Xtreme Wheels (USA)
Xtreme Wheels (USA) - Racing Classic
Xtreme Wheels is a straightforward racing game that hit the Game Boy Color in North America. It was released during the handheld's prime years when developers were churning out all sorts of arcade-style racers. Unfortunately, the original developer and publisher aren't widely documented, so this one falls into that category of obscure titles that only die-hard collectors might remember. It's a standard cartridge release, not a hack or homebrew, and it stuck to the basics of the genre without trying anything too fancy.
The player picks a vehicle and races against computer-controlled opponents on a series of tracks. The view is top-down, which was common for many handheld racers of the time. You steer with the D-Pad, accelerate with the A button, and brake with B. The goal is to finish first by navigating curves, avoiding obstacles, and managing your speed. There are multiple tracks to unlock, and each one offers a different layout with varying difficulty. The core loop is simple: race, win, unlock the next course.
For today's retro enthusiast, Xtreme Wheels is a decent pick if you're craving simple, no-frills racing on the go. It doesn't reinvent the wheel - pun intended - but it captures the spirit of early handheld racers. Compared to bigger GBC racing titles like Road Rash or Mario Kart Super Circuit, it feels more basic and less polished. That said, for fans of obscure or forgotten games, it has a certain charm. It's not a must-play, but it's worth a quick session to see how a lesser-known developer handled the genre on limited hardware.
How to Play Xtreme Wheels (USA) Online
Getting Started
When you first load Xtreme Wheels, you'll see a title screen followed by a menu. Use the D-Pad to highlight options and press the A button (mapped to X on your keyboard) to select. Typically you'll start a single-player race or grand prix mode. If there's a car select screen, pick one that suits your style - vehicles may differ slightly in speed or handling.
The race begins after a countdown. Hold the A button to accelerate and use the D-Pad to steer left and right on the track. When approaching tight turns, tap the B button (S key) to brake or slow down. Watch for obstacles like barriers or other racers. The position indicator at the top of the screen shows your current rank. You need to finish in first place to progress to the next track.
If you crash or go off the track, you'll lose time, so it's better to brake early than overshoot a turn. The game doesn't have complex power-ups or weapons - it's pure racing. Your goal is to learn the track layout and find the fastest line. Winning all races unlocks more courses. If you're new, start with the easiest difficulty and practice cornering without hitting walls.
Xtreme Wheels (USA) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button (jump / confirm)
- S: B button (run / attack / cancel)
- Enter: Start / Pause
- V: Select
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