4x4 Evolution (also known as 4x4 EVO, codenamed Metal Crush 3) is a video game developed by Terminal Reality
for the Windows,Macintosh, PlayStation 2 and Dreamcast platforms. It is one of the first console games to have cross-platform online play where Dreamcast, Macintosh and PC versions of the game appear online at the same time. The game can use maps created by users to download onto a hard drive, as well as a Dreamcast VMU. All versions of the game are similar in quality and gameplay, although the online systems feature a mode to customize the players' own truck and use it online. The game is still online-capable on all systems except for PlayStation 2.
Gameplay
Gameplay features off-road racing of over 70 licensed truck manufacturers. Modes featured in the game were a Career Mode, Online Mode, Map editor and versus mode. The career mode is the most important part of the game to feature a way to buy better trucks similar to the Gran Turismo series. The Career mode also gives the player 6 purpose built race vehicles: Chevrolet TrailBlaizer Race SUV 2WD, Dodge Dakota Race Truck 4WD, Ford F-150 Race Truck 2WD, Mitsubishi Pajero Rally 4WD, Nissan Xterra Race SUV 4WD, and the Toyota Tundra Race Truck 2WD. They cost anywhere from $350,000 up to $850,000. These are the fastest vehicles in the game. Recently, KC Vale acquired permission from Terminal Reality Incorporated to upload the game to his web server; however, the original vehicles have been removed due to an expired license.
Reception
GameSpot said for the PC version, "While 4x4 Evolution opts for fun over realism, it's a trade-off that you'll probably appreciate as soon as you take the game for a spin." 4x4 Evolution also got a score of 8.4 by GameSpot. IGN said for the PlayStation 2 version, "GOD's first PS2 racer, despite improvements from the Dreamcast version, still misses the mark." 4x4 Evolution also got a score of 5.0 by IGN.
Sequel
4X4 EVO 2 was released for Windows, Macintosh, Xbox, GameCube and PlayStation 2.