You have full access to all the different weapons and power-ups in the game and, as a whole new dynamic, you have to focus on doing tricks if you hope to compete. Beyond has yet to balance out the gameplay, but what we experienced had potential. Offering up completely custom arenas and drag race tracks, it could very well be put to more use than the single-player Adventure. One of the most entertaining modes was, of course, Battle. With over a dozen to choose from it should do well to extend the gameplay. In one challenge we experienced you had to collect all the gear icons along the track while simultaneously avoiding barrels. In Challenge mode you can go back and choose your favorite cars to compete in mini-games. The Adventure mode also directly affects the Challenge mode, unlocking them as you progress. In fact, there are a total of six worlds you'll venture through, opening up new tracks and more powerful cars along the way. The cut-scenes were still being implemented, but it looks to be crafted with a few lengthy full-motion videos and a host of different race sequences. Adventure is the core of the single-player game, bringing story-driven, objective-based gameplay to the starting line. There will be several different modes of play to take advantage of including Adventure, Challenge, Drag Race, Battle and Joy Ride.

So, as you compete for first place there is the added strategy of attacking the opponent drivers and enjoying the site of their wreckage. Where developers were once restricted, Beyond has convinced Mattel to let it include car damage and extravagant weapon add-ons. Moving into the demonstration, Clark Stacey, vice president of Beyond Games, noted that they are capitalizing on the Hot Wheels license as much as possible. For example, the GameCube will have 35 selectable Hot Wheels (given successful licensing) while the PS2 will only have 33. Other than that, the distinctions are subtle.

Nothing online, according to the developer. GameCube will offer up the only four-player Velocity X, while the PC and PS2 will be limited to two player modes. Developer Beyond Games is pushing forward with a simultaneous October 2002 release for all three versions, where the differences between each platform will only be noticeable with the multiplayer, visuals, and selectable cars.

Grid hot wheels velocity x pc