Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Awexome Cross 98 throws you into the driver’s seat of the Cheat’s iconic monster truck, the Tire, and challenges you to weave through Strong Badia’s most absurd obstacle course. The controls are refreshingly simple: use the left and right arrow keys to steer and the space bar to leap over incoming hazards. From General Tso’s Chicken that scuttles across your path to syrup bottles that slide unpredictably across the track, each level feels like a carefully crafted gauntlet designed to test your reflexes.

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As you progress, the pace ramps up considerably, demanding quick reactions and precise timing. Missing a jump or colliding with a cinder block will cost you a life, so the margin for error is slim. However, the inclusion of collectible “buxx” scattered along the route rewards skillful play, encouraging you to take calculated risks to boost your high score. It’s a simple risk-and-reward system, but one that feels deeply satisfying when you manage a narrow escape and reel in a string of buxx in one swift motion.

Replayability is one of Awexome Cross 98’s strongest suits. Despite its origins as an Easter egg in the “monster truck” Strong Bad e-mail, the obstacle course design and escalating challenge curve keep you coming back for just one more run. Whether you’re gunning for a personal best or aiming to unearth hidden shortcuts, the straightforward mechanics paired with a consistently increasing difficulty level make each playthrough feel fresh and engaging.

Graphics

Visually, Awexome Cross 98 embraces the distinctive Homestar Runner aesthetic with a vibrant 2D look that feels both retro and charmingly cartoonish. The backgrounds feature the dusty, pastel-hued landscapes of Strong Badia, punctuated by the odd billboard advertising Strong Bad’s latest scheme. Each environment layer scrolls smoothly behind your monster truck, giving the illusion of depth in this side-scrolling racer.

The character and obstacle sprites are rendered with just enough detail to convey personality without overwhelming the simple gameplay. The Cheat’s Tire rolls across the screen with a satisfying wobble, and each obstacle—be it a flying box or a rampaging General Tso’s Chicken—has its own distinct animation. There’s a playful looseness to the visuals, from syrup splatters that linger on the track to explosive particle effects when you narrowly avoid disaster.

While it’s not aiming for photorealism, the game’s art direction excels at capturing the quirky humor and offbeat style of the Homestar Runner universe. The color palette is bold and high-contrast, making it easy to spot both hazards and buxx from a distance. Overall, Awexome Cross 98’s graphics are perfectly suited to its fast-paced gameplay, ensuring that important visual cues always stand out and nothing ever feels cluttered.

Story

Story in Awexome Cross 98 takes a backseat to pure action, but it’s rooted in Homestar Runner lore in a way that fans will appreciate. The premise is simple: Strong Bad’s under-the-table event in Strong Badia calls for the Cheat to don his racing gear and prove his mettle behind the wheel. Each run through the course doubles as a comedic showcase of this mischievous world.

Hints of narrative emerge in the background details and item choices. Why is there a syrup bottle careening across the track? What nefarious plot might lie behind those mysterious boxes? These elements serve as playful nods to longstanding in-jokes among Homestar Runner devotees. Although the game never pauses to lay out a traditional story, it’s clear that each obstacle and collectible buxx is thoughtfully placed to reinforce the universe’s signature humor.

For newcomers, the storyline may feel minimalistic, but the game’s lighthearted tone and quirky context are enough to carry you through. You won’t find lengthy cutscenes or dialogue trees here—just pure, undiluted racing chaos. And in a world where Strong Bad presides over everything, sometimes a little narrative brevity is exactly what makes the ride so entertaining.

Overall Experience

Awexome Cross 98 delivers a satisfyingly addictive action-racer experience that’s as approachable as it is challenging. Its browser-based format means you can jump into the fray within seconds, and the low barrier to entry makes it ideal for quick, pick-up-and-play sessions. Whether you’ve never heard of Homestar Runner or you’re a die-hard fan, the game’s simplicity allows anyone to dive right in and start competing for high scores.

One of the standout aspects is how well the game balances accessibility with depth. New players will find the basic mechanics easy to learn, while those seeking mastery will appreciate the subtle timing and level memorization required to avoid obstacles and maximize buxx collection. The absence of microtransactions or paywalls ensures that every element of the experience feels earned and fun.

In the end, Awexome Cross 98 is a delightful time capsule of early 2000s web gaming, infused with the irreverent charm of the Homestar Runner universe. Its vibrant graphics, tight controls, and cheeky humor combine to create an experience that’s equally nostalgic and fresh. If you’re in the market for a no-frills racing challenge with plenty of character, this hidden gem from Strong Badia is well worth the ride.

Retro Replay Score

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