The MySims series has launched
several entries across a variety of different systems, stepping beyond the
casual people simulation elements of the original MySims title to encompass
several types of gaming genres including adventure, party games, and now racing.
MySims Racing is a light-hearted take on the racing genre, featuring kart style
racing inspired by the likes of Mario Kart DS.
While the game does bring some cool
customization features to the genre, like the ability to unlock new upgrades and
aesthetic changes to your kart and your driver, the game’s mission set is pretty
basic and not very deep. Additionally, while pretty colorful, the graphics are
disappointing due to a somewhat spotty framerate, a problem that can be a killer
for a racing title. Even with the customization features and mission-based
gameplay, MySims Racing is a pretty shallow and barebones affair.
You begin your MySims Racing
experience by customizing your character. You’ll be able to select through
several different designs, choosing your avatar’s face and hair (or helmet) and
the design on their racing outfit. You’ll then be able to customize their ride,
choosing their model and color and then hopping into the story mode.
The game’s tracks are pretty solid,
representing several different environments and each featuring some shortcuts to
help you take the lead. The game’s racing is obviously very inspired by Mario
Kart, as you’ll have access to special items that will boost your speed, shield
your racer, or take out your opponents. Winning races will net you some money
that can then be spent on upgrades for your kart and racer. Additionally, you
can unlock new blueprints that will allow you to create items and car models in
the garage, giving you some good performance boosts for the more difficult
races. The on-track mechanics are fairly solid, but overall lacks the depth of
Mario Kart DS.
In the game’s story mode, you’ll
complete missions in order to gain special currency for upgrades for better
racing prowess. However, the majority of the missions boil down to timed fetch
quests where you’re required to grab a set amount of a specific item and then
return them to the person who gave you the mission. These are fun to do at first
and give the player something to do outside of standard races, but ultimately
become far too repetitive.
The game also allows you to do a
simple quick race outside of the story mode, where you’ll take on a group of
other drivers in a certain track with your created character from the story
mode. This mode is also playable via Nintendo WiFi connection.
Graphically, the game sports a
pretty solid look, and the character models are light and colorful, in line with
the other titles in the MySims franchise. The environments are also nicely
varied and colorful. The framerates aren’t nearly as solid as Mario Kart,
sticking to 30 frames per second and often dipping below that during races.
The sound effects are what you’d
expect from a casual racing title. The music is very cheery, and whatever voice
work there is is delivered in babbling “Sim-lish”.
While Mario Kart DS was a light kart
racer, it still presented some tight driving mechanics and broad appeal.
Unfortunately, even with the added customizations and mission-based gameplay,
MySims Racing is still a pretty barebones and basic affair, and one that gamers
will likely get bored of quickly.
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Gameplay: 6.5
The game adds in some interesting elements to the traditional kart racing
formula like side missions and customization, but these elements feel pretty
shallow and don’t carry the game beyond its peers in the genre.
Graphics: 7.0
The character models are pretty simplistic and boast a light and colorful
look, as do the tracks. The laggy framerates are problematic and can disrupt the
flow of the racing.
Sound: 6.0
The voice acting is delivered in Sim-lish, and the music is light and
cheery, basically what you’d expect from a casual racer.
Difficulty: Medium
Concept: 6.5
While the customization features and mission structure are a nice addition
to the genre, they don’t really provide the substance you’d hope for.
Multiplayer: 6.0
The online features are basic, allowing you to take your custom avatar
online in a quick race with other players.
Overall: 6.5
MySims Racing has some customization elements that keep it in line with the
other MySims titles on the market, but the racing is pretty lackluster, and the
lack of variety in the missions isn’t likely to hold your attention for very
long.
