Both single and multiplayer games are catered for, with the emphasis firmly placed on arcade rallying. There are four differing classes of vehicle to choose from - compact, sports, turbo and power – all quite self explanatory. Six authentic cars in each of these classes, all licensed, and boasting classics such as the Ford Escort MKII, and the Mini Cooper (complete with Union Jack paint job!). The cars show damage, and look nicely banged up after an especially violent race – shattered glass, bent panels, bumpers hanging off.

There are six tracks per class to unlock, 24 in total, with all tracks having a 'night-time' mode that can also be unlocked. The Compact Class is the only one initially available. Get a decent placing in a race, and the next race is opened up. Get an average of 1st place across the six races in 'Compact', and the next class is opened up.

As Shox is large on fun, they've done away with those pesky gears – all vehicles are automatic – but you can still use analogue steering and acceleration/braking with each of the Dual Shock sticks. While the top speeds of the cars make them noticeably different to one another, they don't appear to handle that differently. It should be noted however that each of the different track themes – desert, jungle, and snow – require the player to adjust their driving style to compensate for each surface type.

The environments are reasonably detailed, and there is plenty of background 'eye candy'. The cars mostly look the part, but a few more polygons wouldn't have gone astray. Still, the suspensions bounce nicely, and after completing a jungle track, the mud-spattered beast certainly looks like it's been through the ringer.

The driving physics are fun, but loose. Powersliding around a particularly hairy corner while zooming past the opposition feels great. The style of thrill is most definitely reminiscent of Sega Rally, which is by no means a bad thing. Just don't expect an in-depth and technically detailed rally simulation.

Each of the tracks feature a 'Shox Zone' – a point-to-point mini race, where you are awarded gold, silver, or bronze depending on the time taken. A huge 'Shox Wave' ensues after getting three consecutive golds, which a skilled driver can ride with a big speed boost bonus. When you're treated to a 'Shox Wave', the screen gets a kind of cool, distorted, shimmering at the edges – it's a nice effect done well.