PlayStation 2

4x4 Evolution

This is a racing game, folks, and a darn good one at that. 4x4 Evo does take advantage of the PS2's pressure sensitive controls, and you should learn to utilize them for best performance. The biggest thing to get used to is switching between 2WD, 4WD High, and 4WD Low, and learning when to use them. 4x4 Evo's menus are well done also, because when you are choosing your parts, you won't have to keep the book by your side like some other games. Instead, scrolling text explains the plusses and minuses of each part right on the screen. With all of the different vehicle options and courses to complete, 4x4 Evo will keep you racing for quite some time. Every die-hard racing fan should pick this game up. You won't be disappointed. With a little practice and a lot of patience, you may be able to slowly build up your stats and complete the game.

I’ve been following this game since its beta stages for the Dreamcast. Every time I’ve seen it, I’ve liked it more and more – except this time. Where’s the rearview mirror? Seriously, where the heck is it? I can’t find it. Maybe my racing team took it out to reduce vehicle weight or something like that. The physics also need to be tweaked a bit. I don’t think I should be stopped absolutely dead if I run into a wooden sign post. Likewise, where’s the damage? My truck looks absolutely spotless even after I’ve been broad-sided by that damned Jeep that’s always up my tailpipe during races. That being said, the controls are still silky smooth, the graphics are second to none, and the addictive aspect is off the charts. This game is still the best racer out there for console – rearview mirror or not.

My only complaint with the PS2 incarnation of 4X4 Evolution is that there really isn’t that much more here than in the Dreamcast. Other than there being one more onscreen opponent, adjustable AI, and a slightly better look, there isn’t much reason to recommend this version over the other. Still, it will serve as an enjoyable distraction until something along the lines of Gran Turismo 3 comes along.

4x4 Evolution features real-world trucks and sport-utility vehicles from Ford, Toyota, Nissan, GMC, and many more manufacturers, all spit-polished, shiny, and ready for you to get them messy in snow, mud, sand, and gravel tracks. As you win races, you earn cash to upgrade your vehicle?and these upgrades are real parts that real off-road racers really use. When it comes to gameplay, however, the PS2 version is essentially the same game as the Dreamcast version, minus the Internet racing. Some pesky draw-in mars an otherwise pretty game. It might not strike anyone as exceptional, but with real-world car details, challenging A.I., and a nice upgrade system, 4x4 Evolution is worth checking out, especially if you?re an SUV fanatic in real life

Wenn man sich erst einmal an das etwas störrische Fahrverhalten der geländegängigen Autos gewöhnt hat, macht das Spiel richtig Spaß. Vorausgesetzt natürlich, Sie kennen die Strecken fast in und auswendig, Sie haben sonst auf höheren Schwierigkeitsstufen gegen die Bots keine Chance. Besonderes Lob verdient auf jeden Fall der langfristig motivierende Karrieremodus, der dazu führen kann, dass man sich von 4x4 Evolution so schnell nicht mehr trennen kann.

In the end 4x4 Evolution is a great-looking simulation but only the hardest of the hardcore are going to be able to get into this game, let alone be able to advance very far. Casual gamers should probably look elsewhere or wait until Sony has an online network and Terminal Reality releases a sequel!

4x4 Evolution was released for the Dreamcast last year to positive reviews but disappointing sales. There doesn't seem to be enough Dreamcast-owning off-road fans to support such a title, so Gathering of Developers decided to give 4x4 Evolution another chance on the PlayStation 2. The biggest draw in the Dreamcast version of 4x4 Evolution is the ability to build a truck and then take it online for some competition. With no network play available in the PlayStation 2 version, will 4x4 Evolution provide enough motivation to trudge through the daunting single-player mode?

Eigenlijk vond ik de enige interessant optie de Career mode, waarin je in een hele zooi events centjes bij elkaar kunt sprokkelen voor nieuwe onderdelen en trucks. De sound is verder op zich wel oké maar zet daar de minpunten tegenover en kom net als ik tot de conclusie dat GOD eigenlijk nooit aan deze versie had moeten beginnen.

4x4 Evolution s'avère un titre aguicheur mais décevant. Son manque de dynamisme, les faibles sensations de vitesse et la conduite beaucoup trop fade en font un titre que l'on devrait oublier assez vite.

Auf den ersten Blick besticht »4x4 Evolution« zwar durch seine geniale Grafik, bringt aber dennoch kaum Neues zum Vorschein. Dank der Monster-Truck-ähnlichen Federung hopst und springt man durch die steinigen und matschigen Szenarien wie ein ferngesteuertes Auto in der Kiesgrube. Wer jemals einen Geländewagen gefahren hat, dem fällt der Unterschied zwischen Realität und dem Spiel von »Total Reality« sofort auf. Vor allem vermisst man eine Schadensanzeige und sichtbare Beulen und Kratzer an der Karosserie. Unbestritten haben Rennspiele dieser Art ihren Reiz, doch werden sie niemals die Popularität und Akzeptanz wie berühmte Formel-1-Titel erlangen. Offroad-Freaks sind und bleiben wohl eine Minderheit mit einem ausgefallenen Hobby - sei es in der realen Welt oder am Bildschirm. Aber für fanatische Pick-Up-Fahrer sei es dennoch wärmstens an Herze gelegt.

Ultimately 4 x 4 Evolution is a mixed bag. It plays well, but rarely rewards. It doesn't look nearly as nice as Rainbow Studio's ATV Offroad Fury and the for the most part, environments are bland and uneventful, even with the odd appearance of other vehicles or other obstructions. There are a lot of vehicles to select from, and if you own a deathtrap, I mean, SUV, then you might get a kick out of playing this game for awhile and pretending that it's you in the game, steering your vehicle through the transparent mud. I wanted to like this game, but after more than a few hours, I realized I was just bored of the whole thing. Changing virtual air filters borders on criminal in my mind. I don't do that in real life, why should I waste my time with it here?

La version PlayStation 2 ne vaut guère mieux que la mouture PC : 4x4 Evolution est un jeu raté auquel il manque encore quelques mois de développement pour rendre ses nombreuses options tout simplement effectives en situation de jeu. Customiser sa voiture, gagner de l'argent dans des courses, c'est bien beau en théorie. Mais dans la pratique, ces fonctions n'ont été qu'à moitié intégrées. Des erreurs qui ne pardonnent pas, d'autant que la réalisation est juste honnête, que les collisions sont aberrantes et que la jouabilité est relativement médiocre.

Quite some time after Terminal Reality's PC and Dreamcast versions of 4x4 Evolution hit their respective systems, the company decided to deliver the same kind of rugged, SUV experience to PlayStation 2 owners, many of whom probably already own Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Well, I don't own an SUV because they're gas hogs and they're slow, but most are sturdy and can handle the dirt road better than say, my weak little Jetta Trek can. They have power and torque and can handle stuff like mountains and whatnot. You know, you've seen the Chevy "Like a Rock" ads.