GAME NAME: NASCAR RACING ’99
ESRB RATING: E for Everyone. Content suitable for those 6 years or older.
THEME: Stock car racing
PLAYERS: 1
DEVELOPED BY: EA Sports
PUBLISHED BY: Electronic Arts
COMMENTS: High-speed cars racing down the asphalt. Emotions running red hot, and every mile that passes under the blazing tires might be the last if you don’t make a pit stop soon. NASCAR Racing ’99 offers 31 of the top drivers, including Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Rusty Wallace, Michael Waltrip, and Dick Trickle. And you get to race on 17 official NASCAR tracks in Atlanta, California, Charlotte, among others.
Very cool indeed is the running commentary during the given race, with announcer Benny Parsons providing color. As circuit veterans of previous NASCAR racers know, the depth of a game is measured in the ability to customize a car. This game does not disappoint in that regard. You can tune-up, turn down, and tinker with your car as much as your greasy heart desires. Wedge, gear ratios, tires, fuel load, wheel lock, shocks, and car weight distribution can all be set to your own liking.
Needless to say, with all this tweaking, the physics in NASCAR Racing ’99 are excellent. So is the authenticity of a full race season at different tracks, racer stats, and all the rest of it.
For those who are not hardcore NASCAR fans, there’s also the arcade mode where you just play it as a “normal” racer. Even the physics are loosened up in this mode, so you can bang into other cars and walls.
Now the downside to NASCAR’s playing depth. For those not familiar with the sport, NASCAR is basically very fast cars going around in a circle. Okay, some of the tracks are more than circles, but even they feel as if you’re going around in a circle. If you’re into the racers with a futuristic edge or cartoon-type themes, then NASCAR might leave you cold. However, if you’re a NASCAR fan, this is the game for you.
Some tracks feature sharp banking turns, such as Bristol, and others have flat-out straightaways, like Indianapolis. Take this customization seriously. Think of it as the coaching part in a football game. The modifications you make to your car will really make a difference in whether you win or lose. For the two-player mode, I’d go so far as to say that the race belongs to the player who can best fine-tune his car and plan a strategy for pit stops.
Short tracks, like Vegas, Texas, and Bristol, usually feature steep banks. That means you have to tinker with the suspension, pushing air over the car to increase its “wedge.” This will allow you to hang on to those curves better but will reduce your speed. For tracks with long straightaways, like Indianapolis, Pocono, and Martinsville, you can sacrifice the wedge more.
Also, a word about tire pressure. High pressure in the tires increases speed, but wears out the tires faster and that means more pit stops. (No, not those kinds of pit stops.) I know for a fact that drivers go to the bathroom before the race begins. Finally, gear ratio can be adjusted to improve top speed or for jackrabbitlike acceleration. You have to tinker with this as well. The twisting and turning tracks, like Atlanta or Sears Point, don’t allow for pedal-to-the-metal-type racing. Short bursts of speed and a strategy-type race are your best bets here, so you might want low gear ratios. At tracks with long straightaways, high gear ratios and a higher speed are best.
And if all this realism isn’t enough, you have your pit crew calling instructions to you over the radio. Listen to them, or you’ll be sorry. However, you also have to plan a strategy. Suppose you need fuel but will also need tires soon. Well, you have to make a decision. The best advice is to take care of immediate problems, then go out there and get the kind of lead that buys you time for a later pit stop.
Now, the game features a bunch of different modes and options. For instance, you can complete a full season of 18 races. That’s 18 races times 500 laps, which equals a whole bunch of around and around and around. So, face it—even if you are going almost 200 miles an hour—well, you’re still going in a circle. That’s probably why the very clever folks who designed the game put in options like Quick Race and Single Race. The Quick Race option chooses a driver and track for you, while the single-race lets you do the choosing. Personally, I suggest the Single Race mode for learning. This mode will help you get the feel of all the tracks, all the car options, and all the competition. It is, in short, a great practice mode.
There are two modes that I know you won’t use, but I’ll tell you about them anyway. The first is the Yellow Flag option. When there is an accident ahead, the yellow flags come out and all cars form a rush-hour-type single lane to pass the accident as safely as possible until it is cleared away. You can turn off this option and zip by the accident, but that’s dangerous, right? The other option is the Damage option. This is one you’ll probably never use, right? When this option is activated, it means that your car can break down because of some malfunction or because of damage you’ve done to it. If you turn this option off, you might be tempted to turn the Indy 500 into the Demolition Derby 500. After all, crashing and smashing a car through 500 laps isn’t fun, is it?
Codes:
EA Sports car: Select the exhibition mode. Highlight Kenny Wallace’s car on the Car Selection screen, then hold X and press Up, Down.
Pinnacle Trading Cards Car: Select the exhibition mode. Highlight Bobby Labonte’s car on the Car Selection screen, then hold X and press Up, Down.
Play as Announcer Car: Go to the Main Menu screen, then to the Set Up screen and select the Single Race option. Then choose Select Track for Richmond. Enter the following code when you select your car: Right 2, Right 2, Left 1, Left 1, Left 2, Left 2, Right 1, Right 1, Right 2, Left 2, Left 2, Right 1, Right 2, Left 1. You will hear a sound confirmation, and Paron’s car will appear.
Race as: You must be in the Championship Season, have at least 50 percent of the race length, and finish in the top five on the following tracks.
Davey Allison: Talladega Track
Richard Petty: Martinsville Track
Cale Yarborough: Darlington Track
Shoot Paintballs: Pause game play and display the Race Statistics screen. Hold Left 1, Right 1, Left 2, and Right 2. The sound of an engine will confirm correct code entry. Resume game play and press Triangle to fire paintballs at the other cars.
Turbo Mode Option: Hold Circle and press Up, Left, Down, Right at the Options screen. A new option that increases the game’s frame rate will appear at the bottom of the screen.
Waving Driver: Select the view in which the driver and steering wheel are visible. Then hold Triangle until the driver waves.
GAME NAME: GRAN TURISMO
ESRB RATING: E for Everyone. Content suitable for those 6 years or older.
THEME: Racing
PLAYERS: 1 or 2
DEVELOPED BY: Sony Computer Entertainment
PUBLISHED BY: Sony
COMMENTS: Win races, get faster cars, and make a lot of money. What’s better than that? This realistic racer when punched into the Gran Turismo mode starts you out with next to nothing in way of cars and features and works you up to a full-fledged multimillion-dollar organization. There are eight different tracks and 150 different cars. Very simply, this is the racing game you knew the PlayStation could support. Everything about it is real, from the physics of the race to the business aspects of professional racing and the instant replays.
Tips:
Put in your practice time in arcade mode. This allows you to custom design your cars and race. The reason you want to train in arcade mode is because the level of realism is unforgiving of amateurs. Get the strategy and the racing physics down before taking on the big boys. Believe me, you’ll be glad you did.
Get more car parts and duplicate parts. Buy two identical cars. Then go crazy and buy as many parts as you can for the first car. Then look at the fitted parts of the first car from the garage. Switch views to the other car, go inside, and view its fitted parts list. (It will be empty.) Now, while you are still in the second car, enter a spot race. Select Machine Setting and then Change at the qualifying options. Now the parts from the first car should be available. Next, exit the race and return to the garage. The list of fitted parts for both cars has been duplicated. Two notes though: This strategy will not work on “awarded” cars, and only the change parts menu is available for duplication.
Try out the GT hi-fi mode. Finish all four races in the GT League and GT hi-fi mode and you’ll earn a new menu in Special Events. You’ll get better sound and graphics by playing around in there.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Win first place on all eight tracks—both standard and bonus—in all classes of cars on the Normal difficulty setting, and a movie option will be available under Bonus Items on the menu. Don’t get too excited, though; the movie isn’t Titanic, it’s a staff video of the designers.
GAME NAME: PORSCHE CHALLENGE
ESRB RATING: E for Everyone. Content suitable for those 6 years or older.
THEME: Exotic car racing
PLAYERS: 1 or 2
DEVELOPED BY: Sony Computer Entertainment
PUBLISHED BY: Sony
COMMENTS: Here’s your chance to wedge yourself in behind the wheel of the famed Porsche Boxer. What more can I say—this game is the real thing. The physics are terrific and the handling is superb. The designers did the Porsche name proud here. This isn’t your typical crash-and-bash-type racer video game. Winning at this puppy takes a little style and skill. However, that is not to say it’s completely lacking in goofiness. As everyone knows, Porsche enthusiasts are famous for their sense of humor—well, maybe not, but this game does have enough codes to keep the play appeal going strong.
In short, this is a car enthusiast’s racer. A grown-up kind of game that challenges your racing abilities, Porsche Challenge is definitely something to pull out when your buddies come over on Saturday night.
Cheats:
Cheats are accessed at the main menu. To enable cheats, press Circle, Square. You’ll hear a confirmation of your correct entry.
All Cars Jump: Press Up and Square, Up and Circle, Up and Square, Up and Circle, Up and Square, Up and Circle.
Crazy Race: Press Up, Left, Right.
Fish-Eye View: Press Square and Triangle and Circle, Left 1, Left 2, Right 2, Right.
Invisible Car: Press Square and Circle, Left 2 and Right 2, Square and Circle, Left 1 and Right 1, Square and Circle.
Mad Opponents: Press Up, Left, Right.
Player’s Car Jumps: Press Square, Circle, Square.
Test Drive the Black Porsche: Press Right and Square, Left and Circle and Select.
Test Driver: Press Right and Square, Left and Select and X.
Tune-up Test Driver: At the main menu press Left and Circle, Right and Square and Select.
Unlimited Attempts: Press Left 1 and Left 2 and Right 1, Right 2, and Square.
Tricks:
Additional Voices: Highlight the Options selection at the main menu and press X, Triangle. Highlight the 2 Players selection and press X, Triangle. Then highlight the 1 Player selection and press X, Triangle.
High Voices: Press Up, Triangle, Up, Triangle.
Interactive Tracks: Quickly press Down and Start, Up and Start, Select.
Longer Tracks: Press Up and Select, Down and Select, Start.
Mirror Mode: Press Left and Circle, Down and Triangle, Right and Square.
Super Car: Press Select and Square, Select and Circle, Select and Square and Circle.
View Credits and Ending Sequence: Quickly press Square, Circle, Left and Select, Right.
GAME NAME: ANDRETTI RACING
ESRB RATING: E for Everyone. Content suitable for those 6 years or older.
THEME: Stock and Indy Car Racing
PLAYERS: 1 or 2
DEVELOPED BY: Storm Front Studios
PUBLISHED BY: Electronic Arts
COMMENTS: A speedster video from EA, this speedster named after racing legend Mario Andretti features 16 tracks and two types of cars—stock and Indy—as well as knockout customizable auto features. The physics as well as the subtle differences in car types and options makes this a solid sim as well as arcade-type game. A very solid choice for both the serious racing aficionado and the Sunday driver.
Codes:
Change Cars: To change the colors of your car, go to the Start screen and then choose Begin Career Option, then enter Go Bruins when changing Formula 1 car colors and Go Bears to change colors on stock cars. Then check out the stats cars on the next screen.
Midrace Options: After starting a race, press Pause, then go to the Select Option screen and Race Statistics. Hold Left 1 and Left 2 and Right 1 and Right 2 and Circle. A new menu of car options should appear.
GAME NAME: FORMULA 1: CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION
ESRB RATING: E for Everyone. Content suitable for those 6 years or older.
THEME: Formula 1 Racing
PLAYERS: 1
DEVELOPED BY: Bizarre Creations
PUBLISHED BY: Psygnosis
COMMENTS: With the option to race in Grand Prix style or a more rough-and-tumble arcade mode, this game will have race fans asking for more. This updated version of the original has a lot going for it that some players may have found lacking in the original version. For one thing, the control over the cars is much improved. And the realism in terms of crashes is also better than the original version. The physics of the game, of course, are outstanding. They are so realistic that even the most devoted race fan will have to take some time out to adjust. Also realistic are the custom features that you can add or subtract from the car. In short, this is a great sim that plays like an arcade game for added enjoyment.
Tip:
Knocking unessential parts from opponents’ vehicles will send them to the pit stop at the next opportunity.
Codes:
For the following options, go to the Grand Prix mode and to the Driver Select screen, then enter the specified codes.
Access Four Additional Tracks: BILLY BONUS
Big Wheel Mode: LITTLE WHEELS
Frog Rain: CATS DOGS
All Open Tracks in Arcade Mode: TOO EASY
Helicopter Viewpoint: ZOOM LENSE
Murray and Martin: BOX CHATTER
New Graphics: VIRTUALLY VIRTUAL
Tougher Game: BLOOMIN HARD
GAME NAME: TNN HARDCORE 4×4
ESRB RATING: E for Everyone. Content suitable for those 6 years or older.
THEME: Off-Road Racing
PLAYERS: 1 or 2
DEVELOPED BY: Motor Sports
PUBLISHED BY: ASC Games
COMMENTS: Huge trucks and off-road fun. What more do you need to know?
Cheats:
To get to the cheat mode you have to access Race Type by clicking on the Steering Wheel icon. Then choose Time Trial. Next go to Start Race by hitting the Key icon. In the place where you should enter names—Edit Names—use the following codes. Also, you can now access Pro and Extreme levels.
Mini-Asteroids game: Go to the Edit Names screen and set option for time trial mode. Enter the name DUTCHMAN. You will receive visual confirmation. Next go back to the Start/Options screen. Select Credits and the minigame will appear.
Raining Frogs: Set the weather option to Severe. Go to the Edit Names option for time trial mode and enter the name RAINFROG. You will receive visual confirmation. Then press Triangle twice to return to the main menu.
Secret “Mother” Truck: Enter the name MAINLINE. You will get a visual confirmation.
GAME NAME: TEST DRIVE: OFF ROAD 2
ESRB RATING: E for Everyone. Content suitable for those 6 years or older.
THEME: Off-Road Racing
PLAYERS: 1
DEVELOPED BY: Accolade Inc.
PUBLISHED BY: Accolade Inc.
COMMENTS: This is a single-player racer with some absolutely outstanding cars. We’re talking Hummer Jeep, Land Rover, Ford Explorer, and others. The cars range from the mundane to the exotic, each offering a certain amount of thrill for the driver. The basic concept behind Off Road 2 is, well, basic—a time-attack-style race where you go against the computer in locales like the Mojave Desert, Hawaii, and Europe. Six tracks in all, including a couple of bonus tracks that are unlocked by beating the world tour mode. That mode actually has you start with a basic vehicle, then upgrades you as you win races.
Codes:
In order to access the following vehicles, choose world tour mode or single race and enter the code at the Transmission Select screen:
Ice-Cream Truck: Hold Select and enter Right 2, Left 2, Left 2, Down, Down, Left 2, Left 2, and Right 1.
School Bus: Hold Select and enter Left 1, Up, Left 2, Down, Down, Left 2, Left, and Right 2.
GAME NAME: RALLY CROSS 2
ESRB RATING: E for Everyone. Content suitable for those 6 years or older.
THEME: Racing
PLAYERS: 1 or 2
DEVELOPED BY: Idol Minds Digital Entertainment
PUBLISHED BY: 989 Studios
COMMENTS: There are more than 24 courses and more than 20 racers, including 4X4’s, SUVs, and a lot of new features. Those who loved the original Rally Cross will have no complaints with this new and improved version. It’s realistic down to the mud that splatters and stays on your ride. Gearheads can also rejoice in retooling their rides down to the shocks and brakes. And for the artistic types, well, you can change the color to coordinate with the other cars or your living room. However, one of the coolest modes in the game is the ability to create your own courses. Using an on-screen edit you can pack your courses with as many hairpins and jumps as you like. Then you can save those courses in a memory card.
Codes for Cars and Tracks:
For all the following options, go to the New Season screen and enter the code indicated as a name.
Almost All Tracks and Cars (Excluding Vapor and Radia): PREALL
Dusty Road Track: MIT
Frozen Off-Road Track: NIVEK
Jungle Track: ELGNUJ
Little Woods Track: FOSTER
Oasis Track: SISAO
Pro-Level Tracks And Cars: PREPRO
Rock Creek Track: KCIN
Up, Up, and Away: AIRFILLED
Veteran Tracks and Cars: PREVET
GAME NAME: RIDGE RACER
ESRB RATING: E for Everyone. Content suitable for those 6 years or older.
THEME: Racing
PLAYERS: 1 or 2
DEVELOPED BY: Namco
PUBLISHED BY: Namco
COMMENTS: Those of you with long memories might recall that the original Ridge Racer was one of the first games available for the PlayStation. Designed as a series, the Ridge Racer franchise is now in its fourth game. But whether it was designed as a series or not, something has kept the players coming back for more, and more, and more. That something is a superb racer. The physics are beautifully conceived, the landscapes detailed beyond all common sense, and the car selection nothing short of a gearhead’s fondest dreams. Even the music is great. The original game included just 13 cars, while the latest version gives a selection of more than 300. Originally brought over from an arcade game, this is as good as it gets. What’s more, the series just keeps getting better with each new version. Loaded with codes and tricks, Ridge Racer is perhaps one of the finest videos ever conceived for PlayStation or any other home platform.
Tip:
“Drafting” is a skill needed to win. Drafting means driving along in the slipstream, or air pocket created by the car in front of you. The air pocket has little wind resistance and can add precious seconds to your speed. To effectively “draft” your opponent, simply follow along directly behind him. Once you get close enough, slide out to the side and pass him, then look for another car to draft.
To regain control in a skid, turn into the skid and take your foot off the gas.
Codes and Tricks:
Black High-Performance Car: To drive this car, simply beat it in any race.
Extra Cars: To access extra cars, you have to beat the preview game at the beginning with a perfect score while the main game is loading. The word “Perfect” will appear on the screen when you win.
More Track: If you finish all four tracks in first, you get access to four new tracks.
Move Cars and Tracks: Go to the Level Select screen and hold Left 1 or Right 1 to see the track move. To move the car around, go to the Car Select screen and hold down Right 1 or Left 1.
Move Flag: To move the Title screen’s flag, hold Left 1 and Right 1 or Left 2 and Right 2. Now you can use the D-pad to rotate and move the flag around.
Your Own Soundtrack: To race to the music of your choice, start the game as usual, then pause and switch out the game disc with the music disc of your choice
GAME NAME: RIDGE RACER REVOLUTION
ESRB RATING: E for Everyone. Content suitable for those 6 years or older.
THEME: Racing
PLAYERS: 1 or 2
DEVELOPED BY: Namco
PUBLISHED BY: Namco
COMMENTS: What can I say? This game keeps getting better and better with each new version that is released. Destined to be a classic.
Codes and Tricks:
Mini Cars: On the Galaga ’88 pregame game, hold down Left 1 and Right 1 and Down and Select. This will create a deadly laser that will shoot all the alien guys. When you start the real game, all the cars will be smaller.
Mirror Tracks: When you begin a race, turn around and drive into the wall at a speed of over 100 kilometers or 60 miles per hour. Doing so will break through the wall, revealing a mirror track of the original.
More Cars: Beat the pregame game with a perfect score or shoot all eight alien ships as the main game loads. You’ll get eight additional cars for your efforts.
Remove Rear View Mirror Adjust: While racing press Pause and hold Triangle, then press either Left 1 or Right 1. The view will zoom in and out.
Secret Cars: If you place first in all three courses in normal mode, three high-performance cars will race against you in time trial modes. The 13th racing car will appear in novice mode. The 13th racing kid will come after you in intermediate mode. And the White Angel will race against you in expert mode. Beat these cars in time trial mode and you can race them yourself.
Spinning: You can get extra points by spinning and power sliding at various stages; besides, it’s fun. To do this, highlight the Select option on the Title screen. Then hold Square and X, and press Start to get to game options. Highlight Start and begin the race while still holding down the buttons. Keep all buttons down until just before the race is about to start. You’ll see confirmation that you entered the code correctly. Whenever you see the words “Spinning Point” flash on the screen, you’ll be able to do a nifty 360. The game will rate you on the spin after you’ve done it. The end-of-game replay will show you the spins.
GAME NAME: RAGE RACER
ESRB RATING: E for Everyone. Content suitable for those 6 years or older.
THEME: Racing
PLAYERS: 1 or 2
DEVELOPED BY: Namco
PUBLISHED BY: Namco
COMMENTS: Yes, another classic edition of the legendary racing game.
Tip:
You’ll get the best control on cars with manual transmissions. So, you’re going to have to learn to drive a stick sooner or later if you want to compete seriously in this game. Otherwise, you might as well be driving your grandma’s Buick.
Codes:
Mirrorless: To disable the rearview mirror function (always good for a laugh), pause the game by pressing Start, then press Triangle and Left 1 together.
Paint Jobs: To access additional color when creating a logo, move the cursor to paint area. Then press and hold Left 1, Left 2, Right 1, Right 2, Select. You’ll receive prompts on how to create more custom paint jobs.
Reverse Tracks: Select race, hold down Left 1 and Right 1, and then Start. The tracks will be reversed.
GAME NAME: TEST DRIVE V
ESRB RATING: E for Everyone. Content suitable for those 6 years or older.
THEME: Street and Drag Racing
PLAYERS: 1 or 2
DEVELOPED BY: Pitbull
PUBLISHED BY: Accolade
COMMENTS: A fast-paced racing game for fans of the street-challenge-type racers. The action in the Test Drive series has remained solid throughout the years. Nothing spectacular, but a good solid racer. What sets this game apart, of course, are the cars. And what cars they are! The game features every gearhead’s favorite rides, from the stratospheric elite to the classic. Included in this version are the Dodge Viper, Chevrolet’s Camaro, Corvette, Aston Martin, and Jag. And, for those of you who get a little dewy-eyed and nostalgic, there are also a host of hot classics like the Dodge Charger, GTO, and a bunch of others.
This particular version includes 18 different tracks that span the world from Moscow to Hawaii. Needless to say, this version is improved over previous editions. The graphics, the control, and the physics are better. If this isn’t the best racer available, then at least it has the best cars.
Codes:
All Cars: Get to the High Score screen and enter your name as RONE.
All Modes: Enter VRSIX for a high score. Then save the game and other game modes will be accessible.
All Tracks: To access all tracks, get to the High Score screen and enter your name as MTHREE.
Bonus Cars: Get to the High Score screen and enter your name as NOLIFE.
Bonus Movie: Get to the High Score screen and enter your name as AUXRAY. Then go to the Fear Factory Video option on the main menu.
Music Video: Enter AUXYRAY as your high-score name.
Pitbull Special, Chris’s Beast, All Mighty Maui: Enter NOLIFE as your high-score name.
Police Pursuit: Win a drag race and go to the High Score screen. Then enter your name as VRSIX and save the game settings.
Question Mark Rain: Select Washington, D.C., as your track and drive in reverse across the starting line. (Is that political commentary or what?)
Super Arcade Mode: Get to the High Score screen and enter your name as SPURT.
GAME NAME: TOCA CHAMPIONSHIP RACING
ESRB RATING: E for Everyone. Content suitable for those 6 years or older.
THEME: Racing
PLAYERS: 1 or 2
DEVELOPED BY: Codemasters
PUBLISHED BY: The 3DO Company
COMMENTS: TOCA Championship Racing should certainly rank up there with everyone’s favorite race game. True, there is no track map, the backgrounds are somewhat boring, and the soundtrack could use a little spice, but who cares when you’re playing a great driving game? And this is one great driving game. Its designers really had their priorities straight. The physics are superb, the tracks realistic and the cars rock ’n’ roll with speed and realistic race action. In short, this is a racing game for the racing game connoisseur. TOCA means touring car, just so we have the English straight. One day those Brits will get themselves a smidgen of civilization and adopt NASCAR like normal people, but until then they have to make do with TOCA.
The game includes four modes, including single race; championship mode with 15 other racers in 24 races; time attack (time trial); and two-player mode.
However, even playing against the machine, the game is truly brilliant. That is to say, the AI in TOCA is what driving AI should be. The machine is aggressive, with other cars actually fighting you for the lead in ways not found in other games. You’ll swear there’s real emotion in the computer-driven cars. In fact, this is a perfect example of just how much a well-designed AI can add to game play.
Drivers have the option to four different viewpoints, though I preferred the behind-the-wheel, interior viewpoint to the exterior offerings. And there are different weather conditions to choose from, including sun, rain, snow, fog, or hurricane-style storms.
The nine tracks are all based on actual speedways, an aspect real fans will appreciate, though novice drivers might find them too docile. These tracks include the famed Snetterton, Donington Park Grand Prix, and Silverstone International, among others. There are also bonus tracks available upon winning races.
All of these options add much for the serious racing player. It takes a long time to master each of the different tracks, weather conditions, and modes and even longer to get bored with them. However, for players who like a little goofiness in their high-speed games—and who doesn’t?—there are also enough codes to keep them satisfied. The code that turns the driver’s car into a deadly shooting tank happens to be my favorite. After all, how many times have you been driving down the freeway and thought to yourself “Gee, I wish I had a really big gun”?
Codes:
At the Enter Name screen, enter one of the following player names. If entered correctly, you will hear “Cheat Mode Enabled.”
Aggressive Drivers: CMMAYHEM
Aerial View: CMCOPTER
Bonus Cars: CMGARAGE. Then return to the garage for new car options.
Disable Collision Detector: CMONHITS
Disco Fog: CMDISCO
Extra Fast Mode: XBOOSTME
Extra Traction: FLEXMOBILE. Only works when you choose pink car.
Go Cart: CMCHUN
Night Sky Background: CMSTARS
Tank Mode: TANK. You can now fire on another vehicle by honking the horn via the Circle button.
Unlock All Tracks: JHAMMO
Weird Background: CMTOON
Codes for TOCA Touring Cars 2:
At the Enter Name screen, enter any of the following play names.
Access All Cars: MECHANIC
Access All Tracks: BIGLEY
Big Damage Mode: DUBBED
Elastic Type Track: ELASTIC
Itty Bitty Car Mode: MINICARS
Long Race Mode: LONGLONG
Turbo Car: FASTBOY
Weird Rubber Collisions: BCASTLE
Wheels View: JUSTFEET
GAME NAME: WIPEOUT XL
ESRB RATING: E for Everyone. Content suitable for those 6 years or older.
THEME: Hovercraft Racing
PLAYERS: 1 or 2
DEVELOPED BY: Psygnosis
PUBLISHED BY: Psygnosis
COMMENTS: When the first Wipeout was introduced, it broke new ground for racing games. It was hip, smart, and, above all, action-packed. The futuristic music, the futuristic hovercraft vehicles, and the fast pace made it a standout. Here was a racing game that you didn’t have to be a racing fan to enjoy. In fact, it may even have helped if you weren’t a racing fan. Not that the physics weren’t right, but the game wasn’t big on realism. Wipeout belonged in its own universe. Wipeout XL does not disappoint. If the first game was hip and fast and cool, then the second game is more of the same. This is a kick-butt racing game cool enough to satisfy the most jaded gamer and intense enough to give racing fans a run for their money.
Codes:
Animal craft: While game is still loading, hold down Left 1 and Right 1 and Select, then enter Triangle, Circle, Triangle, X, X, Square, Circle, Triangle, Square.
Hidden Bonus Tracks: At the Select Number of Players screen select one player and hold down Left 1 and Right 1. Press Start, Square, Circle, and X, then go back to the Track Select screen and you’ll have the option of the Firestar track. Or, press Start, Select, and X, then go back to the Track Select screen and you’ll have the option of the Rapier track.
Machine-gun Mode: While playing the game, hit Pause (to pause) hit the Start button, and hold down Left 1 and Right 1, and then enter: Square, Circle, X, Square, Circle, X, Triangle.
Piranha Craft: To access the killer piranha hovercraft, at the main menu screen hold down Left 1 and Right 1 and Select; then enter X, X, X, X, Circle, Triangle, Square.
Secret Tracks: To unlock the Phantom Class hidden tracks: At the Select screen hold down Left 1 and Right 1 and enter: Triangle, Triangle, Triangle, Circle, Circle, Circle, Circle, Circle.
Unlimited Life: While playing the game, hit Pause (to pause) hit start button, and hold down Left 1 and Right 1, and then enter: Triangle, X, Square, Circle, Triangle, X, Square, Circle.
Unlimited Time: While playing the game, hit Pause (to pause) hit the Start button, and hold down Left 1 and Right 1, and then enter Triangle, Square, Circle, X, Triangle, Square, Circle, X.
Unlimited Weapons: While playing the game, hit Pause (to pause) hit the Start button, and hold down Left 1 and Right 1, and then enter X, X, Square, Square, Circle, Circle, Triangle.
Unlock Eight Phantom-Class Speed Tracks: At the Racing Class screen hold down Left 1, Right 1, and Select; then enter Square, Circle, Triangle, Circle, Square.
GAME NAME: ESPN EXTREME GAMES
ESRB RATING: E for Everyone. Content suitable for those 6 years or older.
THEME: Offbeat, Thrill-seeking, Adrenaline-pumping Racing Competitions
PLAYERS: 1 or 2
DEVELOPED BY: Sony Computer Entertainment
PUBLISHED BY: Sony
COMMENTS: This is your basic race game, the difference being that there’s a ton of races to choose from. You can race on skateboards, inline skates, bikes, and street luges. Basically, the choice is between the high-speed, crash-prone vehicle of your choice. In real life this would be like choosing between a broken arm and a fractured collarbone. In a video game, the options have less painful consequences, though truthfully, after a while, all the different high-speed death traps started to look and play alike to me.
Tip:
Don’t spend all your money as soon as you get it. Save it up so that it can make a real difference in the kind of gear you’ll get. The middle-range stuff won’t help you that much, but the more expensive items will provide a big boost. Take your time and develop your skills in exhibition mode before heading into a full season. You’ll gain the precious skill needed to compete effectively.
Codes:
Password Screen: To get to the Password screen, go to the Sign In option on the main menu, then select Continue Season. Here are some passwords that should be fun:
Extra First Race Money: Enter 229, 013, 066, 016, 000, 000, 000, 000, 031 as a password. Use Paul Dillon to compete in the Utah race.
Final Race: To skip to the final race in San Francisco, enter 254, 071, 216, 094, 085, 177, 113, 104.
End of Extreme level: Enter 190, 069, 254, 049, 105, 048, 001, 016, 146 as a password.
Race in Reverse: Come to a complete stop and hold Triangle.
Super Athlete: Go to the Exhibition screen and enter the continue season mode. Then select “No” when asked if you want to load from the memory card. Enter 237, 190, 190, 080, 000, 000, 176, 113, 219 as a password. You’ll get a super athlete and all modes of racing, $5,030 and preentered wins.
Unlimited Money: Go to the TV with a “1” in the equipment room. Press X to deactivate the CPU opponent. Highlight the equipment selections and deactivate them all by pressing X. Choose a course and begin the race. Because there are no opponents, you will always finish in first place. Repeat this process to collect an unlimited amount of money.