As I sit here and type this review, I am tempted to save this file so I can get back to racing. I thoroughly enjoyed this game. For one thing, it is more of a racing adventure game than a racing simulation. I never have been fond of simulation games because I like a game to take me out of reality for a while instead of simulating it.
As the title suggests, you will be racing 4x4 trucks and SUV's. Most of the current 2000 models amount to a Lexus or two. I was a little disappointed that the Lincoln Navigator was not represented; I really wanted to take one for a spin. My mother has one and she won't let me touch it.
As I said before, you have 16 tracks to choose from where you can race a Single Race, a Time Attack, or Ccareer mode. Career mode is enjoyable because it allows you to race in a series of races for prize money or race in a special event for a large prize purse. You can then take the prize money and update your career vehicle or even buy a whole new truck. Single Races are for that quick race fan that enjoys the arcade aspect of 4x4 Evo. In this mode, you can choose any of the tracks to race on and in any weather condition and time of day. 4x4 Evo even has a setting for pitch black, which means that the only thing that you see on the track is what your headlights illuminate. If you really want a challenge, race on the Arctic Wasteland track in pitch black rainy conditions with bald tires. I don't even think it is even possible to finish the race in those conditions. You also have a Time Attack feature that will pit you against the clock to see how fast you think you can drive. Each vehicle that you have the option of using handles differently. A good feature on each of the trucks is the ability to change the cut of the tires to suit your terrain. Shallow cut for pavement, medium cut for dirt and sand, deep cut for mud, and studded for snow..
There is a multiplayer option so that you will be able to race people over the Internet or over a LAN connection. What is great about this game is that you are able to compete with people who are using a different platform. 4x4 Evolution is the only game right now that can do this! I have raced against many people who are playing the Dreamcast version of the game.
