Ballistics (PC)
	Developer Grin Publisher Xicat Interactive Reviewed by Kevin L. Kitchens [Feedback] [Author Bio] Review Date March 19, 2002

Rating (out of 5.0) 3.0 out of 5.0*

Strengths Unique futuristic storyline Beautiful tracks and scenery Sound effects Weaknesses Limited replay value Music and announcer grow old

* Notes Gaming Voice ratings are based on the technical and/or gameplay merits of a given product as well as the developer's choice of features and delivery of same. Our rating is not an endorsement of the thematic content of a given title. Gamers and parents are cautioned to determine if such content conflicts or coincides with their values and beliefs.

Of course it couldn’t be that easy. To move forward, your speeder must be attached to the tube – basically hovering a few inches from its surface. Again, not so big a deal except that throughout the track are not only your opponents, but obstacles that must be navigated. There are small blocks in the track, walls that cover ½ the track, crossbeams and x-beams that you have to avoid to maintain your attachment to the magnetic field.

Colliding with an obstacle not only will detach you from the track, but will also cause your speeder to heat-up. Get too hot and you can very easily explode. In the game, of course, not for real.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce heat. You speeder is equipped with a basic cooling unit that will dissipate the heat, but at a major reduction in speed. Also scattered around the track are cooling pads which you can maneuver across to reduce heat without losing speed. However, you only get this reduction while you’re on the pad – so the slower you go, the more heat is reduced – but this is still a better method than the onboard cooling unit.

What would a racing game be without speed boosters? NASCAR, I suppose. Regardless, Ballistics includes booster pads similar to the cooling pads, which charge up your speeder’s booster reserves. Run over them and you gain booster fuel. Holding down the booster button increases your speed greatly. So make sure you know the course when you are using it – no sense running into obstacles at high speed.

Also available are different power-ups like “ice” and “super-boosters” that will instantly cool your jets or double the power of your boosters. The trick to these power ups is that they are dead center in the tube and cannot be reached without detaching yourself from the magnetic field. This takes a bit of practice, but practice does make perfect – or a reasonable close approximation.

The game has three different levels at which you compete: “rookie”, “pro”, and “ballistics”. To compete in the higher levels, you must “win” the lower levels. Rookie league is relatively easy with minimal obstacles, many power ups and pads, and a strong magnetic field. While the power of the magnet keeps you from achieving top speeds it does keep you attached to the tube. As you increase in level, the tracks get more difficult and the field gets weaker. In the pro league it is very easy to become detached from the track in a collision which requires you to spend valuable time reattaching your speeder. As you win races, you earn prize money that you can use to upgrade your speeder.

You didn’t think a racing game could be made that didn’t allow you to buy upgrades did you? Ballistics is no different in this regard. Four components of the speeder can be modified: engine, chassis, cooler, and front shield. Selecting an engine is a trade off of power and heat build-up. The chassis controls heat build up as well a magnetic power. A better cooler can make your speeder less stable when in use and the front shield reduces the amount of damage taken in collisions. Be forewarned that most upgrades are very expensive, so expect to race a lot to get that super speeder.

The graphics in Ballistics are quite nice. The speeders and riders have customizable skin textures. Upgraded bikes appear different based on the parts installed. The tracks and their surrounding areas are beautiful to look at, though you rarely have time to stop and admire the scenery. Your speeder’s HUD is laid out well and provides the information you need at a glance including heat build-up and location of upcoming curves (via the center radar). Even though you’re moving very fast, you can gauge turns and obstacles quite easily. Of course making your hands issue the right commands in time is up to you.

The sound is so-so. The effects are very nice: engine sounds, collisions, etc. The announcer and music are bearable, but can grow annoying quickly.

In all, Ballistics is a fun racing game, albeit not very different from other racing titles. The futuristic theme is the unique factor for this game. Sadly, the game doesn’t offer much replay value after you get your racing fix from it. While you’re playing it, Ballistics is a blast, but beyond the initial thrill, I don’t see this one having much right to stay installed on the average gamers’ machine. It does offer online multi-player that might increase the replay desire slightly…but not by much. That said, you will definitely get more enjoyment than you pay for from Ballistics – it just might all be up front.