I second Shawn's space-aliens theory, and I would like to add that the main character, named Rookie, looks like a cross between Lyle Lovett and the dude from Eraserhead. Aside from that highlight, Monster 4x4 is just a cavalcade of nonsensical cut-scenes and subpar, glitchy driving designed to catch the eye of Wal-Mart shoppers. Events vary from indoor arena races to despoiling America's parklands, but with a curious lack of wanton car crushing. Sure, there's a little car crushing, but not wanton crushing, and that's what I want in a monster truck game.

Copyright © 2004 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in Electronic Gaming Monthly.