[#16] Monster 4x4 World Circuit

Genre: Racing
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft
Number of Players:1-4
ESRB:E for everyone

The Story

Ubisoft says: "Get ready to pilot the world's most powerful trucks and go head-to-head in pulse-pounding off-road competitions all over the world. Whether you're grinding through the desert of Egypt, crunching up snowy mountains in Russia, or smashing up trees in California to make the ride a little bumpier for the guy behind you, keep your eyes on the prize: the cash you earn on the circuit goes to customize your trucks and build up your ultimate Monster machine." I say: Meh, I can dig it.

The Facts

You know, going over the facts for the arcadic (new word!) stunt and race title Monster 4x4 World Circuit, I couldn't help but notice this little ditty: "Smoke the competition as you blaze through exciting new locations all over the world, such as Egypt, Moscow, Barcelona, San Francisco, South Dakota, and more." At first I couldn't help but salivate at my memories of Cruis'n World (N64). Egypt, Moscow, Barcelona... the streets of ole San Fran, South Dako-err... South Dakota? Yeah, it threw me off too. It's not exactly on the top of my list of "exciting locations." But hey, in case you didn't know, it's illegal to lie down and fall asleep in a cheese factory in South Dakota, and more importantly horses aren't allowed in the Fountain Inn unless they are wearing pants. So maybe if we're lucky we'll get to chase a naked horse into an inn while dragging a sleeping man through a cheese factory. Man, wouldn't that be dangerous. I think I'm salivating again.

Monster 4x4 World Circuit began as an "only on Xbox" title, but in just months evolved into a fully functional Nintendo Wii launch game. Players will enjoy over 40 different tracks across "exciting" locations all over the world in World Circuit, where winning races, landing crazy jumps and basically anhilating anything in your way will earn you cash that can be used to maximize your ride. The better you play, the more you get basically. Totally customize your Monster's appearance with "sweet paint jobs," and decals, and soup it up by improving its speed, jumping and destruction capabilities and you'll be well on your way to creating the "ultimate stomping machine."

With both multi-player and single-player options, World Circuit will allow players to hop right into the action in Quick Race mode, or partake in a more epic experience with the Monster League. Even crush your friend in split screen mode. While the official site mentions four player split screen, we're thinking this is a mistake, as everything including the box makes note of only two players. But even with two players, World Circuit should be able to boast a pretty exhausting experience considering it comes with the first free controller attachment. Designed by peripheral giant Thrustmaster, every copy of Monster 4x4 World Circuit will include a complimentary steering wheel shell for your Wii remote. This is pretty important, because it makes the manly men (like me) feel like they're controlling a real Monster Truck and not just a beefed up scooter. While I can say nothing for the quality of the gimmie, it definitely looks like the real deal. And the fact that Ubisoft is confident enough to put its name on it is enough for me.

Most Improved Port

Reppin the Most Improved Port, Ubisoft's own Monster 4x4 World Circuit has the most chance for improvement, among ported titles. While games like Super Swing Golf competed heavily for this honor, World Circuit is the one game that could go from a below average title to a mediocre / above average racer. It may not be the best ported game on the list, but its definitely the one with the most room for improvement.