. It could be difficult play if you're color blind though, that might be a bad thing when racing if you don't know what's up next. >_>

Replay Value - 8/10
This game can get really addicting for those of you that enjoy racing games. I honestly never got the last group of races because(at least I think) of my age and lack of real knowledge of the fast pace. But it was fun for me, I really enjoy numbers and such(like RPG's have) so I spent a lot of time in the racer statistics, haha. But I can guarantee if you have some friends that play this game it'll add much more replay value to it. Assuming they like racing games.

Overall - 8/10
This game is definitely worth renting. I don't expect everyone to like it, but it has a different feel to it that makes it a great game that's really enjoyable. I think I had at least 15 of the ?? amount of Uniracers to choose from as my own. I got creative and gave each of the weird names and thought some of them were superior to the others just because of their record or thinking they were incredibly fast, haha. But yeah, definitely worth a rent, give a try if you can find it at a game store.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/31/05, Updated 08/25/08

Game Release: Uniracers (US, 1994)