Sound Realm

The Sound Realm isn't an official realm. It is 1 of 4 realms that were never confirmed. Fans of the series decided to call this one "Sound".

### Potential Hazards

#### **Dynamic Track Width (DTW)**

In multiple sections of the Sound Realm, you'll come across a section of track that adjusts its width based on the music. These sections are the most dangerous parts of this realm since the track you're driving on can disappear from under you in an instant. The solution is to keep to the center of the track since it only widens from the center.

#### **Beat Bars**

Throughout the realm, beat bars will suddenly appear in front of you. The height varies in time with music and, if you're unlucky, it can come up from underneath your car and launch you into the air. Always be prepared to swerve to one side of the track.

#### **Bright Lights**

In some sections of the track, really bright lights can appear and distract you from your driving. Make sure that you stay as focused as possible while in this realm.

### The Track

#### **Starting Section**

The Sound Realm is a fairly short realm. When you first enter, try to do whatever you can to slow down since you only have a short time before the first Dynamic Track Width (DTW) section. When you get to the first DTW section, the track will be widest at the start and get thinner towards the end. Next is a short straight before the second DTW section. This time it will curve up and to the right. Make sure your speed is low when coming into it as it is easy to slide off the edge.

#### **Ring to 4th DTW Section**

After the second DTW section, you will see a ring encircling the track with thin rods. You are able to collide with them but they never cross the middle of the road so stay there. Immediately after two beat bar groups will appear. Be prepared to swerve one way and then the other. The track will turn to the right for a bit before straightening out to the left and coming to the third DTW section. Like the last two, this one is wider at the start and thins out. The track then slopes uphill sharply for a second. Don't use excessive speed or your car will fly over the track. The road will bank to the right before the fourth DTW section.

#### **4th DTW to Vertical Section**

The fourth DTW section is slightly below the road's height so it will be hard to see it at first. Keep to the center and slow down. This DTW section will turn to the left and start out thin, widening as you drive across. After that are the last three beat bar groups. Be ready to swerve through them. The track will turn to the left for a while for an approximately 180o curve. Coming up is the most difficult part of this realm; three consecutive DTW sections all in a row. It will be difficult to take this at high speed so it isn't recommended. After, the track curves up slightly. Very bright lights will appear here. Make sure that you're focusing on the track and not on them. The road turns left and you'll come to a 3/4 that ends in a vertical like the Storm Realm.

#### **Ending Section**

Keep your speed at a moderate pace through the loop and keep it in check on the vertical. Once it evens out you will be able to see the portal straight ahead. You aren't in the clear however. You'll need to pass through a bunch of rings where thick bars will cross through almost the entirety of the track. There are multiple layers of these. Some of them have a small gap you can pass through here and there but the safest bet is to wait for a lull in the music. When that comes, use your Nitrox2 to quickly boost past the ring section. What comes is a final thin and bumpy DTW section straight to the portal. Bright lights will be surrounding it but keep your eyes on the prize. Make sure to not overcorrect as you go straight to the portal. Give yourself a pat on the back! You completed the Sound Realm by using your intuition to predict when the music will give you an advantage on the track!

### Difficulty

The Sound Realm earns a difficulty rating of 'High' because while it seems quite easy at first, that is simply not the case. It will definitely take quite a few runs to be able to finish this realm consistently. Between the DTW that can make your car sporadically bump around, the beat bars that can catch you off guard, and the bright lights that can take your eyes away from the track, this realm is quite treacherous. A steady hand and determined mind is required to make it to the end.

### Hidden Car

The hidden car in this realm is the Combat Hauler. What follows are some hints that will gradually narrow down its location.