Grid Runner's graphics are a mixed bag.  Everything is very well animated (your character's victory dances are exceptionally nice), and there is no slowdown noticeable in the single player mode, and the actual levels look great.  Unfortunately, the backgrounds are simply that- something in the background to make the foreground stand out.  At least you won't find yourself staring with awe at them and getting 'tagged'. 

Things begin to suffer in the two player mode though.  There is a good amount of slowdown (but not so much that the game still isn't fun, just more then in the single player mode), and the split screen takes away what little visual awe there was.  It probably won't matter though, since you'll be to busy either running away or chasing your friend to care. 

There are several animations in the game though, and all of them are top notch.  It's a nice reward, to be treated to a quality animation every time you start a new level...!  All in all this game definitely stands out as 32-bit, but it doesn't break any new ground, even considering that it was released two years ago. 
 
 

At least Grid Runner doesn't lose points for having music that distracts you from the game.  Its mixed bag of tunes (featuring mostly Techno-Pop/Rock) won't turn anyone away from this game, but it also won't attract anyone.  This is the type of music that fits the game very well, but the second your turn off the game you can't remember even the slightest bit of it. 

The sound effects are right on the same level as the music.  Every one of them fits, but nothing stands out.  It's a fairly standard assortment of swooshes, pops, explosions, and beeps. 

There isn't much voice acting in the game, since most of the movies only introduce the several monsters you play against, but what there is isn't bad.  I realize that bad voice acting can sometimes turn people away from a game (I nearly smashed my Dragon Force CD because of that pathetic ending...), but that won't happen with this game.  The script is somewhat cheesy, but all of the voices fit their characters. 
 
 

Grid Runner is a unique cross between Capture-The-Flag and Tag.  Basically, here's how it goes, the person who has the flag must continue to collect more flags to win, but the other person can tag them.  'Tagged' players can no longer collect flags, and must tag their opponent back in order to start collecting flags again.  This makes a interesting game, where anyone can make a come back at any time! 

To add excitement, this game is full of attacks and commands, but they're all simple, one-button things.  In fact, only the L and R Buttons aren't used!  Your attacks range from fireballs that slow your opponent down to a group of homing fireballs that does the same thing (only this one is stronger).  All of your attacks drain your 'Magic Meter', so you have to be careful!  Do you want to throw down some land mines now, or hope that you'll have enough 'magic' to teleport when your opponent corners you next to that flag?  This leaves quite a few options open to have a very different playing style then other people. 

Every so things do get annoying sometimes.  You might get going to fast (watch the use of that 'Speed Spell'), and it becomes nearly impossible to make a sharp turn, and you'll get tagged.  Or you try to build a bridge to that last needed flag, but your character builds it one square down- thus meaning that you don't get to finish your bridge in time, and once again get tagged.  These tiny annoyances are few and not that frustrating, but they do keep the game from having perfect control. 
 
 

The multitude of levels and computer players (there's fifteen of them in all) mean that you won't be able to finish this game in one sitting, and since there are various ways to play, you'll want to play each level a couple times just to try new methods of play. 

Unfortunately, the game goes through drastic leaps in the difficulty towards the last couple of levels.  This means that you will suddenly find that the game is nearly impossible to beat (the Iris levels are a good example of this since they have a monster that constantly makes itself invisible, meaning you don't know what the heck to tag!)!  Those people looking for a good challenge will love this, other people (such as myself) that enjoyed the game's easier start will hate it.  Don't worry though, this difficulty leap doesn't happen until about Level 45, so you'll have plenty of game to play. 

In the end though, most people will end up using this game for multiplayer, so this game does end up being very much like Saturn Bomberman in that you'll love playing it against a friend (there's just something about being able to hit the person that beat you by only one flag...!).  For a little added excitement try the hidden game Grid Racer by entering the password:  A, Y, Right, X, Right, Up, Down, Y, Right, Down  This unlocks a nostalgic racing game in the two player mode that's good for a little extra life. 
 
 

As I mentioned before, Grid Runner is one of those games most people never bought before because they probably wanted a more popular game and didn't have the extra cash.  That's all changed now (since you can probably find it for only $10 US in a local Toys R' Us), so I truly do suggest you go buy (or at least rent) this unique game.  Grid Runner will never be a truly great game like NiGHTS:  Into Dreams... or Virtua Fighter 2, but it is worthy of a spot on your shelf.