Konami Krazy Racers

Review

by Shawn Nicholls

Konami Krazy Racers, developed for the Game Boy Advance by Konami, brings back the enjoyment of multiple tracks and fun, fast-paced racing, while at the same time adding new twists and more stages than similar racing games of the past.

The opening screen is creatively coined the "Home Page," from which users can select multiple options, including the Race Menu, the License Center, the shop, a help center, and the standard save and exit commands. Honestly, it's somewhat surprising to see a video game -- which throughout history has tried to distinguish itself from the computer console -- crossing over to borrow from the Windows platform. But at the same time, it's a creative idea, and something the user remembers.

One of the biggest advantages to Konami Krazy Racers is the abundance of maps, tracks, and racing options. Under the standard "Time Attack" option, users can select from several maps, such as the "Ice Paradise," where they will race the clock to earn valuable points. This track in particular is a slippery test, complete with treacherous water on the edges and enemy characters lingering at the turns to throw the racer off course.

However, the one poor design of this option is in fact present in other racing options, such as the head-to-head competition with other computer-operated characters. While a map of the entire track is present in the time trial mode, the screen doesn't alert the user of upcoming turns with a direction signal, as is done in the other modes. While seemingly minor, given the level of zoom, many of the turns can pop up, causing the racer to fly off the track without a quick reaction. However, when users are given the arrow, the turns can be taken not easily, but successfully with a little practice.

For those not as interested in becoming skilled and fast racers, the "Mini Battles" option is a great way to enjoy the game. Within that option, users can select the bombing game or chicken game, each of which can be played on one of four tracks. The most interesting map for playing chicken is the "Spy Bridge." Four racers square off on a 400-meter track, trying to get as close to the end as possible without falling over the edge into the deep blue sky. It's entertaining, but at the same time challenging as the perfect amount of timing is necessary to win the course.

"Bomb Chaser" is a much more involved game as it requires the user-controlled racer to avoid picking up the bomb. If picked up, the racer must then unload the bomb before time expires and it explodes. The "Poppin' Beach" track is the most exciting, but at the same time the most dangerous. In addition to avoiding the bomb, the racer must also avoid the water and other dangers that exist in other modes of play. The main downfall with this option, however, is that in order to get rid of the bomb, the racer must bump into an opponent -- something that's easier said than done. And since the user doesn't have a view from behind them, sneak attacks are plentiful.

Konami Krazy Racers prides itself in its creativity, which is rewarding for a user interested in detailed storylines and descriptive characters. As with most character-oriented racing games, each character has its own strengths and weaknesses. But what's unique about this game is that it does actually matter which character you select. If it says in the manual that the character has slow acceleration, they do actually accelerate slower than the other cars. This is a definitely a bonus, and something the programmers focused a lot of their effort on.

Aside from a few minor miscues, Konami Krazy Racers performs nicely, and fits perfectly on the handheld platform. It is a fast-action racing title and definitely an enjoyable game for all ages and interests.