Great Wall Of China
by Andy


click for enlargement

A cool concept. This one is made from only six Excavation textures and a nicely rounded 600 ground boxes, and forms, like its name, a great long wall along which you race. In addition to Sir James' backdrop or exploring the observation areas (both quite obviously done in the oriental tradition), the appeal of this track is finding a faster lap time than its two lanes will allow. A deceptively simple but challenging course. Stiff competition from the computer trucks makes this Wall a great racing experience. The checkpoints (Chinese checkers perhaps?) are also a nice feature. The pavement is not extreme in terms of altitude changes, so you can keep your truck at a fairly constant speed. Enclosed by sheer stone walls and traveling along a relatively flat terrain provides a great sensation of speed Excellent off-line racing; on-line will be a hoot! As there are not many obvious places to pass, this track will be a challenge with more than three or four players competing. There are only slight variations in the road altitude, and almost too few to think about, but, conveniently, the transitions can be used as ramps up to the ledges that hem you in and over which you can make some big gains on your opponents. But the risks are as high as the benefits. Get it right, and you'll leave your unadventurous opponents behind on the slower roadway. Miss it, and there is plenty of opportunity (including going too far and putting yourself right over the wall and out into no-man's land), and you're all but out of the race. Andy has found a way to make a flat straight-a-way exciting by tempting you to walk a tight rope. This track is for the daredevil in you and is as fun off-line against no computer trucks as it is on-line against your friends. Be sure to drive the eggroll delivery van included in the pod. A great theme for a straight track, very nice looking.

Lap Time 0:56.18