The Homie franchise is a strange one indeed. The micro-figurines of Hispanic characters that came from artist Dave Gonzales became a smash hit in vending machines where they were first sold. Now, Wal-Mart has even started stocking the tiny action figures. The series has drawn considerable controversy for seeming to promote gang-life in Hispanic culture. Now the characters have back stories that stress their “former” gang past, and emphasize their good nature… Well, the franchise has now been made into a kart racing game by developers Destineer, called Homie Rollerz.

The story begins with a guy called The Wizard who has promised the Homie’s that if they can win his kart race, he will grant their wishes. Each Homie you pick from has a different story and a different order of the 11 tracks to complete. The “story” is told using the “silent textbox,” rumored to be a feature on the PS4.

 
“My retinas are burning…!”

Players can compete on the Wizard Circuit through 11 courses to win “Respect,” the games currency, or take on Challenges that are initiated as you progress. You can also spend your “Respect” in the Garage and upgrade various parts of your kart. To get extra “Respect,” during races you can hop by pulling L and R simultaneously to hop and roll by holding R to make a complete turn. Various things will grant extra “Respect” so you can spend them on meaningless upgrades…

…Which brings me to my next point: This game is essentially broken. Not only are the driving mechanics horrendous, but the game requires you to get first-place in the race to unlock the next track. It is nearly impossible to do so. On one track (set in Tokyo for some bizarre reason), even after upgrading my kart, I still found it impossible to finish anywhere but last. This game, especially since it is targeted to kids, offers nothing in the way of a gradually building sense of accomplishment – no, frustration is all I felt playing it.

Likewise, the graphics are terrible. While rendered in 3-D, the textures can barely be considered it. Sometimes, you’ll notice, like on a building, just the front of it. It seems the developers didn’t find it necessary to at least make a box. And while the level design is not always broken, the driving mechanics are too wonky to have any control of your kart. Similarly, A.I. is nonexistent.

Gameplay: 2.0
Nearly broken game mechanics. Sometimes impossible to get first in a race – which is required for advancement. 

Graphics: 3.0
Bland graphics and very confusing and frustrating level design make for an eye sore. 

Sound: 4.0
Occasionally I heard a audible tune; but when you’re throwing your DS across the room, it’s hard to hear.

Difficulty: Hard 

Concept: 3.0
The characters are broad and racist stereotypes and it’s laughable that this would be rated E for Everyone.

Multiplayer: 4.0
While it is single-cart, you’ll have to pay someone to play this with you.

Overall: 3.0
Broken game mechanics and lousy design…I can’t recommend this game to anyone. Stick to Mario Kart.