Games Database
PC
Racing: Car
| Viewed: | 3D Combination | Genre: | Racing: Car |
| Media: | CD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Soft. Co.: | Kalisto | ||
| Publishers: | Microprose
(GB) |
Released: | 1998
(GB) |
| Ratings: | 3+ |
Summary
Any game that totally relies on the use of hand-braking around almost every corner, gets the thumbs-up at SPOnG. Ultim@te race falls into this category perfectly. Kalisto have gone for all-out arcade action in place of simulator style realism and the result is fantastic. The tracks are long, and various weather conditions can be chosen.
One outstanding point is the arcade-style “tuning” option. You get to prioritise between top-speed, acceleration, grip and armour, just like back in the old days. This can effectively make the game into a rally arcade with a complete lack of grip, which is as enjoyable as it sounds. One odd point worth mentioning is the fact that you don’t have to be successful to progress through the stages. You just pick a car and a track and off you go. There is pop-up noticeable on the tracks but this is largely disguised by the clever use of fogging. The AI of the computer players is a bit high but this can controlled in the options.
There are some people (I think they like to call themselves purists) who would dismiss this game as being an unrealistic simulation. There are others (purists) who will love the game for its addictive quality and all-out arcade herritage.
One outstanding point is the arcade-style “tuning” option. You get to prioritise between top-speed, acceleration, grip and armour, just like back in the old days. This can effectively make the game into a rally arcade with a complete lack of grip, which is as enjoyable as it sounds. One odd point worth mentioning is the fact that you don’t have to be successful to progress through the stages. You just pick a car and a track and off you go. There is pop-up noticeable on the tracks but this is largely disguised by the clever use of fogging. The AI of the computer players is a bit high but this can controlled in the options.
There are some people (I think they like to call themselves purists) who would dismiss this game as being an unrealistic simulation. There are others (purists) who will love the game for its addictive quality and all-out arcade herritage.