| |
System:
PSX
Genre:
Racing
Publisher:
Electronic Arts
Developer:
High Voltage Software Inc.
Players:
1-2
Release date/year:
01-31-2000
Other systems:
-
|
|
- Nascar Rumble
-
2000 High Voltage Software Inc. - Electronic Arts - PSX
General Information-
Number of players: 1-2
Vibration feature: yes
Analog compatible: yes
Memory card: 1 block (password feature also)
Genre: racing
ESRB: Everyone
By: EA Sports
-
Intro-
After releasing so many great Nascar titles, it becomes difficult to improve
on a solid engine and the many decent features year after year. With Nascar
2000 already released, the idea of reaching fans of racing both arcade and
sim has been developed and expanded-on. Imagine the use of official Nascar
vehicles (and drivers) in open-road courses and off-road tracks where high
speeds are encouraged in these environments full of short-cuts and branching
paths! Now visualize weaponry; not the destructive type, but lets say
fantasy-based weapons such as storm-clouds or even TORNADOS! Such an image
is that which EA had painted. Is this picture worth framing? In my opinion,
I say... read on!
-
Features-
Besides the (now standard) single play and time trial modes, there is the
Championship mode where the player competes in a tournament to ultimately
win the placement cup of gold (if not that, then silver or even bronze).
Showdown is a one-on-one battle where the player can race against a CPU
opponent in a single lap face-off. In both Single Race and Championship
Mode, the player can choose from the following selections:
Standard- each racer attempts to obtain the primary position of 1st place or
the player can simply race alone.
Cyber Team- the player can select a partner to race along with him/her as a
team with the total of both players recorded points determining victory or
defeat.
In Championship mode, the Legend option allows the player to compete in a
race where a legend-driver of Nascar is among the competitors. Should the
player defeat the legend, he becomes available for play and can be used in
the other modes. The multi-play modes include:
2 Player Cyber Teams Championship- where each player (1 and 2) selects their
vehicle and that of their CPU ally. The remaining two vehicles (since there
is a total of 6 in each race) are CPU controlled as well, however they
make-up the 3rd team. These 3 teams (player 1s team, player 2s team, and the
CPU team) engage in a typical tourney of 3 stages, where the combined points
of both members of each team determines who obtains the cup.
NOTE: points are distributed thusly-
1st place- 10 points
2nd place- 8 points
3rd place- 6 points
4th place- 4 points
5th place- 2 points
6th place- 1 point
2 Player Co-op Teams Championship- this mode mirrors that of 2 player cyber
team, but player 1s team consists of player 1 and player 2; additionally,
there are now 2 separate CPU teams.
These races take place in up to 5 different locales consisting three stages
each and additional locales, legends, vehicle classes, stages and racing
classes be unlocked via progress through the tourney, defeat of a legend,
obtaining of gold wrenches (only in pro and elite settings) and completion
of all locales. Only by finishing the tournament in the Rookie setting can
additional racing classes (or difficulty settings) be obtained such as Pro
and Elite. Initially, there are 6 locales (3 stages each) with a total of 18
stages and more can be unlocked. Weapons can be used to assist the player in
acquiring the coveted gold (silver or bronze) cup; however, should the
player not want such obstructions, the option to turn them off is available.
Other options include sound and music settings, number of opponents,
frequency of weapon appearance (because they regenerate), and number of
laps.
-
Graphics- 9.5/10
Thanks to Gran Turismos mark of visual excellence, the graphics for Nascar
Rumbles vehicles are very clean and polished very well! In fact, they do not
share the same graphical flaws of GT2 since the vehicles to NOT merge into
each other, nor does there appear to be any break-up as these racing
machines are viewed closely! And yes, there is a degree of lustre for each
one of them, ESPECIALLY during the night races, where the graphic quality of
both vehicles and environments are reminiscent of Ridge Racer 4 and Gran
Turismo 2! Plenty of lighting, shading and lens flare come into place along
with sparks, and the visual effect from weaponry makes Nascar Rumble fun to
watch in spite of the pastel, washed-out look of a few stages. While most
courses are detailed excellently, few are of the 1st generation Playstation
type and somewhat blocky since the polygon count is low; however, at the
speed of gameplay, it is not noticeable (I am nitpicking). Every vehicle has
its signature listings of advertisements as seen in real-time and on Nascar
2000 along with the appropriate driver for specified vehicle (ie: Jeff
Gordon and his #24 Du Pont car).
By entering the higher racing classes, the player is greeted by and upgraded
version of the selected automobile which is not only cosmetically different,
but sports improvements in the categories of speed, handling and
acceleration. Breakable objects are present in each course and varies in
accordance to the level (ie: tumbleweed in the High Noon stage, and boulders
in the Kirk Rock region). Details such as rats scurrying across the Mardi
Gras area and the Blimps in EVERY location add motion to the otherwise still
environments! This game REALLY moves at an accelerated pace with speeds of
120 appearing to be about 190! Yes, its THAT FAST with an impressive
framerate which only drops a bit in multi-play modes and when the rear view
mirror is used!!! In the Elite class, the gameplay is accelerated even more,
with opponents who take full advantage of short-cuts and use weapons when
the player least expects it!
-
Controls- 10/10
PERFECT, simply perfect! True, this is an arcade racer, but the handling
makes anyone a deity according to racing-games... and with the pace of the
Nascar Rumble, this was needed! Navigating through the numerous locations
should not be a problem at all - the problem is trying to keep the opponents
weapons from impacting with the players vehicle (that is a joke... ha, ha...
ehem, nevermind). In fact, the controls may be a bit TOO responsive for
those already familiar with control-scheme for GT or GT2. It is possible to
steer out of ANY altercation - even when control-altering weapons are used!
After every race, the player is given the option to watch a replay which can
be viewed from 4 different perspectives and a multi-angled cam that shows
the high-speed action from many exciting views. Every weapon has a distinct
effect which affects the player or their opponents in some way or another,
but most can be shaken-off by use of a specific strategy:
Invincible- become invulnerable (for a short period of time) to opponents
weapons if used properly. If used before twister hits and immediately after
freeze, bad gas, oil slick, and storm takes effect, the players speed or
control will not be affected. This item becomes available primarily to
players who are in the losing position.
Nitro- a instant burst of speed. This item also is given to losing players
often to assist them in climbing the ranks.
Oil Slick- released from behind, this item (if ran over) causes vehicles to
lose traction. Be forewarned: this item remains on the track after release,
so it is possible for the player to run-over the same oil which he/she used
for the opponent.
Storm- (fires ahead) a thunder cloud; reduces visibility and alters
controls. This item affects the vehicle immediately ahead, though oftentimes
it skips if used too close.
Super Traction- gives vehicles tighter grip (temporary).
Twister- the best weapon in the game (to me). A huge tornado is launched
which spins every vehicle in motion. After the vehicle is tossed, it is
possible to straighten-out afterwards without using the auto-correction
(triangle) button which stops the player completely and allows opponents to
gain the lead.
Big Rumble- gives the player the ability to bowl-over the opposition upon
contact. Its effects are limited, so use upon contact with opponents or when
approaching.
Shockwave- sends nearby opponents flying thanks to a supersonic blast. Use
in close proximity whether the opponent is ahead or behind... very effective
in corners or tight spots.
Joker- a random choice of weaponry which can help or hurt the player based
on the item given. Oftentimes this item is given to whoever happens to be in
the lead. Use only when the lead is threatened and be prepared for anything.
-
Sound- 8.9/10
The statements made by commentary, Jess Harnell (the voice of the Wacko on
Animaniacs and the Tick) if taken literally or seriously can HURT feelings!
Such ramblings include, "whats running your engine, a hampster on a wheel?"
and "admit it, you suck!" will or should motivate the player to improve
performance; but will definitely embarrass anyone in the company of many
others! The sound effects of vehicular crashes with other vehicles and
objects of those of the Nascar type, so do not expect the heavy noises of
bass-heavy impact since Nascar vehicles are essentially powerful engines
coated in aluminum shells (though the hollow sounds makes the cars seem
oh-so-hollow... maybe a bit TOO hollow). The music is played low and is
drowned out by the comments of Jess, the powerful engine noises and numerous
forms of ambience ranging from crashes, weapons, and atmospheric
distinctions (mice, frogs, bells, etc.), however the volume of the music,
which is country/rock, can be increased.
-
Overall- 9.5/10
I found this a pleasurable title to own whether you are a fan of the Nascar
races or not (especially since I REALLY am not fan of Nascar racing...
sorry)! With the lighting-speed gameplay and the many unorthodox vehicles to
be unlocked as well as additional stages, multi-play modes and unique
weaponry, this is one racing title that I will recommend that everyone at
least try - for this is indeed a classic! Thanks EA Sports (the sports
division produced this?)...
-
Wish-list (features that should have been included, but were not)
**More "varied" courses.
**I think that is it!
-
Bottom line:
*EVERYONE PLEASE TRY THIS!
*EVERYONE PLEASE TRY THIS!
*EVERYONE PLEASE TRY THIS!
//Soloist
|
|
