Sukuzi Alstare Extreme Racing
- January 01, 2000 00:00 AM PST
Breakneck speed has a whole new meaning once you hop onto a road rocket and fly down the streets of Suzuki Alstare Extreme Racing, Ubi Soft's latest eye-catching racing title for the Dreamcast.
- GamePro Score
- User Score
- Write your review!
Hitting For The Cycle
It's all about speed -- that and hanging on for dear life -- as your motorcycle redlines to amazing speeds of 300kph in SAER. You'll race through twelve circuits that showcase seven different environments, all beautifully rendered collections of hairpin curves, tunnels, twists and turns. From snowy mountain passes to sunny, sandy beaches, to the streets of Brooklyn at night, you'll enjoy the racing for as long as it lasts -- which won't be too long.
The biggest problem with this game is how easy it is from the beginning. You can play through the first six to eight circuits without losing a race. And it's the replayability that has to carry racing titles; it has to be a challenge to open up new levels and get new bikes. In SAER it comes almost automatically, which is fun at first, until you realize that's all there is to the game.
Cycle Gang With A Bang
What SAER does deliver is very nice graphics. Hi-res models of the riders and the motorcycles look terrific against the stunning background environments. From water effects to scores of different racing textures, the game always looks terrific. The frame rate is incredibly smooth and fast -- unfortunately, noticeable draw-in keeps this game from graphical perfection. Sound, however, is not on the same level. It's just standard generic-sounding race music buried behind the whir of a high-powered Japanese motorbike. Suzuki engineers will probably delight at the accurate sound of the motorcycle engines, but most others will remain highly unimpressed. There's nothing you'd miss if you just muted the TV and blasted your own high-octane tunes.
Control is slick and responsive. When you first get into the game, you'll be amazed at the obstacles you'll avoid and the near-wrecks you survive. Your bike leans back and forth, and the Dreamcast controller's tight analog stick lets you remain in control at all times, but as you continue you'll be thankful for the forgiveness you receive as you survive bumping into other riders and skidding against walls at 200+ kph. It's definitely arcade style fun -- don't expect a racing sim here.
It's Not Polite to Alstare
SAER is a smooth, lightning fast thrill ride and one of the nicest looking racers on the Dreamcast. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast or even just a wanna-be, you should pick up this title. Most others will experience the thrill after seeing the graphics during a weekend rental.
