Fast, furious and fun racer!!
The PC gaming world has been aware of this title for some considerable time, and rumours of the console port began to circulate some months ago. Like World of Tanks (also reviewed by yours truly) the port was to be eagerly expected. Well it's finally arrived, so the question is, was it worth the wait?
Strap in, buckle up, and GO!
The first thing I was presented with was a very easy to use options screen, now that doesn't sound important but to me it kind of is, there are some games that just slow you down and get bogged down with pages and pages of options, this just says select what you fancy, press X and you are off!
The controls are just as easy to get to grips with and so what you are able to do is just jump straight into the race action that awaits you! No boring tutorials, no tweaking car options for ages before you can enjoy the action. It reminded me greatly of Rocket Age and it's immediate sense of accessibility right from the get go, a definite plus in my favour.
Bottom line is if you are looking for a driving sim then look elsewhere, this is no Project Cars, or Drive Club or indeed Forza, this is purely straight arcade style racing on some crazy courses and you'll soon be drifting sharp bends or sweeping curves, leaping gaps in the road, jumping through hoops or even driving loops! Speed limits do not apply and you cock a snoop at the laws of gravity itself.
Creative racing....
But once you have competed singly for trophies, and beaten track records there comes the joys of being able to create your own tracks and race on tracks created by other folks. The tool box interface is as easy to use as can be and you can tinker away to your hearts content or you can just hit the random track creator and let the A.I. do it for you!
It is really so easy that you may be tinkering with this more than the main game itself. It's fun to use and do and is something that happily does not seem to be a hastily bolted on option. It's been well thought out and designed and everyone and anyone can use it and enjoy.
Happy days!
Tandem Racing.
Before I go any further I have to mention this. Two player driving games are a dime a dozen sure, but here the two player option does not just apply to the usual two player spit screen chaos you are used too.
Check the tandem racing option and you will find yourself in a specially modified racing car that has not one, but two drivers! You are sat one behind the other and you can rely on your human friend or trust to the a.i. but whatever option you choose you really do have to be in harmony with your copilot!
Both of you had better try taking the bend at the same time, and then pray both of you have agreed to use the brakes at the same moment or you'll be performing automobile ballet at high speed!
It takes some getting used to and may cause the most frustration, but heck it's different, fun and a blast.
"I feel the need...the need for speed!"
The racing is fast and furious whether attempting solo time trials or competing with more than one car at the same time.
Frame rate is great, OK it's not F1 2015 or Forza 6 standard but it's more than adequate to the task at hand, with no lag or frame rate issues, scenery pop up or drop out.
Add to that a nice thumping soundtrack and you are soon immersed in a fast and furious racing experience that is a whole heap of fun. There are a nice variety of cars to use and unlock and trims and paintwork can be modified as you race.
Be aware that some of these use real money to purchase but are not monstrously expensive to buy but the cost could add up if you are not careful. Most add ons can be bought using credit earned in game.
"It's the final lap!"
It's a nice modern take on car racing on a console or pc but there is a nice feeling of nostalgia too with an off screen commentator warning you to watch the paintwork, admonish you if you crash and lose part of your bodywork, and to tell you it's the final lap. It brought back memories of many happy hours playing Ridge Racer back in the day.
I like my racers as many of my friends know and I was considering buying this anyway. To be given the review codes by those awfully nice X Box bods was a surprise and I am happy to say that if you want to get this game then it's worth every cent/penny/euro etc etc.
Don't just sit there! If you want some hi octane, turbo charged fun with a capital F-U-N you know where to go and what to get.