Over the past few months, game developers have literally saturated the market with racing games. Varying from arcade and simulation types, I personally had the opportunity to test drive (no pun intended) a number of the games released during the past two quarters. Without a doubt, Infogrames Test Drive Le Mans captivated me (and surely many others that have experienced the level of excellence Melbourne House brought to a popular franchise); while looking towards some handheld fun, Looney Tunes Racing held enough entertaining value that I yearned for the Dreamcast edition which I had heard so much about from a few industry buddies.

It's no secret that animated types such as those among the Looney Tunes universe is highly appealing to me. Thus, it was vital that I pass on the word to the Infogrames ensemble that Looney Tunes Space Race HAD to be in my possession. Laugh it up folks,...but this gamer is a kid at heart and engaging Melbourne House's latest achievement totally impressed me from start to finish.

Well, with two paragraphs of retail-esque speak, the question arises "What makes this game so entertaining that it leaves [Bahn] babbling like a giddy gamer?" The answer returns back to the preface of this article - Melbourne House has integrity and it's fully evident in every aspect of the game. Space Race begins its tour de force with a animated news telecast hosted by Foghorn Leghorn, introducing players to (surprise) - The Looney Tunes Space Race! After selecting through the available cast of racers (each varies in speed and handling) which includes familiar faces like Bugs, Daffy, Elmer Fudd and Sylvester, I engaged the first racing level - Planet Acme. As I navigate throughout the stage after five minutes of play, it became totally evident to me that this wasn't the typical franchise-endorsed product as many companies have released in the past. The level design and mechanics quickly absorbed me to the point I actually felt as if I was within a lively Saturday morning adventure, with the Looney Tunes cast in company. Listen to snappy wise cracks of Bugs - "Aaa, your mother drinks pickle juice!" or the low tolerance Yosemite Sam caught in an unfortunate blunder "You liver-leathered, bo-legged idgit!) and it's a safe bet you'll be filled with endless smirks before crossing the finish line.

Graphically, Space Race doesn't disappoint in any aspect (other than the fact that I can't actually enter the animated dimension, but I digress). Each stage is lush in detail, personality and the trademarked Techno-color, it's very easy to have your attention diverted just so that you can take in the finer elements that exist. Unlike most racing gamers have uninspiring backgrounds or a lack of a fundamental atmosphere, each world has significant animated action (some more than others) in a real-time fashion. Marvel at the busy traffic within Offworld City Limits or the level of detail and vastness applied to Galactorama Park, the entire attraction truly does bring the Looney Tunes cast into a world of its own. In addition, Space Race is laden with power-ups and as one would expect, they're easy to identify (and full of humorous antics) as you will unleash pink elephants, black holes, storm clouds, pistols, pianos and yes...anvils, the game is certainly filled with those; take caution you varmints!

Speaking of which...the featured characters are in no manner slouching in terms of personality and authenticity. Adopting the same cel-shaded engine as seen in Jet Set Radio, each character has their distinctive likenesses portrayed to a tee - right down to Bugs' whiskers. During your quest for first place, characters will alter their facial expressions, check for approaching opponents...and even wave to each other as they pass. Nice touches which really says a lot for the time and effort spent on this title.

Generally when it comes to racing games as of late, very few tend to be equal in the areas of visual appeal and gameplay, but thankfully, Space Race doesn't fall into this trap as the controls and challenge are held in the same caliber. Racers are controlled by the Analog pad, while the action buttons respectively active turbo boost, gags, a rear view of approaching opponents and discarding gags. The controls are very tight and responsive, so you only have yourself to blame if you veer your vehicle off course (well, unless you've been targeted by a gag - that's a different story altogether).

On the surface, Space Race's challenge factor can easily be dismissed as mere child's play by skeptical gamers, but in all honesty - that's an understatement (more than any of you realize). Bugs and company make no reservations in stopping you using any means necessary. As I expressed earlier, making use of the various gags (conviently supplied by ACME) which can be collected simply by running your vehicle through it. Each racer can only carry a single gag at a time. You'll be able to easily identify the gag you've acquired as your racer will actually visually display the gag in their possession as you continue to race along! Believe it or not, gags represent more than just a novelty feature. Execution of these items are the key to you winning each race. Drop your sentiments and be ready to slatter, vaporize and basically create mayhem for your fellow opponents...there can only be one!

The game features a few extra perks which enhances the overall package which includes Challenge and Acme Events. At various points during the game when you're within the main racing mode, you will be issued challenges from other racers (which also will come from hidden characters which will later become accessible). It's up to you if you wish to accept these challenges immediately, or save them for a later time. Players that successfully win the challenge will be rewarded an ACME token. Which brings us to the next game mode in Space Race, the ACME Events. In summary, these crazy, secret races are where all the rules basically go out the window (or are altered considerably). The object of the race of course is still to win, but as you'll discover that each world you engage will have different outcomes varying from a prohibition of gags, a turbo filled extravangaza, and many more. The experience is very challenging and easily addicting. Successfully winning each event in your initial session earns you a special reward that you can later access in the Gallery, which hosts secret, behind-the-scene goodies.

The audio is rather extensive, varying from tons of Looney Tunes trademark sound effects and of course, the plethora of game dialogue uttered from the entire cast onscreen. Every sound is very sharp and distinct, whether it be the engine exhaust from your vehicle, the vapor trail eminating from your laser pistol, or the unfortunate impact of a pink elephant dropping from above, there's no mistaking in realizing you're in a lively, intense world of amusing proportions. I would've beem more fond of the music if it was reminiscent of the actual soundtracks used in the cartoons I watched when I was a kid. But to its credit, each musical score is very mellow, and was quite tolerable compared to previous racing game themes I've experienced in the past.

Overall, Space Race is a highly entetaining product that grabs you from start to finish and never seems to let go. It's especially appealing to anyone who's personally fond of the Looney Tunes cast and is seraching for a fun, arcade-style racing game. Without a doubt, Infogrames gets the thumbs up for publishing an exciting game that offers plenty of replay value, memorable characters, and the simple factor of aiming to be the fastest, blastenest racer, this side of the pacos!

Screens courtesy of DCIGN

· · · Bahn