Reviewed: January 20, 2002
Reviewed by: Justin Gedeon
Publisher
THQ
Developer
THQ
Released: November 11, 2001
Genre: Racing
Players: 4
ESRB: Everyone
5
5
2
5
4.1
Supported Features:
When you think of Hot Wheels, what comes to your mind? Maybe small metal cars that you used to play with when you were young, or maybe they were those cars that your father used to run over with his car just before leaving for work crushing your little 1969 Ford Mustang miniature.
Well in THQ’s new game for the Game Boy Advance this is somewhat the idea. Hot Wheels Burnin was inspired by THQ's previous game GBA game, GT Advance. Using the GT Advance engine, THQ has now created a newer version of that game, that we know as Hot Wheels Burnin Rubber. This game definitely feels like GT Advance, and while many may say that's actually not a bad thing, it also means there isn't much that is new.
Hot Wheels Burnin’ Rubber is almost an identical match with its predecessor; however, with the new features it’s a definite game for the younger audience (meaning kiddies over 10 won’t care for this game). To tell the truth, when I first played this game I was amazed at how much it was like the game Mario Kart Super Circuit. I even thought I was playing that game with how much the controls are the same, as well as the game play.
There are more than 15 authentic 2001 Hot Wheels First Edition cards to choose from in five different classes. There are 12 tracks than you can race on in one of four various modes of play including; Grand Prix, Free Race, Time Trial, and Two-Player. You can choose from four challenging skills levels, and you can unlock bonus levels and special cars by winning the various races.
Many of the different circuits in the game are kinda cheesy. Some are dubbed “dining room table” (almost as if you’re a kid racing these cars on your moms Italian coffee table). They even have a “bathroom” circuit as well. The tracks really aren’t that good considering the fact that they seem to have a young child’s mentality in mind. One thing that I must say did impress me was that the backgrounds in this game were very well done, and they have a sense of realism once you play it.
While it’s a Gameboy Advance game, you still get a good sense of what you’re getting. In my view of a racing game, THQ did a satisfactory job. As I mentioned before, I was impressed with the backgrounds and with the highly detailed car designs. THQ has definitely tried to take full advantage of the Gameboy Advance’s graphics capability. Overall, the game's graphics are pretty good considering the platform.
Nintendo advertises that the Gameboy Advance uses CD-quaity "stereo sound" in their unit, and they are right! As I’ve seen (and heard) in other Gameboy Advance games, the sound is usually quite impressive; however this is not the case with Hot Wheels Burnin’ Rubber. The rock music and sound effects are pretty bad - really no better than original Gameboy music and effects.
Well chances are you will probably (if you’re a kid) spend about 10+ hours, since it's just such an easy game. THQ does however offer a lot of features in this game such as multiplayer capability, and modifying your cars, and buying new ones, so even after you beat the game, there are a lot of cool features that this game does offer.
This game deserves a fair rating, mainly due to the fact that it is intended for a “younger” audience. If you liked GT Advance and you have a passion for Hot Wheels cars, then you will probably like this game; otherwise, you will definitely want to pass on this title.
