IGPX: Immortal Grand Prix review

The tracks where they roll resemble the fantastical orange Hot Wheels contraptions that you strung throughout your house when you were just a wee lad, only this time it's not so darn easy to fly off the course. Naturally, the die-cast models you used back then weren't pile-driving each other into the concrete- but we digress.

Winning the ultimate prize comprises three circuit championships. The first serves as not much more than an extended training mode, teaching the ins and outs of attacks, teamwork, and the sprint to the finish line. Along the way you'll earn some cash to upgrade the mechs of your choice- which you'll desperately need later on.

Once you hit the middle of the second tier division, the difficulty ramps up something fierce. No longer will simple blocks and button-mashing attacks take care of business; teamwork formations and combined offensives are the only way to go. By the time you're in the Big Show, the Satomi need to be a well-oiled triumvirate to stand a chance - otherwise your enemies will simply kick your metal ass all over the place.

Other than occasionally needing to dodge out of the way of an obstacle or two, the game handles the racing for you until the mad dash at the finish. Your most pressing concern is brawling mecha-style. There aren't many attack choices- some block/counter moves are the most sophisticated- but our personal favorite is the "grab 'n face plant." There's a ton of satisfaction in picking up an opposing mech and dragging them face first along the track, sparks a-flyin', decreasing their stamina and humiliating them all at once. Good times, good times.