PixlBit

As eccentric as one would expect from a game starring Volkswagen's cute little car.

"Adventure Racing" is a bit of a misnomer, as the game has much more to do with racing than it does adventure. There is no shortage of Beetles however, as it's the only car available. Accept it.

There are six tracks in the game, which might make the game sound small. Not only is each track huge, but there are multiple paths to take outside the main course. Exploring the tracks is half the fun, as each route often has a different element. Some paths contain treacherous turns, some contain jumps over rivers or other obstacles, some go through a cave or tunnel, and more. Some routes are easy to spot, while others are hidden behind trees or other objects. There are so many alternate routes in each track that it is entirely possible for the second lap to be almost completely different than the first.

The game doesn't go beyond the basic modes of Single Race, Championship, and Time Trial, as well as two multiplayer modes. The computer-controlled opponents are somewhat simple in their behavior, and never drive off the main route of the track. There is obvious rubberbanding, meaning that the computer cars will usually be bunched together and never too far ahead or behind your portion. There are no CPU opponents available in the 2-player race mode, making it uninteresting. The four-player Beetle Battle mode involves using weapons to fight others to collect the six butterflies scattered around the arena. Though functional, it feels like more of an afterthought, and isn't as exciting as other vehicle battle components such as in Mario Kart 64.

Scattered around each track are numbered boxes, which give bonus points when destroyed by driving into them. Collecting about half the points awards a Continue, which can be used to restart a race that isn't going well, and collecting all points unlocks a battle arena for multiplayer. In order to collect all points, every route of the track must be traveled, making knowledge of the courses imperative. In addition to point boxes, there are also special, hidden flower boxes which, when smashed, unlock a cheat. These are so well-hidden, in fact, that I never came across one in all the time I've played this game, and never knew about them until reading about them on GameFAQs. Also to be found are nitro boxes, which give a burst of speed when crushed, accompanied by a mysterious disembodied voice saying "Wahoo!"

The car selection is expectedly limited to Volkswagen Beetles, with the only option being the colour. Beetles with special designs can be unlocked by completing championships, which come in sets of three for each tournament. These cars also come with improved stats, making the previous set obsolete. It almost seems unfair to complain about the lack of variety, but being forced to use essentially the same car can grow stale.

A lot of care went into the visuals. Each track has its own theme, from a calm countryside to a busy metropolis, from a smoldering dessert to a snow-covered mountain. Textures are smooth and varied, with good colouring used throughout. There is no fog, although this results in some slight pop-up in large areas. The framerate is generally stable, with no noticeable hiccups. The music is breakbeat jazzy, which suits the game more than it might seem. There isn't much variety to the sound effects, but what is present is appropriate. The sound for smashing crates is rather fitting and very satisfying. There is an announcer who will spout off things like the names of tracks, with an overenthusiastic delivery akin to a Sunday motocross announcer.

Beetle Adventure Racing is an enjoyable racing game that should please any fan of the genre. The lack of variety in the vehicle selection is more than made up for by the wide array of expansive tracks. There's a lot to do for completionists, but even without all the extras, the gameplay is solid enough to stand on its own. It may not be much of an adventure, but it is quite a ride.