 |
IndyCar Series |
by Chad
8/22/2003 |
 |
 |
IndyCar Series from Codemasters represents the first real attempt to duplicate Indy Car racing on next-generation consoles. With so many racing games being on the market, it is surprising that open-wheeled Indy racing has been overlooked. Formula One games have been produced, but US-bred Indy racing has never been invited to the dance. It is also surprising that in a country full of NASCAR fans, Indy Car racing is largely ignored outside of the Indy 500. Codemasters has attempted to fill a niche with the release of IndyCar Series; satisfying racing fans desire to experience the Indy 500 and other Indy Racing League (IRL) competitions.
IndyCar Series is build around the Indy Racing League. The game includes most of the drivers and all of the oval tracks on the IRL circuit. And yes, all of the tracks are ovals; this is Indy Car racing after all. The Indy 500 in included in tracks, and the Indy experience is reproduced in meticulous detail. There is a four lap qualifying round, Bump Day, and a 33 car field, all modeled after the real Indy 500.
The cars themselves are highly customizable. Drivers have the ability to adjust even the most minute details of their car, including camber, toe-in, springs and ride height, wing angles, dampers and tire pressure. The detail present in the car options is quite impressive and should satisfy the drivers who enjoy controlling every aspect of their vehicle. All of the adjustments can either hurt or hinder your cars performance; finding the perfect combination is extremely important. Lap times, handling and overall performance can all be affected by the changes you make to your vehicle. Thankfully, there are tutorials for those that have experience tweaking their vehicle. The tutorials are extremely helpful and educational. If you are not knowledgeable about Indy cars
 
Tutorials are present throughout the game in the form of video lessons. The lessons are given by IRL driver Eddie Cheever. Eddie guides you through the lesson and then sends you off to apply your new skills in the form of a test. With each test you can earn a gold, silver or bronze placement, which in turn unlocks extras of the game. IndyCar Series uses a trading card system to unlock the extras, which include DVD documentary footage of Indy racing and the Indy 500.
The racing in IndyCar Series leans heavily towards realistic simulation. There is not an arcade feel to the game at all. If you are racing around the track and bump a wall in turn four, it will have consequences for the rest of the race. The AI is superb and there is an extremely low margin for error. The AI cars make very few mistakes, including not causing accidents and being mindful of their location on the track. This creates on environment that facilitates racing above everything else. You don’t spend all of your time trying to keep your car on the track; the steering is tight, just as real Indy cars have tight steering with little room to oversteer.
Another nice feature in IndyCar Series in the advice you receive from your spotter throughout the race. Your spotter will speak to you via a head set while you are racing as he keeps you informed of what is going on around you. He will tell you when you have a car approaching you, when it is still there, and when it is clear. You can also monitor all of your cars systems via a HUD display. The HUD display will monitor your fuel (total fuel and total laps left with available fuel), drafting level and weight position.
 
The main thing to focus on in IndyCar Series is getting around the track as quickly and smoothly as possible. Lap time is of the utmost importance. If you are not in the pole, passing other drivers is not a quick, easy process. You have to first make sure you are getting around the track as quickly as you can. If you do this, you will steadily gain on other drivers, culminating in the ability to utilize drafting and make a pass. You must use proper drafting technique when using it to pass another racer; if you stay on the gas you will bump the car in front, if you don’t pull out at the right time you will not be able to pass. I can’t emphasize enough how important skillful driving is in IndyCar Series. The AI will actively try to thwart your attempts to pass, creating serious challenges.
One of my favorite features of IndyCar Series is the damage system. This is a customizable system that offers different levels of damage. You can race as an invincible, plowing through barriers and other drivers with no harm to your car, or go to the other extreme and have completely realistic damage that can result in your not being able to race with a beat up car.
A second feature that I was really impressed with was the ability to save a race without completing it. This means you can start the Indy 500 today, pit on lap 75 and save the game until you have time to finish it. This is a feature needs to be adopted in every oval racing game in existence. I found myself using this feature quite a bit as it allowed me to play the game at my leisure and not have to restart race after race.
 
Graphics - 6
The graphics are not groundbreaking by any stretch of the imagination. They are adequate for what the game is trying to accomplish, but this is not where the developers spent the majority of their time. The graphics do not detract from the game, but they will not be the aspect of the game you focus on.
Sound - 9
The audio portion of the game was extremely enjoyable and created a true racing atmosphere. The inclusion of the crew chief (or race engineer) is a helpful and realistic addition. The cars sound authentic and you really feel the race surrounding you. The game supports Dolby Digital 5.1, and if you have the capability to play the game in 5.1 it is unbelievably cool.
Gameplay - 9
This is definitely the strongest aspect of the game. The realism coupled with the attention to detail creates a fantastic racing experience. There are not many complaints when it comes to the gameplay of IndyCar Series. If anything, it can be too complex for casual gamers. The steering is tight, the races are reproduced with authenticity in mind and the sense of accomplishment when you finally pass the racer in the pole position is unmatched in any racing game I have played recently.
Overall - 8
The level of detail in IndyCar Series is mind-boggling. This can also be a detraction to many that would otherwise purchase this game. It is so faithful to true Indy car racing that there is no quick fix for the casual racer. However, if the only problem with your game is that it is too good, I would say you are doing pretty well for yourself. If you are a Indy Car fan, or a racing fan in general, you will be blown away be the time and effort put into making this game one of the most realistic racing games on the market.
Related News, Images & Links
News
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
SalaciousCrumb
Heckler
|
I picked up this game when it came out and it is a good game. Bit of a marmite one though (you´ll either love it or hate it) but its great for people that like race games, the sense of speed is great and you can see the whole track+every car without any pop-up at all. The thing that dissapointed me was the fact that the cars have no mirrors, indy cars have mirrors in real life and I would think they play a big part in racing.
|
|
Posts: 0
Member: None
IP: 195.137.102.130
|
...
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Disney land
Heckler
|
i would like to see a gokart racing game.
|
|
Posts: 0
Member: None
IP: 63.201.80.84
|
...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
