Kid Klown in Crazy Chase

You've raced and chased every possible combination of heroes and villains in every possible scenario, right? Think again, speed racer! Crazy Chase is an entertaining race that brings something new to the starting line.

Clownin'Around

As Kid Klown, you're on a mad dash that leads down diagonally across the screen. You're outrunning a burning fuse that's on your tail and headed toward a bomb. To complicate things, rolling logs chase you from behind, axes fly in from the side, and banana peels litter your path. You race in five stages, including a city street and a volcano, which total 25 play areas altogether. The action's not only fast and fun, it's hilarious, especially when the Kid gets flattened like a pancake or blown up.

Adding to the humor are wonderfully graphic details, such as the Kid's facial expressions and his subtle movements. The sounds complement the action nicely with a zippy soundtrack and all manner of slapstick noises.

The only weak spot is in the controls. The simple game play is too simple, only requiring you to steer your clown and use one button for jumping. It would've been nice to have him fight back once in a while.

Send in the Clown

Humor, entertaining graphics, a unique style of game -- not many other titles can lay claim to all those qualities this year. Gentlemen, start your clown!