Parents' Guide to Auto Age: Standoff

Wash, rinse, repeat -- there's little variation in this driving combat game, but that said, it can be entertaining and challenging in small doses. While there's a story, it's merely a setup for the combat and really doesn't seem to come into play at all. There's little variety in the style of play, and the game seems bent on pushing players into the fast-paced realm of auto combat in small ways (e.g., there's no brake for the cars; you can only accelerate forward or backward). There are only four arenas, but there are different levels and some power-ups, like a repair icon. If you don't get repaired, don't worry -- if you explode, you'll respawn and can rejoin the adventure quickly.

While the graphics are serviceable and inviting and sport an old-school feel, and the controls are minimal, the biggest drawback to the game is lack of variety. This is the same thing over and over -- which works in small doses, but there's no real need to invest hours at a sitting. Auto Age: Standoff sports a unique soundtrack and doesn't have any elements that parents might find offensive, but it's a totally reflexive exercise. Unfortunately, during the game review cycle, joining an online game wasn't available (no server) and the only game mode that could be joined was Quick Play. All that notwithstanding, give props for the look and design of the game, and here's hoping that as more content for the game is rolled out, the gameplay gets a little deeper.