Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City review (Game Boy Advance)

Some of the other cutbacks are more understandable. Canyon and drift races didn't make it into the GBA game, for example, and they didn't include the "scout" wingman type. Races in the GBA game involve only three competing cars, along with commuter vehicles, likely as a result of the system's lack of overall horsepower. At the same time, the GBA game doesn't offer anywhere near the number of tracks, cars, or upgrade parts that the other versions do. That's not so terrible, though, since the 18 tracks, 66 total events, 15 cars, and 60-plus performance and body parts it does have are more than sufficient compared to what similar games on the GBA have to offer. The cars are all based on real models too, from manufacturers such as Audi, Mazda, and Mitsubishi.

In terms of sights and sounds, Carbon delivers about what we've come to expect from racing games on the GBA. The 3D car models are sharp and detailed. As you turn the corner during a race, you can actually admire the decals and body kits you applied back in the garage. The 3D texture-mapping engine that handles the road and surrounding environment keeps the frame rate moving at a smooth clip, but the low-resolution textures sometimes lead to problems. Specifically, the trees and buildings in the environment can go from crisp to blocky in the blink of an eye, which can make it tough to see what's up ahead. At least they made it so that an arrow appears to warn you when a turn is coming up, so you can watch out for hairpins. As for the audio, there isn't much to say about it. The various engine and skid noises seem appropriate, and the knockoff rock and hip-hop beats fit the atmosphere more often than not.

It's worth stating again that Need for Speed Carbon on the GBA is a decent racing game. If you're looking to collect some cars, dress them up, and race them, you'll probably be satisfied. Just don't expect to find the same fire and attitude that make the other versions of the game so engaging.