Summary
- Release Year: 2003
- Genres: Racing
- Platforms: Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2
- Developers: Runecraft
- Publishers: Crave Entertainment, Vivendi Games
Butt-Ugly Martians: Zoom or Doom (2003)
Introduction
Butt-Ugly Martians: Zoom or Doom is a 2003 racing video game developed by Runecraft and published by Vivendi Universal Games. The game is based on the computer animated television series of the same name, and was released for the PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox.
Gameplay
Zoom or Doom is a competitive racing game in which players control one of seven different characters from the Butt-Ugly Martians TV series. Each character has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, such as handling, speed, and acceleration.
The game features a variety of different race tracks, each with its own unique obstacles and challenges. Players must race against each other to be the first to cross the finish line.
In addition to the standard race mode, Zoom or Doom also features a time attack mode, a practice mode, and a multiplayer mode. In time attack mode, players can race against the clock to try to set the best possible time. In practice mode, players can practice racing on any of the game’s tracks. In multiplayer mode, up to four players can race against each other on a split-screen.
Characters
There are seven playable characters in Butt-Ugly Martians: Zoom or Doom:
- Marsha: The leader of the Butt-Ugly Martians, Marsha is a skilled racer with a strong sense of fair play.
- Grover: Marsha’s younger brother, Grover is a bit of a klutz, but he’s also very fast.
- Lammy: The smartest of the Butt-Ugly Martians, Lammy is a master strategist.
- Dinko: The strongest of the Butt-Ugly Martians, Dinko is a powerful racer who can easily push other racers out of the way.
- Binko: Dinko’s twin brother, Binko is a bit more agile than his brother, but he’s not as strong.
- Ugly: The ugliest of the Butt-Ugly Martians, Ugly is also the slowest. However, he has a secret weapon: his ability to fart, which can slow down other racers.
- Sparky: A robot created by Lammy, Sparky is the fastest racer in the game. However, he is also very fragile.
Reception
Butt-Ugly Martians: Zoom or Doom received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s fun and challenging gameplay, while others criticized its repetitive tracks and lack of features. The game was also criticized for its lack of an autosave feature, which meant that players could lose all of their progress if they forgot to save their game.
Despite the mixed reviews, Butt-Ugly Martians: Zoom or Doom was a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide. The game was particularly popular with children, who were fans of the TV series.
Legacy
Butt-Ugly Martians: Zoom or Doom is a fun and challenging racing game that is sure to appeal to fans of the TV series. The game’s unique characters and tracks make it a standout in the racing genre.
While the game has been criticized for its lack of features and repetitive tracks, it remains a solid choice for fans of racing games or the Butt-Ugly Martians TV series.
Trivia
- The game’s development was troubled, with the original developer, Saffire, being replaced by Runecraft midway through development.
- The game was originally supposed to be released in 2002, but was delayed until 2003.
- The game’s soundtrack features music from the TV series, as well as original music composed by David Bergeaud.
- The game was nominated for a BAFTA Children’s Award for Best Game in 2004.
Conclusion
Butt-Ugly Martians: Zoom or Doom is a fun and challenging racing game that is sure to appeal to fans of the TV series. The game’s unique characters and tracks make it a standout in the racing genre.
While the game has been criticized for its lack of features and repetitive tracks, it remains a solid choice for fans of racing games or the Butt-Ugly Martians TV series.
Review Score
6.5/10
