Publisher:
Electronic
Arts
Ages: Mature
Parental Advisory:
Reckless driving
Combine the beloved LEGO blocks with video games, and it sounds as if you have a sure winner. In this regard, Electronic Arts' Drome Racers offers an adequate multi-terrain, driving experience that will appeal mostly to LEGO-crazy kids.
Racers take on the role of Max Axel in a quest for the championship, getting behind the wheel of any one of 18 high-tech LEGO cars that are based on the 2002 LEGO Racers Construction Toy Range. Each car is built to look like the actual dragster, and on- and off-road LEGO car models, and the game presents an interesting variety of road, off-road and drag races.
A customization feature lets players upgrade vehicles based on performance, with the top-rated drivers earning the best engine, tire, turbo and aerodynamic upgrades. The game offers seven track pick-ups that include a disruptor field that can wreak havoc on a competitor's bodywork; repulsor, which turns a cars wheels into jets to fly past others; and more.
Drome Racers offers three modes of play: 1) quick race; 2) arcade, for both single races and time trials; and 3) career, for story-based, multi-challenge league racing. Each multi-challenge race offers a set of two to seven stages in different environments, and mixes tracks with city, mountain and canyon backdrops. The game also offers a fun split-screen, multi-player mode.
The interface is intuitive and easy to use, but the game's controls are rather imprecise. The graphics are quite good. Most notably, the game features virtual LEGO cars that look like real-life ones and attractive environments.
Most kids will want this Drome Racers because of the LEGO connection. Otherwise, it's standard race fare. But it's also a relatively harmless and non-violent title, which makes it a decent one for kids.
3/4/03 www.daytrum.com editorial staff
