THUNDER TRUCK RALLY (PSX)
Type: Racing
Developer: Reflections
Publisher:  Psygnosis
Number of players: 1
Rating: K-A

Thunder Truck Rally boasts, "A gear-grinding, go anywhere joyride".
 Unfortunately, don't plan on going too far because this game is low on fuel
and quickly runs out of gas.

There are 9 game vehicles with uninspiring names like Nadia, Karl, Aaron and
Nail.  Each vehicle has its own unique features and performance
characteristics such as: acceleration, grip, turning, weight, and armour
[sic].  You cannot customize the vehicles.  What you see is what you get.

All the vehicles are automatic.  The game  does not support analog
controllers.  Driving with the standard controller is a challenge.

The drivers seat view often leaves you lost and confused searching madly for
the track.  The behind-the-vehicle view isn't much better.  If you
inadvertently get off the track in a canyon, your view of the vehicle is
obscured by the terrain.  You can't see your vehicle and must blindly steer
in an attempt to get back on the track.

There is a Helicopter Option in the Endurance races if you get into trouble.
 Hit this button and watch as a helicopter flies over, picks up your vehicle
and drops you off at a check point.  Hmmmm?

Competition has 3 options: Circuit, Endurance, and Car Crushing.  There are 3
racing modes: Practice, Time Trials, and Championship.  You might think the
car crushing competition would be the most enjoyable event with parts flying,
etc.  But unfortunately this is not the case.  You race against the clock
earning points by smashing cars.  The novelty of car crushing wears off after
a few rounds.

There's a Damage Meter for the Circuit and Endurance races.  When you've
acquired maximum damage the race ends.

The races do not include anything new or original.  The experience of driving
a monster truck and the feeling of speed are missing.

There is a Multiplayer option where up to 9 players can take turns.
 Multiplayer is not available in the car crushing competition.

The graphics are average at best.  You'll watch the opening animation once
and that's it.  Expect very long load times, lots of pop-ups and obscured
views.  Objects break into large blocks when up close.  There are some nice
visual treats like: smoke, dust clouds and water splashes.  But these alone
are not strong enough to carry the game.

The sound of the engine and metal against metal are well done.  There are no
audio settings in the options screen other than for volume.

The Soundtrack is the standard rocking race music.  Pretty cool at first but
eventually the music gets repetitious.

Bottom Line:  Thunder Truck Rally doesn't have enough horsepower under the
hood for long lasting fun and gameplay.  A rental at best.

Street Price:  $43.70

Password:  No

Memory Card:  1 Block

Supports:  Nothing

Graphics:  75

Sound:  80

Soundtrack:  75

Learning Curve:  Easy

Difficulty:  Moderate

Controller Options:  3

Manual:  Fair

Replay Value:  Moderate

FINAL SCORE:  65

=*=A Voltranic Syndicated Review=*=