4x4 EVO 2

Rockstar Games is one of the few developers who released at least one game at the launch of the two most successful next-generation consoles: the Xbox and the PlayStation 2. Rockstar released a Crazy Taxi-inspired driving game called Smuggler's Run at the PS2's launch. When the Xbox launched on November 15th, 2001, 4X4 Evo 2 was unleashed on a gaming public that expected the very best games. While I can't say that they got the very best with every launch title, they certainly got their money's worth and a whole lot more with 4X4 Evo 2.

4X4 Evo 2 features four game modes: Quick Race, Time Attack, Free Roam and Career. Quick Race is a single-race mode that allows you to choose any course you want and edit the game to your liking. You can change the weather and add fog or rain; select the time of day to race (midday or dusk); choose the number of laps, etc.

Time Attack is a little different from the standard TA modes in racing games. Your fastest times are saved, giving you something to brag to your friends about. However, earning the top spot on the Time Attack list can be difficult at times, which is why the developers added the option to race against a ghost opponent. Actually, you're not racing against him, but rather, you race with him to improve your performance. The ghost opponent is a ghost because of its semi-transparent look. It can't collide with your vehicle, so there's no reason to try and avoid a crash because it won't happen anyway. Instead, watch the ghost carefully and follow the path he takes. After doing this a few times, you should be able to fully understand the layout of the track and have a much better chance at winning the race. Free Roam is also a good mode for practicing because you have as much time as you need to find all of the shortcuts.

Career mode is, as usual, the best part of the game. You start out with thirty grand, but will be nearly broke after buying your first jeep, truck or SUV. Of course, that's one of the things that makes 4X4 Evo 2 challenging and fun. There are more than one hundred vehicles in this game, so you're going to have to win a ton of races if you want to own them all. Plus, you must upgrade your vehicle with new, expensive parts. Otherwise, the competition will leave you in the dust, literally. Then you must waste even more money on car washes to make your vehicle look shiny and new. The car wash isn't a necessity, but no one likes to have mud on their windshield. I know I don't. Once you own a couple of vehicles, you can sell the ones you don't need anymore. Obviously you won't get back as much money as you paid for it, but you will get more cash depending on how much money you spent on upgrades. Of course, the Career mode is not about who has the best vehicle, it's about who wins the race.

Every course is packed with shortcuts. A green arrow has been placed at the top of the screen to help guide you on your way, but it's up to you to figure out which shortcuts are best. Some shortcuts merely take you off the linear path, while others are almost guaranteed to put you ahead of the competition. The terrain must also be taken into consideration. If you're driving a truck with two-wheel drive, going up a steep hill may not be the best idea. But if it's your only hope for success, the risk is worth taking.

4X4 Evo 2 makes great use of the Xbox controller's shoulder buttons. The shoulder buttons are analog, giving you an excellent amount of precision in braking and accelerating. Other than Grand Theft Auto 3 and Gran Turismo 3, I haven't played any games on any console with as much sensitivity as 4X4 Evo 2. You can actually hold down the button lightly enough to stay at a consistent speed of 20mph! This gives the game a better, more realistic feel. I wish all racing games took advantage of this awesome technology.

The replay mode is awesome. 4X4 Evo 2 gives you more camera angles to choose from than any other off-road racing game. The overhead view is especially impressive, giving you a clear look of the enormous world below. I loved the in-the-car-view, too. Not only is it the most exciting camera angle, it also showcases the Xbox's ability to create real-time reflections on any shiny surface (in this case, the front of your vehicle). After splashing around in the mud for a few minutes, your vehicle will become dirty and will no longer reflect your surroundings.

Right now, 4X4 Evo 2 is the only off-road racing game available for the Xbox. But even if there were others available, it wouldn't matter because this is the best next-generation off-road racer. Period. Nothing that the competition offers can compare. If you don't own an Xbox, then pick up the PC version. Both versions are excellent racing games that don't disappoint.

Gameplay: 8.5
4X4 Evo 2 is the best next-generation off-road racing game available. Driving through the game's rugged terrain is difficult, but not to the extent that it feels unrealistic. More important than realism, however, is how much fun the game is to play, which is where 4X4 Evo 2 excels the most.

Graphics: 8 
If the detailed backgrounds, lack of pop-up and the impressive car models weren't enough, then wait until you see the replay mode in action for the very first time. The developers were obviously going for a Gran Turismo-style camera system and they succeeded with flying colors. Not only that, but check out those headlights! I know they're just headlights, but the way the light streaks through the glass is incredible.

Sound: 7
4X4 Evo 2 has an interesting list of songs, but the sound effects are definitely the best part.

Difficulty: 8.5
4X4 Evo 2 is NOT an easy game! I've been playing (and beating) games for a very long time, but I still wasn't able to plow through this off-road racer -- it took a lot of practice just to learn how to properly outmaneuver all of the fierce opponents, not to mention the shortcuts. 4X4 Evo 2 is worth the extra effort though because of its deep and rewarding gameplay.

Concept: 8 
4X4 Evo 2 is like an off-road version of Gran Turismo: it's fun, fast and exciting, but also packs a good amount of depth. You can tweak your vehicle to your liking, but first you must win some races and earn enough cash to buy the parts needed for the upgrade.

Multiplayer: 8.5
Up to two players can race out their differences in 4X4 Evo 2. Without a doubt, this was (and still is) the best two-player racing game released in 2001. The enormous tracks will keep you and your friend busy for hours, guaranteed.

Overall: 8.5
There are a lot of racing games on the Xbox, but this is by far one of the best. 4X4 Evo 2 is the perfect blend of Gran Turismo elements and off-road racing. Hardcore gamers will love the high difficulty of the opponents, while casual gamers will be amazed at how many vehicles there are.