Hardcore 4x4

Todd Mowatt and Joe Rybicki of Electronic Gaming Monthly called the Saturn version "4x4 racing at its best" and "one of the most realistic games I've ever seen." They both praised the track design and inclusion of weather, though they felt the inability to drive off the tracks was inappropriate and frustrating. GamePro called the gameplay too slow, and additionally criticized the pixelization, lack of detail, and low frame rate. Sega Saturn Magazines Rad Automatic was pleased with the concept, noting, "Instead of just having to take corners and go really fast, in Hardcore you have to read the track, take the lines of least resistance, avoid too-steep slopes, not fall over and not bounce around too much." However, he found fault with the execution, citing the slow gameplay, low frame rate, clipping, and lack of inertia during collisions. He concluded that the game would be entertaining for off-road enthusiasts but not general audiences, and expressed a desire to see an improved sequel. Reviewing the PlayStation version, GamePro commented that "the basic action and squirrelly handling prevent 4x4 from building addictive gameplay. Worse, there's no real-life licenses or two-player action." The reviewer also cited breakup, redraw problems, and cheesy music. A reviewer for Next Generation said the game successfully simulates the handling of a 4x4 truck, but that the narrow tracks allow a player to easily block opponents from passing them once they get in the lead, greatly reducing the racing excitement. Like EGMs reviewers, he considered the inability to drive off the tracks inappropriate and "just plain annoying". GameSpot criticized the game's track design as having "drab colors and textures" and for being "far too narrow" and said that the lack of a map or overhead view makes the game a lot more difficult than it would have been with such a feature included. IGN said that "The trucks themselves handle very well" and "the physics of the jumps and bumps are very nice", but that the graphics are "incredibly grainy", and the narrow circuits are a problem. The game generated £2 million in revenue.