MySims Racing isn’t going to knock Mario off of his kart racing throne, but casual gamers and kids will love this virtual-racer that breathes a fresh breath into a stagnating genre. There are a few issues that affect the playability of this title but it’s still good for hours of driving fun.
MySims Racing: The Good Parts (4 out of 5)
MySims Racing includes an interesting and useful customization feature with options that provide just enough depth to keep the kids interested. They have done a good job of introducing you to the options available as you play, which is going to be helpful for the kids and casual gamers that this video game was developed for.
The “Story” mode is the best part of this racing game. It makes a few moves that we haven’t seen on a kart track and does a good job of giving us something different than what you can find in other kart franchises.
The control scheme implemented with this game isn’t as physically immersive as many Wii titles, but the motions all worked and they’re easy to learn and use. You can use the Wii remote by itself, but the best scheme is definitely the Wii remote and Nunchuk arrangement.
MySims Racing: The Bad Parts (3 out of 5)
MySims Racing doesn’t include an online mode , which in the future is going to be a killer for many Wii games, and maybe all video games. The lack of any online play really hurts the continued replayability of this video game and makes the likelihood of playing beyond the first few hours unlikely.
The feeling of speed that can immerse the senses in a virtual racing experience only starts when you use the boost while playing MySims Racing. Before you boost you feel like you’re racing in a lower gear.
Graphics (3 out of 5)
MySims Racing has an entertaining and fun graphical presentation that will entertain kids and casual gamers who haven’t seen the outstanding presentation of Mario Kart , but it still has the same look we have seen in earlier MySims titles. The environments are crisp and clean, the edges are squared, the colors are vibrant and bright, and the cartoon-like characters have unique looks that the kids will love.
The game ran beautifully, there were no lagging issues or problems with the frame rate as the races were occurring. The developers obviously have a really good understanding of the graphical limits of the Wii console and have developed this game using these limitations.
Sounds (3 out of 5)
MySims Racing’s soundtrack is upbeat and energetic, with fast-paced tunes that will entertain kids with a nice sound that stays in the background and adds to the entertainment. The sound effects are the same chimes and rings you remember from other racing titles and the other drivers like to shout at you in gibberish that will make you laugh.
Playability (4 out of 5)
MySims Racing is a very playable Wii video game that includes three modes: Quick Race that speaks for itself, is an extremely fun and satisfying Story mode, and a multiplayer option that lets you race against up to three friends or family. The Quick Race allows you to jump into any race on any track included in the title and race against the computer of up to three opponents. The Story mode has you create a character and head out on the track on a quest to bring back the energy and excitement of racing to a dirty, dusty old town. Your goal is to bring back the racing glory that the town lost when their racing hero disappeared after losing a bet to the evil Morcubus. The story included isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s fun and satisfying and adds a little variety to the standard kart-racing theme
The races included in this game are standard races, easy time trials, a few checkpoint affairs, and timed collection runs that are the most challenging part of this adventure. The events included are simple and easy, so the kids will have fun, but the variety will make up for this a little. The more you race, the more you gain access to other events, which gives you access to different maps with new tracks and events. Many of the events are optional, but completing them all and achieving a gold medal will net you new vehicle upgrades, many of which affect your karts performance and look.
Overall… (4 out of 5)
MySims Racing isn’t a game for a veteran virtual-racer, but for the audience this title was aimed at, kids and casual gamers, this game does the job very well. Mario Kart is a superior title, but this title is a worthy competitor to Mario Kart , even without any online option. MySims Racing is even recommended for veteran gamers who want to try a lighthearted, yet fun kart driving experience that they can play with their kids.
