Xtreme G Racing Association
A step back in ingenuity Rating: B-

When I was asked what I thought of the new installment of the Extreme G series, I didn't really know what to say. Most of us remember the glory days of futuristic racing. Wipeout was memorable as was F-Zero, but few of us really played Xtreme-G on the N64. Was that a bad thing? Not necessarily, because while XtremeG didn't revolutionnize anything, it revived the genre a little bit. Although the series had a very slow start on the 64, it's XG3, which was released on the Playstation II and the Gamecube that gave it it's mark. XG3 presented beautiful visuals with a difficult gameplay, and we all loved it. It was a winner in our hearts, so when we heard about XGRA, the 4th episode, we we're hoping for more of what XG3 had to offer. Instead, we we're offered a slightly above average game with many faults that shadow over it's good points.

XGRA has many improvements, starting with it's Season 2080 mode. A sort of Career mode, inspired by other games. By choosing one of the default playable characters, who unfortunately for the first time in the XG series, are ultimately useless, you're an amateur racer who very soon gets sponsored by a random affiliate. Your job enlists you to race to the best of your abilities while doing sidequests on the way. This is where the fun stops. While racing your employer will vidwindow you in and avise you to destroy other sponsor billboards with your vulcan cannon. Sure, the principal sounds fun and tempting, but the execution is far from it. Sometimes you'll find yourself going back in places because you're secondary objectives are keeping you from the first one, obtaining the highest position. That's one of the drawbacks in XGRA. Another would be it's look. Gone are the slim motorcycles we had in XG3, and the lush and smooth environments. XGRA attempts to recreate the larger, bulkier bikes that we're available in XG2. But unlike XG2, it fails to impress with it's burly appearance. The level designs are intuitive, but for some reason they seem like a failed attempt and more of an emulation of the first Xtreme G. Impressive, but not quite.

Fortunately, some elements of XGRA still shine and make you want to play the game. The menu system is probably one of its most alluring points. The menu's bells and whistles are very slick and nice. Also, more options are available compared to XG3 straight from the get go. Tweaking your bike is possible, but isnt' very simple. The traits between handling and weight dont really specify what you're gaining from moving your stats up and down, which is a shame, because that would have been a very useful tool in latter missions.

XGRA's handling system has changed too. The first thing you'll notice is that their are no more air brakes. XG3 fanatics will wonder how it's possible to control an air-bike without, you know, air brakes. Well it's not that difficult, you'll only need to master banging up against walls a little bit and you'll be fine. The driving mechanics changed, they take some getting used to, but aside that it's a fun game.

The game is longer then you'd expect, but mostly threw repetition. New courses aren't necessarily new, but only played during the night time, or on a rainy day. This is an intuitive way of adding depth to XGRA, but at the same time, it feels like a lazy attempt to gain your allowance.

Sound is fair as XGRA gives us the choice of choosing between a more Metal and Rock compilation or a more Trance-like Dance music. If you're unable to decide you can pick both to your liking. A very nice feature that's not very necessary in the game, since most of the music is muffled by the surrounding bikes zooming past you, and bumping into more walls.

Shortly, XGRA is a game that you'll want to rent before purchasing. It doesnt do much to keep you involved and playing, the missions are fun, but they tend to keep you away from winning the race. It's still a good game, but it's faults and drastic style change from the last 3 games places it on the rental shelf. Even die hard fans of the XG series will be somewhat disappointed in it's latest installment, and might regret the buy. Take it from someone who's loved XG from the beginning. The series has taken an unfortunate step backwards. Let's hope it'll take a two step leap on the next episode...

8.0 Presentation
Slick menus, but it ends there, the female voice greeting is nice the first time, but it ends there. Really doesn't feel like an XG game, but its still good.

8.0 Graphics
Odd to say, but if you'll go for one version, get XGRA on the Box. Doesnt look as nice as XG3, which is too bad, because the developper diaries promised better.

7.0 Sound
The sound is fine, not impressive, not terrible, it gives a neo racing feel for XGRA but some of the music can't be heard, even when sound options are maxed out. Average.

7.0 Gameplay
The bike physics we're completely redone, with a new engine at that. It's safe to say that this isnt' the same game anymore. XG2 mastered the bike physics of burly motorcycles but XGRA's is too weird.

6.0 Lasting Appeal
Extreme G fans are going to be a little bit disappointed, but you can't blame them, even I could'nt bear to watch. It has some good points, but its really not enough to consider buying this game. Rent.