Racing Reruns

Posted at March 27, 2010

The funny thing about flash games, video games in general, is that depending on the kind of elements featured in a game, the kind of character that may star in it, you can go from one end of the classification to the other without really changing the concept, or the premise. That is precisely what I found out while testing today’s racing games. However, let’s start with some more traditional titles; games that fit the “racing game” label quite bluntly.

First, there is Ambulance Rush. While there is no oxymoron in the name, the game itself is full of them. There are three different ambulance models, each with different characteristics that may help you decide which one is for you. Once you have picked one, your objective is to reach the goal without crashing. So far, so good, we have seen similar games before. The thing is, this ambulances are the jumpiest vehicles I have ever seen, and I can almost imagine badly injured patients strapped to their gurneys hitting the inside walls like some sort of pinball. In addition, you will find that both pedestrians and nurses have a bad habit of standing in your way, so yeah, they are bound to be hit and sent over the air. So much for first do no harm!

Click to play Ambulance Rush

Ho-Pin Tung Racer is just as typical as the previous game: this is an F-1 game through and through. Then again, it may also be the one with most options, at least among those I have ever seen. First of all, this is a theme game, whoever Ho-Pin Tung may be. Second, there are three modes, including a level editor (which is, in my opinion, pretty cool). The tournament mode includes seven different cups (two of them unlocked) with three levels of difficulty each. Needless to say each cup consists of more than one race. So, in the end, you can run like sixty different races only in this mode. A lot more than my brain can process, that’s for sure.

Click to play Ho-Pin Tung Racer

Thirdly, we have CycloManiacs, and no, I don’t know what’s with the title. Apparently, there are six different sets, five of them to be unlocked as you advance in the game. Each of them consists of five levels, throughout which you run and – yes – earn money to be spent in driving upgrades, including but not limited to top speed, brakes, boost and spin. In addition to not finishing last, there are certain achievements you must complete in order to unlock different features, including fifteen other riders with different qualities and a whole background of which the game itself will inform you. Controls are not hard to master and you can perform plenty of tricks; however, in case you have any doubts, there is what I believe to be the longest tutorial in the history of flash games. With all that help you are certainly guaranteed to succeed (or at least not make a fool of yourself in front of the imaginary public).

Click to play CycloManiacs

And finally, the source of controversy: Truck Launch Maniac. A racing version of Learn to Fly and Shopping Cart Hero (all of them). HOWEVER, who says that that is a bad thing? These are extremely fun games!

Click to play Truck Launch Maniac