4X4 Off-Road Racing… Wow, this game really takes me back. I remember this was the first game bought for my brother and me for our brand new Commodore 64. Hours and hours where spent trying different trucks, tire combos, spare parts, and tracks. A truly magnificent game. I give it a 5 out 5 rating. (Maybe slightly biased)
The game starts with a title screen, afterward you choose 1 of 4 tracks and the difficulty level. Then, you have to choose your trusty steed.
This could be the most important part of your race. If you choose the trucks with lots of power and storage room, you suffer from bad fuel mileage. On the other hand, if you choose a small truck with less power and storage room, you get great fuel mileage. By the way, fuel mileage is the name of the game.
After you choose your truck then you end up on Main St. where you must outfit your truck. You can put big all terrain tires, regular tires, or smaller mud tires. You can add a spare fuel tank, a winch, or a cap for the bed of your truck. Next, trot over to the convenience store. Pick up some spare fuel,
a road map, coolant, oil, a spare tire, and maybe a ride along mechanic. You may need him because this race is a war of attrition. Before hitting the road you can even pick up a six pack of beer. ( I don’t know if you can use this during the race, because I could never spare the weight to buy one).
Now, the fun part the actual race. Game play is great. Bouncing off rocks, driving on two wheels after hitting a cow skull, and cart wheeling over rivers. Fun, Fun, and more Fun! It took me a long time to actually finish a race. (Have yet to win a race) The secret I have found is to drive around 65 to 70 mph. You still pass some trucks but save enough fuel to finish the race. You can fill up at check points for free. So be sure to add only enough of your stock pile to make it to a check point. Depending on the make of truck your driving, you will probably break down often. This is where all those spare parts and mechanic come in handy.
This is truly a great game. I believe the highest I have ever finished is 4th if anyone out there knows how to win a race or has some hot tips. Please leave a post and let us 4x4 Off-Road addicts know.
