Big Bumpin'

Of the three $4 Burger King titles, I think this one has the best overall appeal. Big Bumpin (BB) allows you to choose a colorful character and jump behind the wheel of a nifty bumper car and wreak havoc with your cushioned but lethal auto. The tracks and environments are varied, and there are chances to play other games such as a mad bout of bumper pool meets hockey ("Own the Puck"), with your cars as the sticks. There's a (Burger) King of the Hill type match in which the objective is to be the last person remaining, which with the numerous (literal) pitfalls and obstacles, is not as easy as it sounds. Things are not as friendly in these bumper cars - as they are in the local traveling carnival. But, that's more fun for us. It is, again, at times a variation of Mario Kart. But, the other modes of play allow you more selections than that sole style. That is one of the most appealing facets of this game. It's a great team game, though the AI allows you to enjoy some solo fun as well. There are six characters to choose from, but who could pass up trying to drive as a Whopper with cheese - at least once??!!!

Visually, Big Bumpin had the most flash for me. For instance, there are some nice blues and whites during the "electrifying" mode (Shockball), and the backgrounds in general just look nice with such a colorful character in your foreground. The graphics on all of these games have less depth than most titles released for the Xbox, but these are not $20+ titles. They are $4, but look far more rich than that. I am guessing that they look even more detailed on the 360.

Your audio treats are as stale as a bag of carnie popcorn. There is some kaleidoscope music to make you feel as if you are strolling through a theme park, but that gets really old and doesn't enhance the game at all. I just turn down the sound and enjoy some personal tunes as usual, with gaming.

These games are a loss-leader to get you in the food chains, and make you consume (aka BUY) their products. In theory, you have to buy a meal for EACH title, though I know some pushing and coaxing has resulted in some of them being obtained sans the meals. In any case, the games are well worth the deal. If given choices, I'd opt out of Sneak King, but though it has many faults, it's a good $4 game that you can get from a fast food chain. That's a rare thing. Maybe McD's will follow and we'll see Ronald on a jet ski trying to force the Hamburgler up a ramp and through a ring of fire. Talk about burning your meat!

Gameplay: 7.0
Big Bumpin plays a lot like a "kart" type game which means you basically steer and try to wreak havoc for all the drivers around you. The driving can be kind of loose as times, but I don't claim to be an expert at the handling of lethal bumber cars.   

Graphics: 6.0 
The games are playable on Xbox or Xbox 360 - but they are not the same. You have the choice of which console you wish to play. That was a pleasant surprise. Again, a little "extra" that they offer when they didn't really have to - for $4. Big Bumpin has the most contrasting and striking visuals of these titles. Playing it literally makes the room flash with light (depending on the mode you're in). It's a cheap thrill that looks great in the ad trailers, but it works for me.

Sound: 6.0
The music is tiresome and annoying. Adjust that, crank up your own tunes and get on with the game. If I want to listen to this type of music, I'll go to a Cole Bros. Circus - at least I can see some elephants, then.

Difficulty: Easy
The game is familiar and easy to comprehend. Driving in chaos can be a challenge, but never too much to handle. .

Concept: 7.0
These games are loose clones of many games that have been presented in the past. I have not played a "Kart" game within a bumper car, but considering the karts become bumper cars, themselves, it's not totally foreign to me.    

Overall: 7.0
Even though it's a sub-budget title, it will give you several hours of fun. The online play will add some random thrills to get a few more days of action before you reach back into your library of other games. It's well worth the price, so this isn't to say that the game should not be given a chance. It's like the meals that you buy in order to get the game - not 5-star, but it will fill you up long enough to get you by until the next big thing comes along.