|
Post by Ex on Jun 29, 2021 9:20:04 GMT -5
July's theme is Racing Games. That's pretty self-explanatory, but keep in mind there's different sub-genres to consider: Arcade Combat Futuristic Kart Obstacle Course
Simulation Racers come in 2D and 3D, overhead, side-view, rear-view, even first person. There's many different types of locomotive apparatus to consider. Cars, monster trucks, boats, jet skis, flying, hovering, cycling, tanks, even on foot. There's an incredible amount of racing games that are over ten years old, you'll likely find all sorts of interesting stuff when you start digging.
We're always here to provide suggestions, if you're looking for games on a particular platform or theme. Personally my all time favorite racing series is F-Zero, so I recommend any game from that franchise (although the GBA entries are the weakest).
|
|
|
Post by Xeogred on Jun 29, 2021 14:27:48 GMT -5
This used to be a genre I played a lot of actually. I must have, taken the wrong exit out of it at some point... *drum roll* Maybe it was just being a kid and playing what I could get my hands on, but I also think the AA space let more developers experiment with racers, there were plenty of genres within it like listed, etc. Nowadays it feels like only a few of the simulation franchises are still relevant. Maybe there's some good indie options out there to dig up, but we're talking retro here... Arcade - I was a HUGE fan of the San Francisco Rush series. The N64 exclusive Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA might be my favorite. Although I'm still partial to some maps in the original and 2049 taking it to the extreme with the stunt mode and manually adjustable flying wings were really cool additions. There was something weirdly adventurous about these games too. You could find hidden Keys and Mountain Dew cans sprinkled throughout the levels that were permanent collects if you had a memory card. I'm not even sure what they unlocked. Rush 2 even has a Midway office level. Loved the humor and vibes these games had. Combat - Anyone who grew up during the PSX days knew of Twisted Metal. I never go too deep into them, but they were fun rentals and demo discs to keep us kids busy. I did really dig Vigilante 8 on the N64 though.
Futuristic - F-Zero SNES and X are top notch. Always enjoyed the Extreme G games too. Jet Moto. Kinetica on the PS2 is a crazy one.
Kart - Not my favorite, but I've certainly played tons of Mario Kart and enjoyed Diddy Kong racing a lot.
Obstacle Course - Super Off Road?
Simulation - Never got too into this side of the genre. It's always painful the moment you have to make a simple... turn. They always feel funky and not very fun, even though I'm all for heavy mechanical customization with stuff like mecha games. I did enjoy the early Need for Speed games, but those probably still fit better with the arcade side.
I'd be interested to hear some 5th-7th gen recommendations.
|
|
|
Post by Sarge on Jun 29, 2021 14:44:04 GMT -5
Burnout 3. Always Burnout 3. I might look at playing another in the series for this month.
|
|
|
Post by Ex on Jun 29, 2021 16:22:59 GMT -5
I'll do a "Ex's history with racing games" post later, bit short on time presently. I'd be interested to hear some 5th-7th gen recommendations. A few that you specifically might like: 5th 6th 7th
|
|
|
Post by toei on Jun 29, 2021 18:18:02 GMT -5
Thinking of hitting up Virtua Racing, Daytona USA, and the Road Rash series (all racers I've played plenty of). For new-to-me stuff, I might give a Ridge Racer game a shot. Also, a fan-translation for Squaresoft's racing RPG was announced recently, maybe it'll come out this month?
|
|
|
Post by Sarge on Jun 29, 2021 18:52:43 GMT -5
When I think of combat racing, it's not the modern(ish) examples that come to mind, it's freaking R.C. Pro-Am. Make your opponents explode with missiles and bombs. Oh, and the cheating AI that goes into absolute hyperdrive when you get too large a lead. If they get past you, it's over, you will not take first, and it's hard enough to place in the later tracks as it is!
|
|
|
Post by Ex on Jun 29, 2021 20:48:02 GMT -5
Also, a fan-translation for Squaresoft's racing RPG was announced recently, maybe it'll come out this month? I saw today that the prologue is complete, so they've released an English patch for that particular portion. www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjFvFVp6_2wThe patch is in the video description. Make your opponents explode with missiles and bombs. Yes that's my favorite kind. Actual weapons. There are two combat racers I used to play when I was much younger, but never finished. I hope to finally finish them in July.
|
|
|
Post by Xeogred on Jun 30, 2021 21:11:05 GMT -5
Was looking up some of that stuff Ex recommended for me, Rollcage Stage II looks dope.
Then I stumbled upon Racing Lagoon... by Square. Apparently only the prologue is fan translated now, but this OST is insane:
Gotta love 90's trance/drum & bass.
|
|
|
Post by Ex on Jul 2, 2021 10:22:56 GMT -5
I sampled some SFC/SNES racers last night, brief thoughts... Battle CarsThis is one from the '90s that I rented one time, thought was interesting, but never beat. It's quite difficult. I got about halfway through it last night. I intend to beat it this month. Tough stuff! Top Gear 3000This one is great fun in split-screen multiplayer. I got pretty far in it solo last night, but hit a brick wall because I lacked the proper upgrades. You really have to upgrade your car sequenced exactly the way the developers intended or you will get screwed. I don't like that aspect of it, but this is an above average racer. Battle CrossThis one looked interesting in screenshots, but the menus are all in Japanese, and I never even got to an actual race. Oh well. Bike Daisuki! Hashiriya Tamashii - Rider's-SpiritsThe only interesting thing about this one, was you have two side-view mirrors up top, which work accurately. Otherwise this motorcycle racer was unremarkable and had annoying sound effects. SD F-1 Grand PrixThis one looks like a high quality F1 racer mixed with kart racing. Also the gameplay features real-time commentators, probably a first for a 16-bit racer. However, I never made it passed the qualifying race, because the racing physics were just awful, with overblown over-steering aplomb. Felt like crap to play, but seems like an interesting design if you've got the patience for it. Super Mad ChampBasically Japan's version of Road Rash. If you enjoy Road Rash you may enjoy this one. Saban's Power Rangers Zeo: Battle RacersBasically a Power Rangers kart racer. It's not terrible, but it's not great. I didn't like the physics of turning, you slide too easily regardless of letting off gas/using brakes, you'll be sliding off the track all the time. However I beat a few races and it was OK. The weapon systems work well, and there's plenty of cameos. If you enjoy this TV series you might get a brief bit of fun from this one.
|
|
|
Post by toei on Jul 2, 2021 10:37:13 GMT -5
Super Mad Champ was made by the same group of former Technos employees that made Kunio-tachi no Banka on the SNES, and IIRC it was actually supposed to be a Kunio game originally, hence the character designs. It's really cool that you can actually get off the bikes and fight, but it doesn't play as well as Road Rash.
|
|