The King of Route 66 Preview

Sega has always had a knack for fixating on quirky subjects in its games. In particular, the last few years have seen the release of some breezy games based on driving unorthodox vehicles such as the Crazy Taxi series, Jambo! Safari, Emergency Call Ambulance, and 18 Wheeler Pro American Trucker. Though, while the vehicle choices have been rather odd, the games have always managed to offer solid, arcade fun. The newest entry in the odd car oeuvre is the upcoming PlayStation 2 conversion of The King of Route 66, the spiritual cousin to 18 Wheeler, an arcade game developed by AM2. A fast-paced dose of arcade-style truckin' action, The King of Route 66 comes home with its tongue stuck firmly in its cheek. We recently had a chance to check out a preview build of the game that showed off the additions being made to the game for its home release. The game is loopy, kind of tacky, and very playable, and it seems to be coming together nicely.

Apparently grandpa here can't stand up to a trucker gang by himself.

For those unfamiliar with the game's premise, The King of Route 66 puts you in the middle of an attempt by honest, hardworking folk to drive off the evil Tornado gang, who are making trouble on trucking routes such as the game's namesake. Your goal is to help the helpless and deliver whatever goods they need you to, despite the looming threat of the Tornado gang. If you're able to drive off the Tornados and deliver the various goods you take on, you'll restore peace and bring hope and joy to truck stops everywhere, thus becoming the king of Route 66.

Just in time for Black History Month!

You'll find the game's silly story is ably complemented by its eccentric cast of colorful truckers. You'll find five truckers to choose from--each with a unique vehicle--that tread on the same ground that the 18 Wheeler cast did. Texas Hawk is a John Wayne-esque cowboy. Highway Cat is female trucker sporting a full load of cleavage and sass. Iron Bull is the Native American representative in the group, and he sports the stereotypical garb worn by his people when they're put into a video game. Fortunately, Iron Bull is not alone in the exaggeration department, thanks to the inclusion of Soul Man, an Afro-sporting, sunglasses-wearing brother in gold chains and a polyester suit who looks like a cross between Jimi Hendrix and Ready 2 Rumble's Afro Thunder. Japanese representative Ichiban fares a bit better, due to his bland Samurai-esque appearance. As you progress through the game, you'll also unlock some other colorful truckers you can use in the game's two-player mode.