Street Trace NYC Xbox Live Arcade Game Review
I’ll be the first to admit that I am a sucker for the arcade games made available each week on the Xbox Live Arcade. Arcade games are where I got hooked, so it makes sense to love the arcade feature. When Microsoft began releasing two games a week, it started to get flooded with games that seemed more like filler rather than quality games. With prices ranging from 400 – 1200 Microsoft Points, gamers need to be informed of what they are buying. While there are some games that are filler and may not be worth spending the points, there are also some great games that you will not want to miss. Street Trace: NYC is one of the games you won’t want to miss. Read on to see why I had to review this game.
Street Trace: NYC is part extreme sports and part racing mixed into a post-war setting. Hoverboards replace the skateboard and everyone is packing weapons. The game offers racing and combat and although it takes time to learn, it grabs your attention — I can’t say this for every arcade title that hits each week. In fact, while some reviewers expected a polished boxed title, I feel there is good reason that this game is not polished. In many ways this was on purpose and not poor design by the developers. It’s an arcade game and the unpolished look and slightly harder steering controls help capture the feeling the game is trying to bring across. Fans of the game have even taken to forums and started an underground following of the game. Every night you can get in on cash tournaments and the competition is fierce. I can see how some may find the background story a bit hard to believe or get into. I think we all remember though the first time we saw Back to the Future, we all wanted a hover board.
In the game New York as we know it is a thing of the past, rebellion is running amuck and street racing is where quick cash can be won. Underground locals come out to earn money and bragging rights. Tracks are surrounded by obstacles and ramps and there are several ways around each one. While it would be easy to play it once and say its not a quality game, you need to play the game a few times to understand the obstacles and tracks are made this way on purpose to help set the look and feel of the game’s story. The arena battles are insane with grinding, racing and trying to find cash, all the while being shot at. The game is not easy and is very fast-paced, I recommend you look at these Street Trace tips if you become frustrated early on. For 800 MS points the game offers a good offline mode. A cast of 9 players to pick from and tons of upgrades to buy, but you’ll need to practice the game to get good enough to enjoy it. Off line you will compete in 3 different circuits and 56 total events, few arcade games offer as many levels. It can be tough to master each event, perhaps why the game has an underground following.
Street Trace is hard to control but the basic controls are easy to learn. In fact, the tutorials are there to teach the basic points and ways to succeed in beating the game. Grinding is done by holding down the Y button and the triggers and side bumpers are used for other weapons. If you have played games like THPS or other games like it, then you’ll pick up the basic controls quickly. I will say controlling the speed, making quick corners and grabbing the icons can be tricky due to the high-paced action. Anyone will learn the controls in about 30 minutes, the more advanced moves are learned by playing the game and practicing. I have seen some slick moves pulled off online and I am still learning new ones myself. For some this type of control system may be a turn off and for others it will draw them in. Overall the controls are good and set-up for the Xbox 360 controller. Learning how to handle combat and speed at the same time is the hardest part.
Here is where the game shines — on Xbox Live. Online you have 8 players to play against and you will face several modes of the game including Flag, Hunter, Chaos, Takedown, Screamer, and Street Race. Each round features a main mode, but what I like about the game is the fact that you can go for the money icons to build up for the next round while other players are killing each other. You may be behind in points but this can quickly change with a fully loaded board and weapons system. The freedom is a fresh break from the same old platformer or puzzle game, but it may not be for everyone. The game play is quick and Street Trace shows its true merits off best online, no doubt about it. Overall Street Trace has a solid online mode, the lobby is easy and finding open rooms or games is just as easy. There always seems to be a game going on, unlike other titles that I have in my collection that seem that I can never find another online player.
The available characters, to be frank, are odd looking but it would seem this was done on purpose to fit the overall tone of the game. If this was a retail game costing 60 dollars I would be a lot harder on it, but for what it is it looks good. A little freaky and odd but maybe that’s why I like it. The use of neon adds some flash to the night life races. At times you can run into an obstacle and find it hard to get around it. I wish there was a slightly better camera for the game but overall the game is a blast to play and for an arcade game that is what’s important.
Street Trace: NYC Screen shot
Street Trace: NYC Screen shot
Street Trace: NYC Screen shot
Once again the audio is good for an arcade game and the blasts and weapons sound great. At times the voices and one-liners can get old, but it works for the game. The music fits the extreme racing genre and overall it works so no complaints.
Street Trace: NYC offers plenty of modes and options for arcade lovers. You need to take advantage of what the creators added to the game. Like any sports or extreme title, the more you play it the more the replay value it holds as you become better acquainted with pulling off new tricks and finding new areas and tactics. Tournaments are held weekly and the developing team is hosting special events and offering chances at prizes.
Overall Score: 8.4/10 [not an average]
This is one of the surprises this summer to hit the arcade and for 800 points its a blast to play. I enjoy it and like the fact I can hop on and play a tournament and be challenged by great players. The learning curve is a bit higher than most arcade games, but there is an attitude about Street Trace that adds to the game’s overall appeal. We need more developers who will bring out games that don’t fit the usual mold of the Xbox Live Arcade titles. Its a fun game but one that needs practice to fully enjoy. Remember, all Xbox Live Arcade games can be downloaded and played for free. Try this one out and you may be surprised!
Street Trace NYC Hints, Tips, and Walkthroughs
Due to the steep learning curve of Street Trace NYC we have provided links to these hints and tips. Through the use of these tips you will be able to capture the true elements of the game, hopefully without becoming frustrated and tossing the controller down.
Other Street Trace NYC Links and Resources
- Developer – Gaia Industries
- Official Game Site – Street Trace NYC Web Site
Filed under: Reviews • Xbox 360
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