Rumble Racing offers a variety of ways to compete. In addition, once you get that high-and-mighty feeling that comes with thoroughly crushing the computers on any track at any time, you can turn up the difficulty. This makes the AI slightly more agressive and affects how many computer cars take the shortcuts.

Forgiving - Computer cars rarely drop or use items. If at all, up to two cars will take the shortcuts, however, if another car is bumped into a shortcut, it will start taking them. Very few stunts performed, if at all.

Intense - Computer cars drop and use items most of the time. Up to 5 cars will take the shortcuts. Same spiel about cars being bumped into shortcuts. Moderate stunt ability.

No Mercy - Computer cars drop and use items every time they receive one. All of them will take the shortcuts. Expect them to stunt at every feasible opportunity, and have Nitros most of the time, if not all the time. This behavior is what prompted me to start looking beyond the stunt tracks for Infinite Nitro possibilities.

Championship mode also affects how many of the computers take the shortcuts. Very few take the shortcuts on Rookie, Pro bumps it up, and Elite goes all-out.

Note that computer cars will never launch powerups forwards. I consider this to be the AI's main weakness. It would definitely be harder if they could fight you with powerups when they're behind you. The only thing they'll do is activate a Shockwave or Big Hit. That's it. Both of those can be stunted out of as well.

I begin to wonder what exactly happened with this game. It got great reviews from pretty much all of the major game reviewers and magazines, yet it has virtually no fan following and pretty much tanked right after release. I hope EA still has the motivation to make another one when the PS3 comes out.

1. Single Race
   Single Race is your practice mode. You can race any track you have unlocked. Single Race mode is great for finding shortcuts for the first time and figuring out the best line to take between them. You can customize Single Race mode by setting the number of cars (1-8), the number of laps (1-8), and whether or not you can choose your opponents. In 2 Player mode, you can choose how many teams there are. Also, in 2 player mode, you can choose Standard mode, which is everyone for themselves, or Co-op mode, where you are teamed with your fellow human versus 1 to 3 teams of computers. Powerups launched ahead of yourself will not affect your teammate, but powerups you drop behind you will, so communicate with your teammate and tell them what you're dropping and where so they can be on the lookout for it.
   
   
2. Championship
   Championship mode is where you fight the computers in order to assert your reign over them and unlock everything. As with Single Race mode, you can go it alone or bring another human player along for the ride, either in a free for all, or teamed up.
   
   
3. Stunt Challenge
   Stunt Challenge mode is here mainly for fun. Running laps on your selected track is completely optional. You do get extra time for completing a lap, and there are stopwatches placed strategically around each track that add to your time as well, but in order to get the best scores, you have to find the correct spot on each track and stay there, churning out as many high-point stunts as you can. You can also compete against another human player. Show off your mad stunt skills!
   
   Note: The preset high scores are very competitive, almost to the point of being too competitive. Fortunately, they're all possible to beat. For more information on Stunt Challenge mode, check out section 9.
   
   
4. Showdown
   Got a friend that's bragging about how they own a specific track? Does it seem like they will never shut up, even if you beat them in single race? There ain't enough room in town for the two of ye, I reckon. Have a showdown. Whoever can put together the best lap on the track of your choosing wins. This mode isn't really good for much else, you'll crush the computer if you select it in single player.