V8 Fans - Review

Race Driver

by Scott Whelan

Track Test: V8 Supercars Race Driver also known as DTM & TOCA Race Driver

Publisher: Codemasters

Platform: PS 2, XBOX & PC (reviewed)

Review:
Race Driver is certainly a unique game from every aspect, and simply not your average racing simulator. Race Driver throws the player right into the thick of the game, taking on the role of rookie "Ryan McKane". The player develops McKane's career in the world of motor sport in his quest to become world champion.

Throughout the game this role player style action displays short videos in between races, however amusing, the characters seem a little agro towards one another.

The sound and music in the game is second to none, not only are engine sounds superb, but for the more advanced gamer the surround sound feature will certainly add to the realism. The game sound track is not only played during the menu, cut scenes, but also speakers around the track.

Codemasters have excelled when it comes to the graphics, all 38 real life tracks and 42 cars have been modelled to with in the finest detail. Car damaged is visible right down to the debris being scattered all over the track. Although extremely good on the tracks and cars, are lacking on some track features with some quite plain buildings and grand stands. Another concern is replays and some cut scenes appear to be slow at times. However Codemasters certainly make up for this with the motion blur feature, which blurs the world around you as you race at speed.

The game play (enhanced by the storyline) is of a very high standard the AI (how the computer opponents race with the player) is quite impressive, the computer opponents actually remember all those bumps and pushes during each race and 'get there own back', so don't be surprised if your suddenly punted off the track. On the downside the cars seem to be a little too sensitive in the steering and braking department, also in the garage car sets are very simple and do not allow for the die-hard gamers to really get hooked in.

Although V8 Fans have yet to test the games multiplayer function, the game allows users to play on the same computer (max 4 players), over a local network or the Internet (max 8 players).

In conclusion Race Driver is an exciting package that raisers the bar to future racing games through its licenses of three major series (V8 Supercars, Australia; TOCA, British; DTM, German) and its unique storyline. The sound and graphics quality along with the vast number of tracks and cars will keep you entertained lap after lap.

As prices seem to vary from $75.00 to $90.00 it might pay you to shop around.

(Please note: V8 Fans recommends you pay particular attention to the system requirements).

BACK

Track Test:	V8 Supercars Race Driver also known as DTM & TOCA Race Driver
Publisher:	Codemasters
Platform:	PS 2, XBOX & PC (reviewed)
Review:	Race Driver is certainly a unique game from every aspect, and simply not your average racing simulator. Race Driver throws the player right into the thick of the game, taking on the role of rookie "Ryan McKane". The player develops McKane's career in the world of motor sport in his quest to become world champion. Throughout the game this role player style action displays short videos in between races, however amusing, the characters seem a little agro towards one another. The sound and music in the game is second to none, not only are engine sounds superb, but for the more advanced gamer the surround sound feature will certainly add to the realism. The game sound track is not only played during the menu, cut scenes, but also speakers around the track. Codemasters have excelled when it comes to the graphics, all 38 real life tracks and 42 cars have been modelled to with in the finest detail. Car damaged is visible right down to the debris being scattered all over the track. Although extremely good on the tracks and cars, are lacking on some track features with some quite plain buildings and grand stands. Another concern is replays and some cut scenes appear to be slow at times. However Codemasters certainly make up for this with the motion blur feature, which blurs the world around you as you race at speed. The game play (enhanced by the storyline) is of a very high standard the AI (how the computer opponents race with the player) is quite impressive, the computer opponents actually remember all those bumps and pushes during each race and 'get there own back', so don't be surprised if your suddenly punted off the track. On the downside the cars seem to be a little too sensitive in the steering and braking department, also in the garage car sets are very simple and do not allow for the die-hard gamers to really get hooked in. Although V8 Fans have yet to test the games multiplayer function, the game allows users to play on the same computer (max 4 players), over a local network or the Internet (max 8 players). In conclusion Race Driver is an exciting package that raisers the bar to future racing games through its licenses of three major series (V8 Supercars, Australia; TOCA, British; DTM, German) and its unique storyline. The sound and graphics quality along with the vast number of tracks and cars will keep you entertained lap after lap. As prices seem to vary from $75.00 to $90.00 it might pay you to shop around. (Please note: V8 Fans recommends you pay particular attention to the system requirements).