|
Intro
IndyCar Series sets out to realistically portray one of the most difficult
sports around. While on the outside it may not seem like much of a task, in reality,
racing - whether it is Nascar, IndyCar, or Rally - has not only been popular,
but is also gaining popularity each year. Having done Rally justice with its Colin
McRae series, Codemasters is looking to do the same with their latest release;
but, unlike Colin McRae, IndyCar Series isn't as friendly to the
uninitiated.
Gameplay:
7/10
For those who aren't fans of racing, save for Rally, none of the other
variations really seem all that exciting. Although the guy next to me may get
a surge of adrenaline from watching a lengthy race, I just don't find it all that
interesting. To be honest, it will be likely have the opposite effect. Sure, I've
heard how exhilarating it is to see a race in person and how much skill it takes
to masterfully maneuver a car around the competition and maintain a steady lead,
but all of that is pretty lost on me. Well, that was until I spent some quality
time with IndyCar Series, and while I might not find the sport all that
more fascinating, I do have a whole new level of respect for what it takes to
finish in a top spot.
Even on the easy
setting, with its lax rules of unlimited fuel and consistently steady tires, I
was finding myself at the end of a very long line of cars. The masterclass mode,
which functions as a tutorial, still wasn't enough to keep me up with the leaders
- though it is very informative and pretty interesting. Needless to say, my poor
skills made going through the IndyCar series, a full season of races that lets
the player work up through the ranks, and the Indianapolis 500, an arduous and
timely affair. There's also a quick race mode to pop off a quick - ahem - 50 laps
and a multiplayer mode to race against a friend; luckily, everyone else sucked
just as much as me. The courses were also a bit tricky; even though they may seem
similar at the outset, they're actually very different in how they have to be
approached. What really tested my grit was the requirement of qualification before
even competing for the Indianapolis 500, not to mention the harder settings that
progressively took the game from an arcade to a sim; although, the game never
really completely settles on its approach. This was definitely not one of the
easiest games I've played. Those who
know their cars will have a few tweaking options, like gas mixture and whatnot.
But I suspect gearhands and big fans of the sport would like a bit more. What
is there should suffice, though. However, that's really who I feel the game caters
towards more. Regardless of how easy they made it for newcomers, it's still a
difficult experience and one that is best suited for those who already have an
interest in it. Playing on the harder difficulty settings will test even the best
armchair racer and those are the ones who will truly appreciate the skill it takes
to take the lead going on the 40th lap, but even they might get tired of the repetition
after a while.
Graphics:
7/10
Pretty bland here; from the courses to the cars, there's not much detail
or much to impress. Jagged edges are also prominent. However, with 33 cars on
the track and a solid framerate, not to mention an incredible sensation of speed,
IndyCar Series manages to overcome its doldrums. Just don't go in expecting
lens flares, tires flying all over the place, and debris flying into the camera.
Sound: 7.5/10
The
cars sound decent, with solid positional sounds; although I do wish collisions
would have had a heavier sound to them. The music ranges from pretty ambient to
weird b-class rock that sounds like it got lost somewhere in-between the late
80s and the early 90s. Surprisingly, it doesn't conflict with the game and never
detracts - much - from the race itself.
Control:
7/10
The thing with most racers is that, once the controls are down for a
particular car, the only other obstacles are time and circumstance. That isn't
exactly the case here, because even a superb run will still be under par, making
it feel as if practice doesn't always make perfect. The cars also have a way of
feeling overly sensitive to commands; now, I'm aware of the delicacies involved
in handling a car going around 200 MPH, but taking a turn sharper than most cars
will go doing 10MPH isn't something I'd imagine nor expect. One recurring problem
I had was that using a button to accelerate wasn't nearly as affective as using
the analog, but continuous use of the analog was difficult due to my finger always
slipping. There's nothing quite like gaining on someone, only to realizing that
the indention on your thumb won't keep it there forever and feeling it slip off
as the other driver passes - not to mention I've always preferred using the buttons
for that sort of thing. Overall:
7/10
When compared to more sim-oriented titles, IndyCar Series is
a little lacking; but, when compared to more arcade-styled titles, it comes across
as too difficult. Somewhere in-between there's a solid mixture that's waiting
to be found. I'd really have to recommend this only to fans, because no one else
is going to be won over by going 50 laps in oval courses - no matter how different
a minor adjustment may make a course, going in a circle can only be fun for so
long. Regardless, fans will at least want to rent IndyCar Series because
they're bound to appreciate some of the finer details and sensational sense of
speed - who knows, they might even discover their next purchase as well. After
all, despite being horrible at it, I still had fun. [
top ] |
