Homie Rollerz is out to steal Mario Kart DS's hubcaps (and crown)

It's amazing the impact bits of plastic can have. When artist David Gonzales first came up with his Homies range of collectible Chicano figures, the LAPD claimed they glorified gang life and the big US retailers dropped them. Some local success and a twist – each of the 150 character now comes with a positive backstory – later and sales are quoted as 140 million and rising.

About time for a game tie-in, then? Well, US publisher Destineer certainly thinks so.

As nice, white, middle-class Englishmen, we're unsure exactly what to make of Homie Rollerz. But at least the concept is relatively straightforward.

So check it out, it's Mario Kart DS meets, er… Homies. You dig?

You earn respect by doing stunts and winning races, which enables you to trick out your car with customised paint jobs, engines, suspension and hydraulics. In turn, this feeds into the game's rivalry system, where you have to beat the likes of Jokawild and Big Loco with your driving skills, knowledge of course shortcuts and general all-round homie-ness.

Complete the Wizard Circuit and you're able to find out the answers to questions such as, 'Why is Alien Ese stuck on Earth and how can he get back home?' and 'How did Zombie become undead and will he ever return to the land of the living?'.

Beats us.

Various multiplayer options for up to eight players are supported locally or half that number if you're going via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Download Play is also offered, so you and your 'homes' can play the trial version using just one cart.

Due for release in the US in November, there's currently no news yet of any European release for Homie Rollerz. Which isn't entirely unsurprising.