Suzuki Alstare Extreme Racing (Sega Dreamcast, 1999)

Suzuki Alstare Extreme Racing is brought to us by Ubisoft and is the third Dreamcast racer from the company. The difference between this title and most of their other racers is the simple fact that there are motorcycles rather than cars competing for the fastest time.

Once starting the game there are three main modes at which you can play and an options screen that allows you to toggle background sound and sound effects on or off. There is also an option to customize controller settings to your liking.

The Main Game mode will put the competitor into a career-like setting that rewards the gamer with new tracks and bikes as the game progresses. In all there are 12 tracks, each of which can be raced backwards after the game has been completed. In total there are five bikes available. Before each race the user has the option of choosing between three uniforms as well as the ability to customize their bike settings. Bike settings can be balanced between power, speed, and braking.

When the bike is configured it's time to begin your career. One inside you will be able to save your progress after each section. Each section consists of three to five races, and there are three sections per level, three levels in all. This leaves a total of nine sections you must complete in order to win the game.

The Single Race mode is offered to those who wish to break time records on any of the existing tracks. Any bike or track that has been acquired in the Main Game mode is available for selection in the Single Race mode. After picking the course and bike desired, it is also possible to select the desired number of competing computer racers. The top five all-time records are saved on the VMU, taking up very little space. 

In the Two-player mode it is possible to race against a human opponent via a split screen. Once in this mode an option for handicap becomes available. This option gives the trailing racer an extra boost. Once again, all bikes and tracks available in the Main Game mode will be available here.

During all races, passing a checkpoint will not only increase your allotted time but add a bit of turbo fuel to your gas tank. The turbo feature allows your racer to make up time by adding extra speed to your bike. In the upper left-hand side of the screen you will find the course map detailing the position of the competitors as well as the course layout. The remaining time will be displayed in the top-center of the screen. In the upper right you will notice your current position as well as lap number.