Pimp My Ride, the video game based on the popular MTV show, allows players to virtually transform beat-up cars into customized masterpieces. Released in 2006 for the PlayStation 2 by Eutechnyx, the game promised an immersive car tuning experience. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into a comprehensive review.
Gameplay: Two Distinct Phases
The gameplay is divided into two main phases: earning money and pimping the ride.
Firstly, players select a customer whose car needs an upgrade. To earn cash for the transformation, players engage in various activities like crashing into other vehicles, cruising past pedestrians, performing “ghost-riding the whip” stunts (more on that later), and collecting items scattered throughout the environment. Once enough money is accumulated, a cutscene mimicking the show plays, with Xzibit visiting the customer to understand their preferences.
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The second phase involves a timed race against the clock to various upgrade shops around the city. Players choose from a limited selection of rims, body kits, in-car entertainment systems, paint jobs, and custom upgrades, all while keeping the customer’s taste and budget in mind. A minigame at each shop offers a chance to reduce upgrade costs. The final product is then judged against a computer opponent’s creation, with the customer choosing the winning design.
Driving and Customization: Room for Improvement
The driving mechanics lean heavily towards arcade-style handling. Collisions lack realistic damage modeling, making them rather underwhelming. While there’s a sense of speed, the lack of actual races diminishes the need for it, except during the timed upgrade shop run. Earning money relies on repetitive minigames, particularly the “ghost-riding the whip” sequence, which involves pressing button combinations in a specific order.
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Customization options are surprisingly limited, with each shop offering only a handful of choices. The time limit further restricts meaningful customization, often turning the process into a frantic dash between shops. Judging the customer’s preferences can feel arbitrary, often making the safest bet simply buying the most expensive items.
Graphics and Sound: Nothing Spectacular
Graphically, the game shows its age. Character models, especially Xzibit and the customers, appear somewhat unsettling. Car models and environments are decent but lack detail. The soundtrack consists of generic tracks from the era, along with the show’s theme song.
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Overall: A Missed Opportunity
Pimp My Ride for the PS2 falls short of its potential. The limited customization, repetitive minigames, and lackluster driving experience prevent it from being a truly engaging car tuning game. While the core concept holds promise, the execution leaves much to be desired. Fans of the show might find some enjoyment in the early stages, but the repetitive gameplay loop quickly becomes tiresome.
Conclusion: Not Quite a Dream Ride
While Pimp My Ride attempts to capture the spirit of the MTV show, it ultimately delivers a superficial car tuning experience. The game lacks depth in both customization and gameplay, making it a missed opportunity for a truly engaging car pimp my ride game.
