Being an avid fan of 4x4 Evolution (the original), I figured I would love 4x4 EVO 2. I was quite a master at the first one, finally able to beat most of the races. So I jumped into 4x4 EVO 2. What a mistake. This game is SO tough. I have already been playing for a month and I have yet to win a race, yet I do everything the same as I did in the first version that won me the races. I travel straight, keep my wheels on the ground, avoid obstacles, turn carefully as to not scrub speed, yet everytime I am racing I get passed like I am standing still no matter what I am driving. Then to make it worse, everytime I hit even the slightest obstacle with my 14" lift and 37" race tires, I come to a screeching halt while other drivers seem to bounce right off it. Then if they hit me (which they always do because they can't drive and keep a line) it sends me into boulders or trees or whatever, but if I hit them, they simply get right back onto track going even faster than before. I think this game has some serious AI issues to work out. Maybe in the next version they should have multiple levels (like beginner, amateur, ace, pro or something) and make it a little easier to win every once in a while. I used to play the original for hours at a time, but with 4x4 EVO 2, I make it through 3 races in 3rd or 4th place and I quit. Then I go back into 4x4 EVO and play and I can win again. The graphics are good, the sounds could be improved, but are fair, and I like the additions to the game play (such as missions and teams). I wish that this could be geared a little more toward the beginner as I see plenty of people could become easily frustrated and ditch the game as I have. But at least the game company made their money, right?

Where do I begin. This game CLAIMS to have LOTS OF UPGRADES and TRUCKS, it does, but there's only about 8 NEW UPGRADES, and they GOT RID OF FORD. I'm not a FORD fan, but FORD has some cool trucks. Also, WHERE ARE THE BIG TRUCKS?! No 2500 models (except SUV's)They had LEXUS in this game but NO HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS! There are some NEW CARRER MODES, and THEY DO HAVE JEEP, but thats the only reason I gave this game 2 stars. The CHASE CAMERA changes angles, if you go slow; it's like your LOOKING AT YOUR FEET. If you go to fast it becomes difficult to see your truck. They had a bumper view and a a blimp view also, but that's it. If you'r just going to use cheats than this can be a great game, but you can't use the MONSTER TRUCK in career till GMC likes you. It's to HARD TO WIN also. All the other racers are always 1 foot ahead of you, they have faster and heavyer cars too. However, your truck does get dirty and you do get to wash it. This is just my opinion, it really isn't too bad with cheats, but if you stink at racing, stay away from the race menu on this game. One good game is CABELLAS' 4X4 OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE. That game is easy enough you won't really need cheats, and hard enough you won't be bored any time soon. Thank's for taking the time to read this. Sep.23, 2002

Not a bad game to pass the seedy early hours of the morning, but well Mc'Craig kicks this youngsters game!