Re-Volt
- January 01, 2000 00:00 AM PST
Acclaim's R/C racing sim Re-Volt finally makes it to the Dreamcast, and after lackluster ports to both PlayStation and N64, the game finally gets a little respect. Just a little.
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Better Than Bad
When Re-Volt limped from the PC onto the N64 and PlayStation, one could wonder why Acclaim even bothered to do it. But the Dreamcast version actually resembles its PC counterpart, and it's light years better than the other console versions. The gameplay remains the same; you choose from a selection of remote control cars and race through everyday locations, from your local suburban neighborhood to a grocery store and a museum. As you go, you'll unlock new cars and racing circuits on which to test your skills. There is even a track editor and multi-player race and battle tag modes to add to the replay factor.
But while Re-Volt's Dreamcast incarnation adds a few good things (much better graphics, slightly improved control and new rooftop levels), the game still remains overly frustrating and not worth the rewards of spending countless hours mastering the bizarre intricacies of the physics of this miniature world.
Oh, Now I See
Graphically, this Re-Volt hardly looks like the N64 or PSX versions. The courses are sharp and detailed, the car models look and run smoothly, and the explosions and special effects are very impressive (if only a little excessive at times). The transparencies and lighting effects that got lost or were "simulated" in the other console versions are really eye-catching, but some of the tracks are still a little sparse. The camera, however, does some really goofy maneuvers as it follows your car through some tracks, dodging obstacles and confusing the view of the race.
Music and sound effects remain the same in this version as with the other, which is not good news. The simple, annoying, repetitive music will grind on your nerves, as will the sounds of the car's electric motors and the hokey weapon sound effects.
Control has been slightly improved from the other console versions, but it is still tricky, and spin-outs will be plentiful when you start. Once you get the hang of the game and learn to avoid hitting any obstacles and other cars, and once you get handy with each of the weapons and know when to use them, you'll start enjoying the game more and opening up new circuits and cars.
Not Quite There Yet
While the much improved graphics give you extra incentive to win more races, many gamers will still be turned off by the annoying physics and control. Hardcore R/C fans will love it and Dreamcast owners who are still looking for a solid racer may want to give it a try.
