OverviewReviewControlsCreditsSystem RequirementsScreensBuy
   
Bookmark and Share

Razor Freestyle Scooter

Review

by Jon Thompson

The inevitable game based on the "sport" of scooter racing makes its debut on the PlayStation, and, to no one's surprise, its design is patterned almost exclusively off of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and the tremendous number of "me-too" games which that title has wrought. Specifically, it is based off of the engine used in Grind Session, which itself copied Tony Hawk to a substantial degree. But Razor is a game made with younger audiences in mind, those who would be less likely to feel self conscious while riding a scooter.

Considering its target age group, the game is surprisingly solid. Like many of these types of titles, it offers up a decent amount of thrills and tricks. The control system isn't complicated, and the stunts are generally easy to pull off and are accompanied by some smooth animation. The different level objectives are in no way innovative, but most players will be focused on trying to complete them to care.

The number of levels available is the weakest aspect of the game. The few that are included are well designed and fairly large, but after going through them again and again, one gets the urge for something more. Again, the younger crowd might not mind, but everyone likes variety, and this game doesn't serve enough of it. The special levels are just variations of one another, and after a few run-throughs, they become rather boring.

The visuals are nice enough, with smooth animation and super-deformed type characters that give the whole package a quirky feel. There isn't really anything in the way of "new" here when it comes to graphics and sound, with the standard ramps, bowls, and other various objects to trick and grind off of as well as the prerequisite punk-rock soundtrack that extreme sports games seem required to have. All in all, Razor does manage to squeeze out an identity, even if it isn't a terribly original one.

Razor Freestyle Scooter is a game that most players will be able to plow through in a matter of hours. Younger gamers who aren't accustomed to the genre will have a tougher time with the title, so it is a worthwhile choice for those new to the PlayStation and interested in the sport. Overall, it is a simplistic game that only qualifies as average, given the lack of new features and variety of levels on hand.


Graphics graphics rating

The game looks decent enough, and its visuals are bolstered by some strong animation in the tricking portion, but overall the textures are too repetitive, both within the game and comparably to other titles in this genre.

Sound sound rating

The soundtrack features a bunch of bands that most of you probably haven't even heard of, but the songs aren't too bad, and fit this type of game to a decent degree.

Enjoyment enjoyment rating

There is some fun to be had with this title, but that fun will turn out to be short lived, as it is not a very long game, and certainly not very challenging. Younger gamers might get more of a kick out of it, but the seasoned vets will want something to challenge them, and this title doesn't offer that kind of furious action up.

Replay Value replay rating

Done in a day, and then put away. That handy little rhyme fits quite well with Razor, unfortunately.

Documentation documentation rating

The documentation is average, but certainly far from the realm of the spectacular.