Chocobo Racing

All of the racing characters possess special powers and unique tracks designed around their personas. Chocobo Racing contains five challenging racing modes, including grand prix (four-track tournament), time attack, versus (two-player racing), relay race, and story mode. We were particularly intrigued by the story mode, which places Chocobo in an old-fashioned pop-up storybook as he aims to collect several scattered blue crystals.

We also liked the high replay value of this game. For example, a racing victory may reward players with the ability to customize a character. Chocobo Racing is far from a sophisticated racer--and, in fact, that is part of the appeal. This is an easy game to learn, so younger players can pick up a controller and play with little trouble. Still, plenty of challenges hide in the detailed tracks, which are filled with time-zapping traps and treacherous curves. --Carrie Bell

Pros:

• Diverse tracks and characters
• Will appeal to fans of Crash Team Racing and Mario Kart

• Weak steering and vehicle control
• Cartoon theme may not appeal to die-hard racing fans
• Not compatible with multiplayer adapter, so simultaneous racing is limited to 2 players

- The graphics are about average in the racing, to above average in the movies.
- The controls are responsive and adequate.
- The game is well-balanced, with easy modes for less experienced players, and hard modes. The story mode is a little cheesy, but fun nonetheless.
- The music and sounds blend in with the game well.
- You can get this game very cheap, compared to other racing games.
- It is a lot of fun to race against other players (unfortunately, more than 2 human players are not supported), but the AI of the game is also challenging.