Michael Schumacher Racing World Kart 2002 by Inverse Entertainment, Price: $19.99
Reviewed January 2004

Having famous sports figures to endorse game titles or franchises has proven successful for many developers. Michael Schumacher however isn't just another pretty face on the flash screen. He won six Grand Prix races for his sixth world driving title, the most in Formula One history. Inverse Entertainment has picked a clear winner to grace their game title. Even though, you won't be driving the outland-ish Formula One cars in this game, just to think that you playing a racing sim that got Michael Schumacher started his glorious career is something to be excited about.

MSRW Kart 2002 packs fun and passion of Kart racing with fast speed and smooth frame rates. The 16 indoor and outdoor tracks may not sound like a lot, but given how different these circuits are and the goals you must achieve in each racing mode, you actually will want to re-race on these tracks. Of course, you will find the usual racing game set up and have ability to get yourself into the cockpits of various speedy karts as you unlock them. The Training, Time Trial and Championship modes are nicely set up that you will have different types of goals and requirements to achieve and to meet. The controls are user configurable and the screen can be set up for both left and right handed gamers. The in-game controls are very responsive and the learning curve for using the controls shouldn't be too steep for any gamer.

The sharp and well-designed graphics don't hurt either. The game plays in a landscape mode. Both indoor and outdoor racetracks look very clean and clear, and frames moving smoothly on a Dell Axim X5 Advanced. Even though Pocket PC doesn't yet support the force feedback feature like the one found on Zodiac, you will hear tire squelching and notice your kart slowing up if you happen to drive your kart on the warning tracks or hit the fender. You can also switch camera view between overhead angel and cockpit view.

The audio design is also well thought out. You will only hear music playing in the background in the title screen and in-between game options, not while you are racing. The in-game audio only includes the sound of a roaring engine and the tire scorching the tracks on a tight turn. Very skillfully done! Michael Schumacher Racing World works on ARM/Xcale devices running either 2002 or 2003 OS version.

From his letter to his fans in the game to his nice smile on the splash screen, Michael Schumacher gives his fans plenty of reasons to buy into anything he pitches. This kart racing game proves to be both fun and intensive. If you are a racing game fan, this title should be on your short list.

Playing Hints and Tips

Try to stay in the middle of the road and make sure that you anticipate the curves. You will need to make perfect turns in harder races.

The registration process is unique. If you are not using Outlook, just open the Inbox on your Pocket PC and copy the reg info and paste it to your email message. Send the info from any mail client you are using.