Mad Dash To Avoid.... (Mad Dash Racing (Xbox))

Member Name: dadofthree

Product:	Mad Dash Racing (Xbox)
Date:	22/01/06 (75 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Can be fun in Multi-Player Mode, but short lived....

Disadvantages: Really poor single player, very repetitive...

THE PLOT:

Well, there isnt really one as far as I can tell. You take one of several small furry characters and try to get from the start to the end of the race as quick as possible, encountering various obstacles on the way.


THE CHARACTERS:

You get to choose to be one of several little critters who happen to be involved in the 'mad dash' to the finish, each with their own set of particular qualities. One is supposed to be faster, one slower but stronger... you get the idea. In actual fact, I have tried with each of the characters and have found no difference in the handling or the speed once you get racing.... this makes for very repetitive gameplay.


THE LEVELS:

The levels are basically fast moving 'tracks'. A bit like a wide road, but with several obstacles/bonuses across it. If you manage to step on the arrows, you will go much faster, if you step on a bomb - guess what... you don't go faster ;-)


THE GRAPHICS:

To say that some games in this sort of age are able to make even the simplest sprites look cute or ugly, Mad Dash manages neither. In fact, its rather dull all round. Still, it doesnt appear too drab when you get going, but there is certainly no 'wow' factor involved. The levels are also made to be seen when travelling at mega-speeds, so if you stop or get stuck, you realise you should've kept on going.


THE GAMEPLAY:

I'm concerned by this one as its difficult to review. The game is difficult to get the hang of due to its initial speed - you get thrown in at a full paced throttle...

However, the game is relatively simple and just involves you running and dodging obstacles in your way, so you soon get the hang of it. However, as I just said, the game is just running and dodging, so you also soon get bored of it. In fact, when you get to the later levels and start 'twirling' the analogue stick instead of pressing left and right, its like a breath of fresh air.... unfortunately, it doesnt change the all too repetitive run and dodge attitude of this game...


MULTI-PLAYER:

Ok, so I concede that this game isnt all bad. When you put it in multiplayer and start knocking into each other on the course, it can be exciting... but unfortunately, as it is so repetitive, it wont last much more than an hour... unless you can maybe arrange for a 4 player tournament. But being fair, if I had enough mates around to have a 4 player tournament, it wouldn't be on this!


PRICE:

The price is cheap enough - as all bad games have recently been getting sold in most second hand stores for £4.99. If you cant find it in a second hand store then buy it new, but dnt pay more than £9.99 in Gamestation. Online prices seem to replicate those in store - but then if the game is already cheap you never seem to save much online...


SUMMARY:

This game can be OK for a short while, but has no lasting gameplay. However, at a fiver in most second hand shops, it can be worth a punt, even if it just makes your XBOX games pile look bigger. You'll maybe get an hour of enjoyment out of it before it sends you to sleep...

Summary: A racing game on foot... but very poorly done with no lasting gameplay, although fun for five mins