Is it possible for a racing game to survive on its physics, visuals and sensation of speed alone? If you were to eliminate the intense crash sequences and unrelenting competitors of the Burnout series, would it be the same? Would gamers have been enthralled by F-Zero and Wipeout if they had failed to include more than a time trial competition? These questions could be posed to any number of racing games and the answer would always be the same.

That would make TrackMania the one exception. It survives without racing game norms by making up its own rules. High-speed races, exciting (and fairly unique) course designs, and decent D-pad controls are just three of the reasons why Firebrand Games was able to take this unusual concept – no matter what settings you choose for Race mode, a time limit is your only competition – and churn out a game that is not only worth playing but is also worth adding to your racing collection.

If you’ve played Race Driver: Create & Race (or the DS version of GRID), high-end track editing is nothing new. However, both of those games locked the track creation feature into a top-down 2D environment. It was generally simple and straightforward, but very low-key in terms of its presentation.

Trying to one-up other racers, TrackMania lets you build fresh courses with a real-time 3D view. Mechanically, everything you expect (and most everything you’ll desire) is included: several straight, curved and wavy pieces, plus ramps, speed boosts, speed traps (which halts your engine) and numerous touch screen features that let you drag and drop the pieces wherever you choose. Additional road spaces can be drawn onto the screen, and when finished, all courses may be tested to prove their validity.

For the creative types, this creation tool will let players expand on what the developers have presented. More impressive than that, however, are the dozens of courses designed specifically for this game. They range from slightly outrageous to are-you-kidding-me!? Whereas Wipeout and F-Zero are all about speed, TrackMania requires some deeper thought. Since you’re always racing against the clock (or against a predetermined number of attempts), you might think that speed is the number-one factor.

In truth, the most important thing is how you tackle each course. Perfection isn’t required but you’ll think it’s necessary most of the time, as the only way to progress through the game is to win many bronze, silver and gold medals, which is very difficult. The good news is that bronze and silver medals are awarded automatically just by winning gold; thus, you won’t have to re-race the track to get each medal. The bad news is that gold medals are frequently lost by a few seconds, often with the feeling, “How could I possibly get through this course any faster?”

Part of this is due to intelligent game design. These courses are more varied and more aggressive than anything available for the DS. During the time trial events, it usually took me at least two attempts just to get a medal. To score gold, it often meant having to play through the course four or five times, if not more, just to memorize the layout, master any jumps or sharp turns and perfect my speed consistency. Having the ghost opponents turned on didn’t add much to the experience, primarily because it’s possible to drive right through them (since they are ghosts based on pre-set time limits, not actual opponents).

While more than half of the game’s challenge is credited to excellent design, there is also a small part that must be credited to developmental mistakes. TrackMania includes three different environments: stadium, desert and rally. The latter two are difficult by challenging the player’s skills. Stadium, however, is often challenging because of visual confusion.

With numerous ramps and air-suspended platforms, the stadium courses are like a futuristic NASCAR. Unfortunately, it’s not quite the future you may envision. As with most racing games, the camera cannot be spun around (like in Grand Theft Auto). So when you come to the edge of a platform and nothing appears to be below it, what do you do? Seriously – what is your next course of action?

That’s a question you’ll be faced with all too often. The courses aren’t clear in their layout, and the fixed camera view doesn’t help. Just when you’ve conquered one course, another – with just as much frustration – must be overcome.

The Platform mode, while equally challenging, feels more evenly developed. Its stadium courses are not nearly as stressful; rather, they challenge the player with next-to-impossible objectives and other feats that inspire dedication. The attempt-based goals are a nice switch from the time trial challenge of the Race mode.

Puzzle mode provides yet another way to play, combining elements of the track editor with the limitations of the first two modes. You must build a course with a limited number of pieces and then race through it as quickly as possible.

Finally, TrackMania offers one form of vehicle-versus-vehicle competition: multiplayer. Opponents appear as collision-free ghosts, which really sucks, but at least the outcome is based on something other than a time limit.

Gameplay: 8.0
Excellent courses, solid controls, decent replay value and an unforgiving challenge make TrackMania a great racing game.

Graphics: 8.0
Gorgeous high-end visuals coupled with stellar track designs, both structurally and architecturally.

Sound: 6.0
Nothing memorable from the music or sound effects.

Difficulty: Medium
One of the more challenging handheld racing experiences.

Concept: 7.5
Not a new concept, per se, but the time trial emphasis is certainly different, as are the course designs.

Multiplayer: 7.5
The multiplayer is fun (and available in single- and multi-card formats for up to four players), but the ghost opponent implementation prevents the game from providing the intense, player-versus-player experience that a racing game should deliver.

Overall: 8.0
A great racing game for the single player, TrackMania will keep you busy for many hours. It doesn't contain the best multiplayer, but if you love stunt racers and understand the importance of track design (and how it outweighs everything but the controls), this is definitely a racing game that belongs in your collection.