Oddly enough, I felt their talents should've reached out further to the PlayStation2 and Dreamcast platforms (can you imagine what the developers could achieve on these consoles?) Nothing discourages me more than having to cope with the reality of developers setting their energies on one platform, but that of course can be a discussion saved for one of my personal articles.

As we draw closer to the imminent launch of the Xbox, more and more developers are flexing their talents and once again, Crystal Dynamics steps back onto the stage to introduce Mad Dash Racing, an all new, original title combining high-speed combat racing and 3D adventure action with a crew of motley characters for an insane multi-player competition!

Mad Dash Racing has a story straight out of a weekend afternoon cartoon segment as player race for survival against the evil Hex and his shifty cronies (or your highly competitive friends). Your objective is to rather straightforward, competing against other opponents (via the multiplayer option) or AI opponents (single-player mode) in a race to cross the finish line and as with all racing games primary goal - achieve first place to be declared the winner. Yawn. Been there, done that haven' you in countless racers no doubt. Thankfully, Crystal Dynamics flexes its innovation and puts a rather distinct spin on the typical race critera as enaging a single player game not only requires players to master all seven races, but must successfully defeat two boss characters along the way.

The game boasts a vast, vivid enviroment bursting with color and personality as you'll glide across rivers of hot, steaming lava, bash through mammoth boulders, and slide down icy glaciers to beat the other racers and escape Hex's wicked wrath. Do whatever it takes to cross the finish line first from shooting weapon power-ups, planning scheming attacks, or knocking your opponents off track with a sharp elbow nudge.

Players can select from a cast of nine characters, each possesses a special, unique ability (choose from Dash, Bash, or Glide). Naturally, each character's unique mechanic gives them an edge over the other players by providing access to special areas, power-ups and shortcuts. Players can also master the use of various power-ups, attacks and traps to thwart their opponents.

The game definitely looks like it's targeted for younger gamers, but it won't stop me from wanting to get the opportunity to have a hands-on demo, provided it's actually playable on the showroom floor at E3; (the Magic 8-Ball suggests "it's positively certain.") More details to follow soon.

Key Features:

• Compete in ultra fast four-player split-screen combat racing

• Master every race and defeat two wicked bosses in single-player mode

• Select from a crew of nine wily characters, each with their own unique personality and special abilities

• Race through eight brilliantly colored, enormous levels from a lava-filled cavernous volcano and snowy ski resort to an underwater pipe world and lush tikki forest

• Fine tune a variety of moves including gliding, bashing, dashing, sliding, swimming, jumping, climbing and attacking

• Thwart your opponents with traps, trickery and explosive attacks like trip wires, rolling boulders and TNT

• Dodge Hex's dirty little minions lurking around every corner

• Watch out for hidden shortcuts and environmental hazards such as falling magma balls, sticky tar pits and man-eating plants

• Personalize your champion racer with unique colors and status decals

• Unlock and download secret characters and tracks

· · · Bahn