Simulation Affirmation- Race Pro Reviewed

Creating a unique console racer is a tricky proposition. Current offerings range from the detailed simulations found in Forza 2: Motorsport and Gran Turismo: Prologue, to the arcade forgiveness of the Need for Speed and Burnout series. With a plethora of racing games currently on the market, creating an innovative title is a consummate challenge for any developer. After years of developing critically-acclaimed racing simulations for the PC, SimBin Studios has released its first title for consoles- Race Pro.

As racing simulations go, Race Pro has secured a position at the winner’s circle; although the title forgoes the mechanical and cosmetic customizations of Forza 2, the game’s physics are delightfully complex. While that may be linked to SimBin founder Henrik Roos, being a GT Championship driver, it also seems to be the result of a careful evolution of their racing engine. The game delicately articulates traction, acceleration, and g-forces; learning how to competently drive each vehicle demands player to learn the complexities of the game, especially on the higher difficultly levels.

True to its PC simulation roots, Race Pro includes a multiplicity of options for the player. Gamers may choose one of three main difficulty settings: novice, semi-pro and professional. From the main setting, nine other variables may be tweaked from ABS braking assistance, the option display of an ideal racing line, to the difficulty setting of AI drivers. In addition, the title offers a wealth of customizable control options- even the standard controller has adjustable settings for multiple sectors of steering sensitivity. Although some gamers may associate the wealth of customization with a prohibitive difficulty, the title’s driving assistants make the novice setting undemanding enough for the first time racer. On the other end of the spectrum, the professional setting will effectively challenge the most experienced racers.

Players have the option of competing in a single race, career mode, or multiplayer game. Although the career mode offers over fifty races for the player, the events feels a bit lifeless. Beyond unlocking vehicles, winning a race offers little fanfare beyond a monotonal, “You won” from the game’s announcer. Instead of offering a split-screen multiplayer option, the game offers a ‘Hot Seat’ variation where players trade control of the car. Still, multiplayer races were pleasingly compelling, and were relatively lag-free.

Race’s Pro’s presentation is comparatively pedestrian, offering only a handful of graphical flourishes. With up to sixteen cars on track in the single player game (and twelve, online) the title maintains a fairly consistent framerate. During sharp corners, we noticed an uneven scrolling of background elements, as if the title was not employing v-synch. Car models are thoroughly detailed in both interior and exterior views, although the game’s tracks are visually bare. The game’s damage modeling system is woefully antiquated, when pitted against titles like GRID and the Need for Speed series. Gamers accustomed to snappy interfaces, will be disappointed by Race Pro’s drab and utilitarian menus.

We applaud Simbin’s reluctance to add a musical soundtrack during racing, instead directing the player’s ears to the symphony of cylinders. Each of the game’s engine sounds were purportedly recorded from actual cars, and sound incredibly lifelike. Hearing gear changes, exhaust pops, and the signature vibrato of a tire on chicane, helps the title achieve a truly satisfying sense of realism.