Looking for a racing game with a twist? What about a twist, a
plot, multiple racing types, and cutting edge graphics? Yup, I thought so,
well Pro Race Driver incorporates all of these into one well rounded game that
is sure to please racing fans of all race types.
Pro Race Driver supplies plenty of racing action in a
multitude of race types, from high horsepower stock cars, to four wheel drive
touring cars, to mid-size front wheel drives, four wheel drive touring cars,
full sized rear wheel drives, domestic makes as well as foreign imports, all
raced on some of the worlds premier race tracks. And all this racing action is
supplied through cutting edge graphics, a hot sound track, and a game plot!
As a young aspiring race driver (from a well known race
family) you are out to prove yourself in some of the fastest cars on some of
the worlds most demanding tracks. Where you take your career is up to you and
your skills as a "Pro Race Driver"
If following the plot through a career is not your style then
the game also enables you to enter single races or custom series you put
together through the FREERACE mode. The list of cars and tracks in this mode
are extensive, and the list also includes several locked cars and tracks that
can be accessed via the games website…BONUS! With a full range of car
adjustments, race options, weather options, and car selections, there is a
race in this game for every taste and skill level. The car setup options are
extensive, letting you set everything from type of tires to ride height,
suspension, gearing, even your team colors. Of course certain options such as
tires will depend on the weather options you select, if you put the race in
rain, then you better remember to put rain tires on the car or you won’t get
very far!
Other options will include the controller, sound, and graphics
settings. This game does support Force Feedback. After installing the game I
set it up to use my Logitech MOMO FF Racing Wheel. After just a few
adjustments to the deadzones and end point, I had the game ripping along, the
force feedback vibrations shaking everything from pens and pencils to my
coffee cup off my desk! AWESOME!
The combination of stunning graphics and killer sound
track add to this game and make it all the more enjoyable. Multiple camera
angles will allow you to choose the view from the car that suits you. The game
also uses a very good damage engine that not only shows the realistic car
damage, but the damage also effects your cars performance! ( I just hate games
where you can plow into a wall at say, 200 mph, and then just drive away
without a scratch on your car! To me those are the absolute worse, so
unrealistic! ) This game not only shows the damage, but if you hit something
hard enough to shatter the glass it flies in all directions. Another nice
realistic addition. The graphics settings allow you to set the games graphics
to your own personal tastes within your computers capabilities. I ran
everything at full effect and was impressed with all aspects of the games
visuals. The games sounds and soundtrack are equally impressive, crisp and
clean.
For a gamer looking for an all-round racing sim, this
might just be your ticket. No need to buy a Touring car game, Nascar game, and
a Road race game, they are all rolled up into this one well balanced package.
Do I give this game my THUMBS UP rating….you bet!
Gameplay: 8.5
Gameplay is laced together via scripted video scenes. Start with race team
offers, move on to test drives, and then to racing for your team. Free Mode
lets you practice or race on most any track with a great selection of cars.
Game does support Force Feedback wheels such as the Logitech Momo Racing
Wheel, and FF does add an enormous realistic effect.
Graphics: 9
Great graphics and fantastic detail make the game almost photo-realistic. Many
camera angles to choose from as a driver, this makes it easy to pick your
favorite view. These graphics do demand a very good video card to get the most
out of the game.
Sound: 9
Rockin’ sountrack and well matched sounds make this game a joy to play and
listen to. Crank it up and play it loud!
Difficulty: 8
Progression through your career adds a level of difficulty, but you can also
use your OPTIONS screen to set the AI level. Some of the track and cars are
tricky to drive, but then they are in real life too.
Concept: 8.5
Really like the concept of putting so many racing styles together in one game.
The story line also adds a nice touch that is sometimes lacking in other
racing games.
Muliplayer: 8
Multiplayer action is available via LAN or the Internet. Hosting and joining
are very easy and well supported.
Overall: 8
Really enjoyed this game. The designers have done a great job with every
aspect of the game, graphics, sounds, story line, car selection, tracks,
options, you name it and they have done it and presented it all to you in one
well rounded and polished package.
The Dog gives this game TWO THUMBS UP!
