Monster 4x4 World Circuit

"Mario Kart with monster trucks" is the first idea that comes to mind when describing Monster 4x4: World Circuit, an Xbox-ported racer that attempts to take the arcade driving experience one step further on Wii with the help of a packaged-in peripheral.

One of the key aspects of World Circuit that differentiates it from other racing games is the steering wheel peripheral that comes in the box. At a standalone retail price of $19.95, this plastic shell is hardly anything I'd recommend anyone purchasing separately (note to Ubisoft: lower the price), but because it comes free with the game it's actually an appreciated accessory. After taking a minute to assemble the wheel (there are three interlocking parts), simply slide the Wii Remote into the center - where it fits inside snuggly - and you're ready to race.

It looks cushiony in the image, but the wheel is actually quite stiff.

Menus are easily navigated, even when using the wheel peripheral - up and down on the D-pad scrolls through the choices, "A" affirms, and "B" backtracks. The menu design carries a rugged, muddy feel to it that's suitable for the game, but fairly bare-bones as far as style and options go.

Which brings up another point about World Circuit: the game doesn't bother with frills. There's no tacked-on story or voice overs (not even an announcer during the races). You have six cars to start with, all with available customization options like applying preset decals, modifying the color scheme or upgrading vehicle stats (which requires points earned through winning race), but nothing to the extent one might find in Need for Speed: Carbon. For racing game enthusiasts, the relative lack of options may seem shallow, but on the same token, casual gamers and younger players will find it less intimidating than if they were to play a game like Need for Speed.

Moving into the races themselves, there are three modes immediately available: World Circuit, the main single-player game where courses and bonuses are unlocked for use in other modes; Quick Race, in which you can participate in a single race on a track of your choice (assuming it's been opened), earning points and besting times; and multiplayer, which allows up to four players to take part in the monster truck mayhem.

Here lies the point of decision: to use or not to use the provided wheel peripheral? The controls are responsive either way, so the primary factor is whether or not players want to simulate that arcade driving experience. The wheel is very light, only adding a marginal amount of weight to the Wii Remote, but it's just enough to make turning feel natural and satisfying - a bit more so than turning the Wii Remote by itself. I personally prefer using the wheel, but admit that players may find it easier to pull off stunts using just the Wii Remote. As far as other controls go, they're decidedly simple: "2" to accelerate, "1" to move in reverse, and "+" to pause, while the D-pad performs some optional (often unnecessary) actions like checking the rearview mirror, using the handbrake or honking the horn.

Overall, Monster 4x4: World Circuit is an arcade racer made more authentic thanks to the Wii Remote - and if you use it, the steering wheel - but that's as far as the innovation goes. Despite not contributing anything that really advance the genre, the gameplay manages to be enjoyable through a few engaging elements. For instance, because World Circuit uses reasonably realistic trucks in a fantasy setting, there's a great sense of speed - especially when turbo is initiated, which is fairly often - along with a feeling of always being in control.

Blur effects make everything seem faster.

While driving, players will also encounter turbo boosters, nitro chargers, flaming barrels, and obstacles like ramps and fire. These objects can be used to help players blaze past other racers, slow down their opponents, or in regards to the ramp, earn points by performing stunts. There's an element of strategy intended for these items, but for the first 10 or so races the items remove some of the game's challenge. Although this concern may diminish in later stages, the items don't serve as a necessary element utilized to help players stay out in front, but rather help make already winnable races even easier.

World Circuit's visuals make it clear the game is a year-old Xbox port. While the game isn't bad-looking by any means - featuring some nicely detailed environments and blur effects - it's still very much last generation. Even the Xbox title supported 480p, but the Wii version does not, nor is widescreen included.

An aspect in which Excite Truck is made more appealing than World Circuit rests in SD card support, which the latter game does not include. In other words, don't plan on replacing the game's rather unmemorable background music with your own MP3s. Not to say the game's soundtrack is grating, merely bland.

Presentation quips aside, World Circuit appears to have sufficient value to make it a worthwhile alternative to Excite Truck, especially with its unique set of vehicles (in what other game can you drive a monster school bus?), Mario Kart-type strategy, and of course, the free wheel peripheral. Stay tuned for Stage 2 where we'll take a look at the game's multiplayer options and strategic elements.