Woody Woodpecker Racing (Game Boy Color)

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Woody Woodpecker Racing looks as nice as it plays. Konami didn't undertake this one halfheartedly . The game is presented from a three-quarters isometric viewpoint that serves to open things up, and this better portrays the license's wacky personality. Backgrounds are colorful, but not overdone, with sandy jumps, water traps, and trackside buildings providing just the right amount of geographical interference. As stated previously, there are ten characters to choose from, the physical representation of which is twofold. First, thanks to their oversized, superdeformed noggins, racers are clearly identifiable while seated in their cars. Woody's scarf, Chilly Willy's fuzzy hat, and Ms. Meany's huge nose are just a few of the major details you'll find, in addition to the blinking eyes and flailing hands you'll encounter whenever a speed boost, jump, or crash occurs. Secondly, an animated portrait at the bottom of the screen represents the driver you've chosen. If you're performing well during the race, it will wink and smile. However, if you're lagging behind, it will grimace and frown. The game could better tax the Game Boy Color's graphical capabilities, but Konami has struck a fitting balance between personality and visibility nonetheless.

There are different musical selections for each track, most of which are as upbeat and whimsical as what you'd find in a typical Woody Woodpecker cartoon. Various power-ups, such as the invincibility, turbo boost, and roadblock items, also affect the music somewhat, speeding it up or slowing it down as appropriate. Sound effects aren't plentiful, but a decent mix of collision, crash, and weapon effects help break the monotony of a constantly revving engine. Frankly, you'll probably never even notice the game's music or sound effects anyway, because you'll be too busy fending off Buzz Buzzard.

Amazing. It took roughly three years for a company to bring kart-style racing to the Game Boy Color, and it isn't Nintendo but Konami who has done it. If you're looking for clever courses, brutal power-ups, and plenty of replay, look no further than Woody Woodpecker Racing.

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