First off, the Speed Mode is your standard race: a few laps around a closed circuit track and try to come in first. I found this mode rather dull-however it is good that they included it in the game.
The other modes available make up for the dullness of the Speed Mode.. For example, the Buggy mode is another race similar to speed except the tracks are all terrain. You will be racing on the beach, in the city, etc. You’ll also have to go over some pretty decent ramps and get decent air. I found this mode to be a lot of fun; however, I wasn’t too thrilled with the racing physics of the buggy. Whenever you barely touch the water, your buggy slows down for no apparent reason other than the tires are a little wet-it’s not like you’re 4 feet in the water! Steering on sand is extremely difficult and I found it easier just to take it slow on the beach.
The Cross Mode, or motocross as I like to call it, is more reminiscent of Motocross Madness or Excitebike on the N64. It’s all closed dirt tracks with many turns and bumps and mountains to jump over. Again, physics notwithstanding, these tracks are a lot of fun as well.
One of the more unique games within this game is the Jump Course where you work up a high speed and kick in the turbo so you’ll fly up a ramp and go airborne. Of course it’s not very realistic, but it is mucho cool to play.
Finally, my favorite event is the Monster Event. This one is quite hard, but it is challenging in a good way. You see, you have an obstacle course in front of you and you have to avoid certain road cones or else you will be penalized. Think of it like an Equestrian course-you have a time limit and each time you hit something you’re not supposed to, you have a 5 second penalty. Usually you have to complete 2 laps to win. Like I said, it is very hard, but the feeling of relief you get when you finish it makes it worthwhile.
You can try to win a championship in the Speed Buggy or Cross modes, run a quick race in any of the five modes, or try your luck on the Beetle Challenge.
With the Beetle Challenge you have to clear four progressively difficult goals on each type of race. This is where the most fun and frustration is to be had. Although I finished it in about a day, having to re-jump over and over again to reach a qualifying distance is rather annoying.
