The question is an obvious one; can a snowmobile racing game be any fun? The answer is, a surprising yes, considering the very low price of Sno Cross. One always has to take account of the price tag when subjecting a letter grade to a game. For $9.99, it's a very likeable racing title, but for $39.99, this game would have rated much lower. Not that Sno Cross is a bad game, there's only so many tracks filled with snow you can see before it seems repetitive.

Graphically it's a mixed bag. The vehicles and riders are done properly, with the riders ducking, leaning, and pulling back giving life to each vehicle. You can even wreck on your snowmobile, but you have to try really hard to do so. Snow effects are also done very well, with snow kicking from under you vehicle, and when played in first person view, the rain will stick to the visor of your helmet. Unfortunately, the tracks are rather boring, and for the most part VERY short, some as short as 30 seconds a lap! Also, there's a case of draw in that occurs on larger tracks, which I thought at first was due to the night tracks, but found this also on day tracks too. There is also a good sense of speed represented, especially for a snowmobile title. All in all, not bad graphically, but there is really nothing new offered either.

Sounds are average with humming engines, crushing snow, and even a hint of crowd reaction, but only when all is quiet. The lack of an announcer is a big let down. It would have been nice to at least hear someone say, "Final Lap!" Even when you wreck, there isn't a single sound that comes from your rider. No grunts, groans, or anything. In the end it's another average sounding racing title.

The control is exceptional, with reaction time taking time to get use to since you're dealing with a slippery surface. The surfaces change to ice on occasion, and your grip also changes, which was a nice surprise. It's a shame; such responsive control is utilized on such short tracks.

Sno Cross is also surprisingly deep, which is the real reason for the high rating. You are offered a good amount of options; Single Race, Championship, Multiplayer, and even a Track Editor. The track editor is a nice bombshell, considering the games price. In the Championship mode, you are offered 3 circuits, 500cc, 600cc, and 700cc, with each gradually getting faster. Each mode gives you the option of 4 vehicles to choose from, and the ability to upgrade as you gain money from winning and performing tricks.

In a final note, the A.I. is very difficult if you fall behind. No matter how flawlessly you whip your way through a track, once you're behind, you might be there to stay which is frustrating to say the least. All in all, Crave picked up a nice title that they could sell by the dozen with its remarkably low price. For $9.99, you really can ‘t do much worse, and it's easily one of the best of the bargain new releases.