If your looking for a good time, or just a good racer, Excite Truck Delivers.
The point of the game is to race your truck around the track earning stars by pulling off tricks or smashing opposing trucks. After a race, based on the number of stars you earned, you get a rating. You need a certain number of stars in order to complete the track and eventually unlock the next cup. You can skate by on the bare minimum, but in order to advance in the game you must attain a superb score of over shooting the number of required stars to achieve an S rank.
The gameplay is awesome and the controls are very responsive. It does take some getting used to, but once you have it, it will be a blast.
I believe Gamespot didn't do it justice with a mediocre score of 6 point. 8 point would have been better. You are forced to achieve High Scores in order to advance in the game, some are ridiculously high.
Overall the game is great for a first racer, it does have issues, but you'll still find yourself playing it over and over.