4x4 Evolution for Dreamcast
4x4 Evolution is a racing game that didn't exactly push the boundaries of any racer, but definitely helped captivate interest in the genre. Like a dysfunctional but loving family, it has problems, but nothing that diminishes the amount of fun you can have in the game. With its hardcore, money-making career mode, and it's entertaining multiplayer setting, I hope you were ever so lucky to have played this game with friends in the glory days of video gaming.
4x4 Evolution sped into the genre as one of the few off road racers where you could break free of all fifteen tracks and get dirty in some trucking fun. It made its appearance on October 29th, 2000 for the PC and then made its way to Dreamcast the next day. The Dreamcast port did not suffer from lesser graphics, and in fact, it was just as much fun as the original version. It was greeted with warm feelings and soon became welcomed into many homes. Not only that, but it accelerated the need for more online racing games and broadened the niche of racing gamers. With that in mind, let's end this history lesson and drive our way into some gameplay!
The career mode is definitely the engine of 4x4 Evolution by rewarding you with money for each job done and you can buy some nice automobile garb. You begin with $30,000 worth of shopping' money and can expand your digital wallet by participating in races, generally $15,000-$30,000 each time you place. Now, here's one aspect of winning I had a hard time getting into; you have to share your money with the winners! I got my truck dirty for the big pot, not to give it away! But its still satisfying to decimate your opponents in some old fashioned off road racing. You can then spend your lesser winnings on parts upgrading anything from your engine to the drivetrain; nearly every detail of your truck is customizable. This makes career mode especially rewarding considering the 4 versus 4 online play. Also, even though it's a Dreamcast game, you experience a pretty decent/consistent frame rate with a couple lag spikes here and there. The only real problem is the PC gamers play the same servers as us "Dreamcasters" and their machines usually outpower the Japanese system.
Now, another problem with 4x4 Evolution is that it lacks versatility in racing choices. I know it's an off road game, but following the track is one of the worst tactics you can use and you will quickly roll your way to last place. The only reason running the track is so slow is because the trucks feel really sluggish sometimes when you don't have adrenaline from the risk of a close game.
Other than what I previously stated, I have no problems with the game. It provides an excellent career mode that is the farthest thing from linear and practically keeps itself going. The online mode is addictive and a new experience every single time even if it's the same track. Also, there are tons and tons of parts to be bought, and I mean TONS. So, overall 4x4 Evolution is an excellent game with problems that are easy to get passed, I still find myself popping it in my dusty Dreamcast on occasion and it's still fun. Ebay it, Craigslist it, garage sale buy it; just play it if you haven’t already, because if you’re a true gamer, you need say you did.
CHEATS:
Get $1 million
Note: You need a Dreamcast keyboard to activate the following cheat
Connect your keyboard and use the D port.
During gameplay, type the following cheat code: "goldfinger"
If you typed the cheat code correctly, you should hear a sound.
After, type another cheat code: "givememoneyordie".
If you typed correctly, you should hear a sound also.
Exit the race and you should have 1 million.
Get $32,000:
Complete the all city series
$1 million:
Complete the all endurance races
Hidden tracks
Motocross:
Drive over the hill in front of the 11th checkpoint.
On the other side is a small circle track.
Savage Wasteland:
At the beginning of the race turn around and face the wall part of the wall has a different look, and can be smashed through. Plow through it and follow the power lines.