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After suffering major mental damage from the bland and god awful Test Drive 6, I totally wrote off Demolition Racer. Boy, was that a mistake my friends! This game is fun to the 10th power. Using a revamped version of the Test Drive engine, Infogrames and Pitbull have pulled off not only one of the more enjoyable DC racing titles to date, but maybe will earn a sleeper notice next to it's Test Drive: Lemans brother. Graphically this game shines though on the DC. Everything from the textures, lighting, and unique and varied tracks are delightfully created. This game has it all visually. With the lack of any major draw in, to the real time damage effects (hoods fly off, engines explode, fenders cave in), to the detailed imagery, this game has to be seen to be appreciated. It reminds one of Speed Devils in some ways, and Destruction Derby in others. While a slight bit of slowdown can be noticed on some turns, it doesn't distract, as this game is so damn fast! Even the presentation has a lot of flair, with spinning logos, and interesting to the eye, menus. Hats off have to go to the developers for creating a fast, exciting, and fun engine.
Audio is also done superbly. Engines roar, tires grit though the dirt, and explosions are crisp and loud. Car damage cannot only be seen, but heard as glass breaks and metal clangs when cars bang together. Topped off with an impressive soundtrack, which includes one of my favorite bands, and obliviously Pitbull's, Fear Factory. I kind of wish an announcer was present for the bowl destruction levels, but that would just be plain perfection now wouldn't it. Game play is also a joy! While an arcade feel is present, the control is responsive and tight. Not once did I ever feel I wasn't in control of my vehicle, as I never did a spin out or went any place I didn't want. Even when crashing into another vehicle, you still maintain a sense of control. Once again, control is dead on and a joy to play. It's nice to play a racing game that you can pick up and go, without frustration or picking up a manual. Demolition Racer is also filled to the brim with many wonderful options. You have plenty of tracks to start with and unlock. Choose from 16 cars and customize your paint and even add logos (not create logos). In league mode you can even soup up your car's engine, armor, etc. Many modes are present in DR too. Not only can you race for place and points, but also choose a bowl level for destruction derby races. After completing tasks in league mode, you can open up other multiplayer options like, DR Football (pushing a crate across opponent's goal line, DR Tennis, Big Car Hunter (using a gun or controller to hit oncoming cars), and many more options. You can even increase the speed of the game if you are so inclined! With all these options, you'll be playing through this one for quite a while. With it's great game play, gorgeous graphical engine, and appealing extras, who can resist giving this game a "test drive"? I'm sure glad I didn't miss out on this opportunity, as word of mouth only goes so far, and this game should be a seller if word of mouth gets out. If you were weary of this title as I was after playing TD 6, don't stay away any longer. This is a game for arcade racing fans that want to have fun, fun, fun till their daddy takes the T-bird away.
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