Mad Tracks - Xbox Live Arcade review

May 30, 2007 was a red-letter day for race fans with an Xbox 360. Forza Motorsport 2, probably the most anticipated driving game of the year, hits this day. But the type of road rage found in that game appeals more to gearheads and purists; not to mention those with fairly deep pockets. If you want a lighter, cheaper driving fix on this day of all things fast and motorized, look no further than this week’s Live Arcade offering: Mad Tracks.

Mad Tracks is less a racer and more a mix of Codemasters’ classic MicroMachines series with a bit of Mario Kart and Twisted Metal thrown in for good measure. The idea here is to race around or battle a series of wind-up toy cars. Inside you’ll find everything from straightforward race events and time trials to driving games based on billiards and darts to events where you have to push other cars or items off a giant table.