RC Cars from Whiptail Interactive is
a fun little racing game that puts you in control of a remote controlled car
racing around a host of different environments. The game offers pretty good
graphics, detailed environments, and fun gameplay. However, the game does have a
few problems, like a frustratingly unforgiving single player mode and goofy
handling. However, all things considered, RC Cars is a fun game that will
provide hours of entertaining racing.
RC Cars puts you in control of three
different RC Cars: a Bigfoot-style truck, a six-wheeled Hummer, and a racecar.
You only begin with access to the Bigfoot truck, and you’ll need to complete
levels in order to play with the other two vehicles. The cars each have
strengths and weaknesses, and handle quite differently. However, it would’ve
been nice to have a bit more variations.
The environments are nice and
diverse, however. Throughout the game, you’ll race over many different types of
terrain, from beaches to busy roads and so on. And, of course, there are lots of
obstacles thrown in your way to prevent you from top placing in races. Since the
cars are little RC cars, the obstacles tend to be things like pop cans and other
litter, people, and even real cars.
The game also boasts a pretty deep
garage mode that allows you to upgrade your racer as you progress through the
stages. You can purchase new parts throughout the game, increasing your speed,
handling and acceleration as you move on to harder stages.
However, things start to get a
little messy with the car handling. While the physics engine is pretty
impressive, but the vehicle handling is a little too floaty. Cars will spin out
after taking relatively simple turns, which can lead to much frustration. Also,
for some reason or other, hitting certain pieces of debris will build up your
cars boost gauge while slowing you down at the same time.
Another sore spot of the game is the
single player mode, in which you can unlock new levels by buying them. However,
unlike many racing titles where you can purchase a track and then go back to it
over and over again after only paying once, RC Cars requires you to pay each
time you race a certain track. This can be a real pain, as you’ll probably end
up spending all of your money on one lousy track.
The graphics are quite impressive.
The cars have a lot of shine to them and bounce realistically, and look pretty
good overall. The environments are very nice, with tons of great details and
great-looking textures. The framerates are also quick and smooth, giving the
game a good sense of speed.
The sounds are fairly simplistic,
but they do their job. The car sounds are a little irritating, and the weird
soundtrack (composed of a strange mix of techno and 80’s guitar riffs) may have
you muting the sound all together.
RC Cars does fall prey to a few
nasty little problems, although the nice gameplay and entertaining environments
make the game a lot of fun. The end result is still a pretty good game at a
great price.
Gameplay: 7.5
The gameplay is a lot of fun. The environments are big and interactive, adding a
lot to the gameplay dynamic, and the pace of the races is challenging and
engaging. However, the handling is a little too unforgiving, and the unlocking
of races tracks is a chore since you’ll have to pay for tracks each time you
play.
Graphics: 8.5
The graphics are very impressive. The cars are well rendered and have a nice
shine to them, and the environments are nicely detailed and have great textures.
The framerates are also fast and smooth even of lower-end PCs.
Sound: 5.5
The sound is pretty simplistic. The car sounds can be a little grating, and the
bizarre mix of music can be a little annoying.
Difficulty: Medium
Concept: 7.5
RC Cars pays a lot of attention to detail, with very meticulous stages and lots
of neat obstacles, although some of the gameplay decisions may be a little
questionable.
Multiplayer: 7.5
RC Cars has pretty meaty multiplayer options. The game offers a two-player split
screen mode and internet play for up to six players.
Overall: 7.5
RC Cars offers up a nice platter of fun gameplay and great graphics for a very
low price. The game does have a few problems, like unforgiving handling and some
pretty frustrating single player elements. However, the game is entertaining
overall and should provide hours of good racing.
