Multiplayer

Like a wind-up toy, you stutter

The network gaming in Racer is woefully disappointing. Interacting with other humans online, which often is the most enjoyable part of a game, is next to pointless. One sees the other person so infrequently that you might as well be comparing lap times for all the interactivity there is. When you do see another person, they stutter in and out of existence like Speedy Gonzalez on, well, speed. A common problem in racing games, this erratic network performance only adds to the annoyance of multiplayer levels.

They're neck and neck! For a split second anyway

Other options?

Due to the shoddy network performance of Racer, we investigated alternate methods of getting your pod racing fix. We came up with the Anakin's Podracer toy from Taco Bell. At $1.49 each, they're a less expensive solution. Also, you have the added bonus of taking out your aggression by pounding on the pump device that powers the racers. However, the racers were shoddily built (what'cha want for $1.49?), and perform poorly, especially on carpet.

The flag...

And they're off!

Neither the game nor the toys truly recreated the excitement of the pod racer scene from the movies, unfortunately. As for which was more fun, it's up in the air.