Reviewed: October 2, 2002
Reviewed by: Aaron Daigle

Publisher
Acclaim

Developer
Tantalus

Released: August 20, 2002
Genre: Racing
Players: 1
ESRB: Everyone

5
8
4
5
6.1
Now that it’s been out for over a year, the Game Boy Advance is fast becoming the home to some very pretty games. One of those games is, without question, AKA’s ATV: Quad Power Racing. Sporting sharp visuals however, doesn’t necessarily make a game great, read on to see how this portable ATV racer stacks up.

ATV Quad Power Racing features:

  • 10 unique and challenging tracks and environments.
  • 9 different tricked-out ATVs to chose from.
  • 3D ATVs, riders and environments; As real as it gets on a hand-held.
  • Take on the competition in Arcade and Challenge game modes.
  • 3 different classes of ATVs: Stock, Pro and Open.
Quad Power Racing boasts two main gameplay types: Arcade and Challenge. Arcade mode is basically pick up and play racing, one race and win or lose it’s back to the start menu. Challenge mode allows the player to unlock additional tracks and classes by meeting the goal set at the start of the race. If the challenge is met players are given a password that will unlock the features next time they play. The lack of a battery save is irritating as keeping track of passwords can be a chore.

The game’s control setup is very simple with the d-pad controlling the steering, the A button is the gas and B is brake and reverse. That the controls are simple is a reflection of the racing action. While there are seven other racers and plenty of jumps on the track, the races couldn’t be much more boring.

The CPU opponents are totally non-competitive and are nowhere near as fast as the player’s avatar. To make up for this the other racers are sort of spaced out around the track like in a Rally Cross game. There is no jockeying for position or any real challenge to be had in the tracks themselves, no hairpin corners no soft spots and few if any real obstacles on the shoulders of the tracks. Given those weaknesses, the lack of multiplayer really hurts this title.

As stated above ATV: Quad Power Racing is oh so pretty. From its highly detailed foliage to the little plumes of dirt that kick off the racer’s tires. The riding animations are fairly smooth and fluid though the single crash animation could have used some more work. As it stands, Quad Power Racing is a fine example of 3D graphics on the GBA.

Other than the near constant droning of ATVs there isn’t much of a sound track in this title. Having some music probably would have helped break the monotony of the game, but maybe not.

Only the truly diehard ATV enthusiast is likely to have any interest at all in this game with so many other racing titles available on the GBA ATV: Quad Power Racing Doesn’t really warrant a purchase.

Looks aren’t every thing and while Quad Power Racing has got the looks, there is really nothing much else there. The lack of a battery save and multiplayer are annoying and with its lack luster racing action players would do well to look elsewhere for their racing fix.