Iridium Runners Review for PlayStation 2 (PS2)

System: PS2	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Playstos Entertainment	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: SouthPeak Interactive	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Feb. 19, 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-4	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

There are several different modes in the game that attempt to give players a more lengthy experience, including a survival mode where the person in last place is eliminated after every lap and a collect x-tras mode where you have to run over as many objects as you can. Although these modes are somewhat novel when you first start them up, they play the same as the regular mode, and as such are pretty useless. The multiplayer mode, however, is probably where you'll have the most fun. As is the case with most non-online racing games, getting together with friends and playing competitively is the most enjoyable part of the game. And while your friends may be a little surprised by your choice of racing title, you can do a whole lot worse than Iridium Runners. Trust me.

Iridium Runners screenshot

Visuals in this game are not bad for a last-gen title. The tracks are fairly detailed, and the characters look very smooth. And while Iridium Runners certainly doesn't represent the best PS2 graphics, it certainly doesn't represent the worst either. Sound is also fairly standard and the soundtrack consists of some generic techno-sounding tunes. The songs do get a little repetitive after awhile, but if you play this game in short bursts then it probably won't be too much of an issue.

Iridium Runners is by far one of the best budget titles I have ever played. It has very solid racing mechanics, and is a very fun game to play with friends. Of course it is not a perfect game, but when you look at the other titles that fill the budget section at your local store, you'll find that this one stands head and shoulders above the rest. It has fairly simplistic gameplay, but it should afford you a few hours of fun, and for $15 that's not too bad of a deal. It is cheap entertainment at its finest, and it's pretty difficult to argue with that.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.0

Graphics
Not bad for a last-gen title. Certainly not the best PS2 offering, but not bad either.

4.0

Control
Generic but effective racing controls make this one a breeze to play.

2.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Generic techno music is alright, but nothing really stands out here.

3.8

Play Value
Tournament and cup modes are essentially the same, and different modes do little to vary the gameplay. But the real fun here is in the multiplayer mode. This is the perfect game to play with friends!

3.5

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Single Race, Cup, and Championship modes are available in both single player and multiplayer.

Collect power ups during the race that give you special powers that allow you to increase your performance or attack your opponent.

Unlock new characters, suits, tracks, soundtracks, and production artwork as you proceed throughout the game.