Games published by Gizmondo Studios
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Chicane: Jenson Button Street Racing
Released during the fleeting yet fascinating era of the Gizmondo handheld console, Chicane: Jenson Button Street Racing made its debut in 2005. Developed by Blue Beck and published by Tiger Telematics, the title positioned itself as a noteworthy entry in the sparse Gizmondo game library, not least because of its association with British Formula 1 driver Jenson Button. Set amidst the neon sheen and urban pulse of nighttime cityscapes, the game strove to deliver a distinctive racing experience, focusing on high-speed street competition while leveraging the unique capabilities of the Gizmondo platform.
Chicane’s gameplay revolved around street racing, pitting players against AI opponents in a variety of urban locations. Emphasis was placed on arcade-style controls, making the game accessible to racing novices while offering enough challenge for seasoned players. The vehicles in Chicane, while not officially licensed, drew inspiration from real-world sports cars, providing a sense of speed and authenticity. Each race offered dynamic obstacles and tight corners, demanding quick reflexes and strategic maneuvering. The presence of Jenson Button as a figurehead gave an air of legitimacy and excitement, especially for motorsport enthusiasts seeking handheld thrills.
Graphically, Chicane pushed the Gizmondo’s hardware to its limits. The game featured a surprisingly detailed world for a handheld device of its time, boasting weather effects, colorful environments, and reflective surfaces that brought the city nights to life. The visual presentation, complemented by energetic background music, aimed to immerse players in the underground street racing atmosphere. Sound effects captured the growl and screech of engines, heightening the sense of speed and competition.
What set Chicane apart from other portable racers of its period was its use of the Gizmondo’s then-innovative features. The game offered multiplayer functionality, allowing up to four players to connect wirelessly—an impressive feat for 2005. Furthermore, players could monitor high scores and achievements, adding a competitive edge beyond the single-player campaign. Despite these technical advancements, however, the game’s reach was inevitably hampered by the Gizmondo’s commercial struggles and limited distribution.
In the realm of controls, Chicane utilized the Gizmondo’s responsive buttons and analog pad with decent success, delivering a smooth driving feel for a handheld. However, some critics pointed out the absence of deeper simulation elements, focusing instead on the game’s quick, pick-up-and-play nature. Replay value came predominantly from a selection of challenging tracks and the pursuit of leaderboard dominance, catering primarily to racing fans seeking short, adrenaline-fueled sessions.
Today, Chicane: Jenson Button Street Racing stands as a snapshot of a lost chapter in gaming history. The Gizmondo’s untimely demise rendered the game a rarity, making it a collector’s curiosity among racing aficionados and handheld enthusiasts alike. Although the title never achieved mainstream fame, its ambition and fleeting existence left a small but indelible mark on the lineage of portable racing games.
