Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Larry Ragland’s 4×4 Challenge puts you behind the wheel of high-powered offroad machines in an arcade-style racing format. You can choose from 15 different 4×4 vehicles, each tuned with unique stats for handling, acceleration, and top speed. Although you can’t tinker with suspension or gearing, the subtle differences between trucks reward experimentation and skillful driving as you learn which rig suits your racing style best.

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The core racing modes include an Arcade Time Trial and a multi-event Championship series. In Arcade mode you’re battling the clock, navigating tight stadium tracks and trying to shave off precious seconds. The Championship pits you against five AI opponents across three tiers of competition, unlocking new, more demanding circuits as you progress. Each of the three championships features a mix of the eight tracks, up to six laps per event, testing your consistency and mastery over the course designs.

What sets the gameplay apart is its damage model. Collide too hard with track barriers or opponent vehicles, and you’ll start to see performance drop-offs—tires wear down, the engine heats up, and suspension components degrade. A meter changes from green to yellow to red, eventually black, forcing you to balance aggression with caution. This layer of realistic consequence adds tension and encourages clean lines through switchbacks and jumps.

Graphics

On its release, Larry Ragland’s 4×4 Challenge delivered solid visuals for a late-’90s offroad racer. The stadium environments are packed with detail—sandy berms, crash barriers, and billboards featuring Larry Ragland’s likeness. Each track feels distinct, whether you’re bouncing over triple jumps or weaving through tight hairpins under floodlights.

The vehicle models capture the rugged look of short-course trucks, complete with oversized tires and exposed roll cages. Damage effects are conveyed through smoke plumes and visual deformation on key components, reinforcing the gameplay’s emphasis on car preservation. While textures can appear blocky by modern standards, the dusty particle effects and dynamic lighting held up well at the time and still convey a visceral sense of speed.

Frame rates remain steady even with six trucks on track, though pop-in becomes noticeable at higher camera angles. LAN and split-screen modes maintain graphical fidelity without significant drops, which is impressive given the era’s hardware limitations. Overall, the presentation strikes a good balance between arcade flair and offroad authenticity.

Story

Unlike narrative-driven titles, 4×4 Challenge doesn’t weave a deep storyline. Instead, it leans on Larry Ragland’s reputation—five Baja 1000 wins—to frame your career. Each victory unlocks the next championship series, giving you a tangible sense of progression in pursuit of offroad glory.

The game’s simple premise—master the tracks, beat the clock, and outpace rivals—keeps the focus squarely on driving. Occasional podium cutscenes and animated driver celebrations add flavor but rarely distract from the core racing action. The end result is a straightforward competitive arc rather than a character-based plot.

For fans of motorsport authenticity, the lack of a cinematic storyline may feel refreshing. There’s no tedious exposition or dialogue—just you, your truck, and the unforgiving dirt courses. This minimalist approach emphasizes replayability and pure racing thrills over narrative immersion.

Overall Experience

Larry Ragland’s 4×4 Challenge excels as an accessible yet challenging offroad racer. Its pick-up-and-play controls make it easy for newcomers, while the damage system and championship depth provide enough complexity for veterans. The variety of tracks—from high-speed straights to tight switchback courses—keeps every race feeling fresh.

Multiplayer remains a strong suit, with two-player split-screen and up to six-player LAN support. Though there’s no internet matchmaking, local head-to-head competitions capture the competitive spirit of LAN parties. Whether battling friends or refining solo lap times, the game encourages repeat play and mastery of each circuit.

Despite its age, 4×4 Challenge holds nostalgic charm and solid gameplay fundamentals. Hardcore offroad enthusiasts and arcade racing fans alike will find enjoyment in its fast-paced action and strategic damage management. As a package, it offers a uniquely focused experience that lives up to the Larry Ragland endorsement and still delivers satisfying thrills for dirt-track aficionados.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10