Game: RACE Pro
Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Publisher: Atari
Developer: SimBin
Genre: Racing
Release Date: November 2008
Why You Should Care: 46 car models and 300 cars; realistic damage modeling; online multiplayer; can fine tune car
Why You Should Worry: May not appeal to those who just want to race.
If you take to heart Ricky Bobby’s immortal words, “If ya ain’t first, yer last,” in the movie Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, then RACE Pro is probably the game for you. Unleash your inner speed demon and work your way to the top in Career Mode, or flex your mad driving skills in front of your friends during Multiplayer Mode.
Developer SimBin really emphasized realism in RACE Pro. The 50 race tracks are based off their real-life counterparts located all over the world. Dynamic weather effects add another level of realism, affecting the conditions of the track. For example, if it rains on a dirt track, it’ll get muddy, which will make it more difficult to drive on.
SimBin’s attention to detail extends to their depiction of the vehicles. There will be 46 available car models and 300 cars total, ranging from 200 to 1000 horse power. Car manufacturers include Honda, Aston Martin, BMW, Alfa Romeo, and Peugot. There is also realistic damage modeling, and the extent of the damage can affect your driving. For example, minor cosmetic damage from a scrape won’t deter you from continuing. However, slamming against a wall on a hairpin turn (like I did) will cause your bumper to fall off and your car to slow down significantly.
Although it’s not necessary, pit stop crew wannabes can fine tune their car before a race. I was astounded to see the number of things you can tweak on your car: suspension, brakes, tires, etc. It looked amazingly detailed and complex, and I suspect that only the most detail oriented, diehard driving simulation fan will spend the time to go through this extensive list.