Scores:
Graphics: 70 / 100
Audio: 50 / 100
Gameplay: 75 / 100
Replay: 70 / 100
Overall: 75 / 100
The versatility for such a small game with lots of content and a great overall value.
Low:
The lowest point of the game is the lack of an introduction that said it is a minor gripe for this type of title.
Heracles Chariot Racing is a simple, fun, and safe for the whole family. While it isn’t as full featured as some other “Kart Racing Games” it wasn’t build to be a replacement for Mario Kart or Nascar Kart, it is designed to be a fun title for all ages to enjoy.
The Challenge:
After downloading Neko Entertainment’s Heracles Chariot Racing from the WiiWare section of the Wii Shop Channel it was pretty clear this was going to be interesting. Starting the game, things where like normal, very simple easy to use menus, very clearly designed interface.
I started in the championship mode, and quickly got frustrated with the controls, why? Because it didn’t have a onetime tutorial, oddly enough this is my only true gripe with the game. After losing very badly the first few tracks things started to make sense. I was somewhat disappointed with the scope of the use of the WiiMote technologies, but considering it is such a small game I soon forgave this short coming. Though the skidding and hoping seem gimmicky and pointless at first you soon learn (okay soon is relative, 10 races for me, 5 for all of my friends,) that they are used as an important part of the strategy of the game.
Once you get through the challenge of learning the controls, smaller parts of the game become more fun, use of the different weapons/powers, the “shield,” and different elements of the tracks really give you an exciting array of strategies to get to first place.
The Tracks:
The Augean Stables:
A brightly colored track with neat curves and slightly more complicated than it looks.
Realm of Hades:
A dark and sinister looking track with different paths, easier than you would expect once you get a hang of the controls. Watch out for the edges.
Stymphalian Lake:
A somewhat dark, yet colorful track, lots of places to get stuck and a complicated lake pass, one of the more fun tracks for multiplayer games.
Mount Olympus:
Easily the hardest track in both sets, but very playable once you get the hang of the controls. Oh and watch out for the edges.
Closing Thoughts:
For such a small title the game offers a surprising amount of content, two sets of five themed tracked, three single player modes, and three Multiplayer Modes playable with up to four players, and nine playable characters to choice from. What does all this mean? It means for 800 WiiPoints you can have hours of fun, maybe not all in one sitting though. Heracles Chariot Racing might not be Mario Kart but it isn’t meant to be, so download a copy and get a few of your friends together and have some fun, and play like the gods.
Notice: Since there are no game settings, you may have to use the volume controls on your TV remote as the music can be varied in volume. Also note if you have your black levels set correctly some of the darker sections of the dark tracks can be hard to see so you might want to set up a “bright” profile on your TV’s settings for those tracks.
Tags: 2009 Heracles Chariot Racing Review Wii WiiWare
