We all love a good multi-player extravaganza from time to time, particularly when it involves karts, cars and other mean racing machines. Thats why Konami has updated its ever-popular Maniac Racers game for Game Boy Advance, complete with a fantastic 4-player link up option.
Predictably titled Maniac Racers Advance, Konamis new handheld effort revisits classic playing styles seen in old Spectrum and Commodore games such as Kik-Start and Nintendos Excitebike for the NES. The game is a side-on scrolling affair in which players much simply strive to be the first to cross the finish line. Along the way, you must overcome obstacles such as road bumps, cliff edges and high walls. Each course if full of speed ramps, so you shouldnt have too much trouble negotiating the courses hazards, its mostly just a case of good timing.
Racing against computer controlled sprites is all very good, but grab some friends, a few GBAs and link cable and you can participate in the ultimate in bike-racing gameplay. The four-player link up option is undoubtedly the most appealing feature Maniac Racers has to offer, and even rivals Mario Karts offering in terms of sheer playability.
Graphically speaking, Maniac Racers Advance in unremarkable, but features plenty of variety, some surreal environments and quirky character animations.
The game is also extremely easy to control; a button for accelerating a button for braking and one for jumping.
Maniac Racers Advances strength lies in its ability to serve as an uncomplicated, pure racing video game. You cant ask more than that.