Experimental Racing
Experimental Racing
|
|
X-CAR Experimental Racing from Bethesda Softworks is an out of bounds style of racing with few limits and little realism, but still provides for some good enjoyment. Because it's based on fantasy it's hard to call it a simulation though, although the setup detail is there and the driving skill is required to compete successfully.
X-Car allows you to choose from 16 different hi-technology race cars each with their own different feel. Each car can be setup right down from the engine to the wings. Pitstops in the game are fully adjustable as well and allow for refueling, wing adjustments, tire changes, brake adjustments and other adjustments to the car. One of the best features of the game are the race conditions. YOu can race under sunny or even rainy conditions. There is even a pit radio to warn you of dangers on the track.
Recently Bethesda came out with a 3DFX version of the game although I have yet to try it. Graphically the game in the standard graphics was decent. With a 32mb ram pentium system I experienced no framerate problems with all details set on.
Some new enhancments to the game include a tire editor and a paintshop editor that allow you to more fully customize the car. Also, the replay system allows several different views of the game and and a screenshot capture allows you to save bmp pictures of your favorite scenes. The dashboard gives you several different indicators including a tachomoter, shift indicator and speedometer plus a few "idiot lights".
Bethesda also added a telemetry section to the game which allows you to view data on how your car performed. Data is recorded when you begin racing and recording stops when you end racing. It also records during practice or testing. Data can then be viewed in the VCR.
The garage section allows you to fully customize the car including the engine, nearly every aspect of the cars handling and setup including the suspension, tires and wings. The garage is very detailed and well thought out.
And finally the game allows you to compete in a multi-player environment either head to head over the modem or in a LAN environment with up to 8 people competing.
All in all it's not a bad game and earns a 7 out of 10 possible points.
OTHER FEATURES:
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR X-CAR:
CARS AVAILABLE
THE TRACKS
There are 14 different tracks in X-Car. They comprise 3 different catagories of tracks: real race tracks, concept tracks and test tracks. The real tracks included are Grattan Raceway, Lime Rock Park, Mid-Ohio SPorts Course, Putnam Park and Thunderhill Park.
Here are some details on each track:
REAL RACE TRACKS:
GRATTAN RACEWAY: LIME ROCK PARK: MID-OHIO SPORTS CAR COURSE: PUTNAM PARK: THUNDERHILL PARK: CONCEPT TRACKS:
These concept tracks are not real tracks. They are designed by Bethesda.
Timberland Pass Infinity Loop Mayan Concourse Red Rock Speedway Seattle Grand Prix Meridian Coast There are also 3 test tracks with the game.
GAME INFORMATION:
(From Bethesda)
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Pentium IBM PC or Compatible
16 MB RAM
2x CD-ROM drive
25 MB hard disk space
VGA Video card
MS-DOS 5.0+
Joystick or steering wheel recommended
XCar is Win95 compatible, and supports all major sound cards, joysticks, and mice.
Multi-player requirements are a +14.4 modem or IPX/LAN
Located in Belding, MI this is a 2.0 mile road course. It is a part of the SCCA circuit.
Located in Lakeville, CT, this is a 1.53 mile road course that is part of the IMSA circuit.
Located in Lexington, OH, this is a 2.25 mile road course that is part of the CART circuit.
Located in Brownsburg, IN, this is a 1.8 mile roadcourse that is part of the WERA circuit.
Located in Willow, CA, this is a 1.9 mile road course that is part of the SCCA circuit.
3.3 mile course located in Oak Village, CA.
1.2 mile course in Mobius, Italy.
4.0 mile course in Cicitta, Brazil.
1.5 mile course in Mesa Grande, AZ.
5.7 mile course in Seattle, WA.
1.0 mile course in Medino, Sicily.
DOWNLOADS