Karnaaj Rally

"Very cool sleeper but can be silly difficult"

I purchased this game for $9.99 at a Kaybee toys, and for that price I should probably give it a 10/10. It is a huge value at that cost. Still, avoiding the concept of value the game is more of an objective 7-8. It does what it does extremely well, but the lack of real originality, some slightly dark graphics, and an AI that can at times be extremely frustrating serve to bring the game back towards the top of the heap, rather than as a shining star at the top. Still the top ain't bad for 10$.

Gameplay 7/10
If you enjoyed Super Sprint, Rock and Roll racing or Micro Machines, there is more of the same here. Its a top down racing game with some limited (mines and rockets) vehicular combat. The tracks are for the most part very interesting. While they do require some memorization of key turns, you will be competitive in most after the second or third time you try them. There are one or two tracks that can be confusing, particularly those with crisscrossing pathways.

There is limited interaction with the courses. You'll occasionally knock over a pylon or disturb a rock but other than that... nothing going. On the other hand the actual driving is pretty crisp, the turbo is really fun, and picking up items on the course(other than mines which you have to buy) is a breeze. Everything works as it should.

The AI is a bit frustrating, particularly later in the game. There is no handicap so races can be blowout lapped affairs, which is fine in some sense. Ultimately if you dont get out in front after the first lap you are unlikely to win. I recommend a quick boost followed by either a couple missiles or mines right at the beginning to create a log jam behind up enabling you to jump out in front. Using turbo after a turn or after running over a mine is also a prime use. The different drivers all have consistent strategies (big tough guys, quick little zippy dudes, etc) and single cars dont dominate whole circuits which I find nice. This means its very possible to win a 10 race circuit while finishing last once and 2nd or 3rd a few times, since all the 1st place victories will not go to a single other car.

After each race you are given a budget to repair your car, add weapons or armor, or improve the engine or tires. Depending on the type of car you have taken (fast/hard to control, Slow/Easy to control, or middle) these upgrades can help you rebalance your car. I personally found the fast cars almost uncontrollable in the later rounds without at least 2 tire upgrades. First priority is to fix your car, since if it is destroyed during a race, you forfeit. Second priority almost always is getting mines.

If you get to the end of all five circuits you face off on a ridiculously hard moon course. This level is a nightmare. While the difficulty really ramps up after each circuit nothing really prepares you for the final stage. Winning this unlocks several new tracks and cars, but don't expect to breeze through without tossing the gba a couple of times. There really was no reason for the difficulty of the final level. It was more painful than fun.
Finally multiplayer requires 2 carts. I still hate that... there is simply no reason to require this... The game would be a fun 2 player, but based on the number of carts of this game that have sold, finding a second person with it might be a stretch. I personally (sadly) havent tried this aspect of the game.

Graphics 8/10 with GBA, 10/10 with GBAsp
The graphics ARE very nice. In fact, graphically this is one of the better gba titles. The 3/4 angle of the view is pretty much perfect for the format. The environments are highly articulated and clear. Each race has its own theme - city, jungle, arctic, lunar, etc. My sole complaint is darkness. Many of the tracks are black and so are mines and on the original gba the mines were pretty hard to see. If you have an SP this is NO problem at all, still it was a complaint for me until I got the SP. If you are playing on an SP I consider this game a 10/10 for graphics.

Control 9/10
The control is pretty much perfect. The sole problem is the nasty blister you are likely to aquire on your right thumb. The gas probably should be a trigger, rather than a button. Still having the triggers mapped to missle and turbo does have a certain allure. The A is gas, and the B is mine. Steering is incredibly crisp (esp after a few tire upgrades) and the drift of the cars around corners is for the most part just right.

Sound 6/10
The games sounds are cool but a bit over the top, especially the squeeling tires. They are just a bit too ramped up and harsh. The missles and turbo are particularly pleasing. The music is disposable. Overall the sound is of decent quality and while it doesnt distract from the game, it doesnt add a whole lot either.

Replay value 6/10¸
There are a few other games like this out there so once you finish replay will be limited and you will be likely to move on to something ewer. The fact that multiple carts are required for multiplay augments this. Still you are able to post your fat times on the web and there is a certain satisfaction to that. Lets just say that the 20-30 hours of gameplay spent going through the single player mode 1 or 2 times will be your high point with the game, but that it could be enjoyable beyond that if you really enjoy the racing experience. The 4 unlockable cars and tracks dont add a lot to the whole time trial/ghost experience but it is more stuff to do.

Overall 8/10
A quality addition to your collection, this will probably be one of the top 10 racers for the gba over its system life - currently Id rank it in the top 5. At 10$ a pop its pretty much a no brainer... way better than expected.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/10/03, Updated 07/10/03