CAR and DRIVER PRESENTS:
GRAND TOUR RACING '98 (PSX)
Type: Arcade Racing
Developer: Eutechnyx
Publisher: Activision  
Number of players: 1 to 4
Rating: K-A

Grand Tour Racing '98 (GTR) is a collaboration between Car and Driver, the
popular magazine for automotive buffs, and Activision.  Although GTR is an
arcade racer it does include enough realism, exciting action and gameplay to
please the most cynical driver.

You have a number of selections to make before you start racing.  First, you
pick a racing team and vehicle.  There are 8 international teams available in
the game and 40 different racing  vehicles.  The vehicles include: rally and
sports cars, Dakar all-terrain vehicles, dune buggies and Indy cars.  You can
race in 3 different events: Rally, Sports and Off-road.  The realistic
obstacle-filled race tracks are located in Scotland, Switzerland, Egypt,
Easter Island, Moscow and Hong Kong.

You have 4 playing options: Time Attack, Season, Single Player Races and
Multiplayer Races.  The Season consists of six races where you earn points
based on how you finish in each race.  You race against 7 other drivers.  Of
course you always start out in the back of the pack.  Don't you sometimes
wish you could start in the pole position?

The various tracks each include some unique terrain feature such as: sand,
snow, city streets, tunnels, coastline and a few surprises.

There's plenty of challenging racing action and a considerable amount of fun
packed into this game.  This is an easy game to get into and a hard game to
stop playing.

This is an arcade racer so don't expect the physics to be 100% accurate.
 However, the vehicle does react realistically to road conditions and driver
input.  The dynamics of actually feeling the road are also well done and rank
among the best you're ever likely to experience.  The bumps on the road or
water hazards will have you holding your breath as your vehicle accurately
responds.

What can you say about the graphics other than they are simply gorgeous.
 You'll see beautifully rendered 3-D graphics that includes realistic weather
effects.  The sky changes with the time of day.  The various locales will
grab your undivided attention whether you're driving through a darkened
forest in Scotland or down the streets of Moscow in the rain.  Often you
forget about the race and just take in the sights.

The sound effects are well done and compliment the adrenaline pumping action.
 The sound of the engine changing pitch as you shift gears, road noise, water
splashing, screeching tires, crowds cheering, bells ringing, cows mooing,
etc. are all well done.

The game supports analog steering controllers.  If you don't have an analog
controller you will be pleasantly surprised by the incredible control
possible with a standard controller.

GTR supports multiplay for 2 players via split screen on one Playstation, or
up to four players on 2 Playstations with a link cable.

If you had to come up with a list of "negatives" in GTR you'd only find a
few.  The selectable music tracks are uninspiring and don't include anything
you haven't heard before in other racers.  Eventually you'll turn the music
down low or completely off.

Another "negative" is, you cannot customize your vehicle i.e. color, logo,
tires, suspension etc.  To some racing purist this may be a major turn-off.
 The only choice you really have is between an automatic or manual
transmission.

There are 2 racing views available, a behind-the-wheel or an exterior
behind-the-vehicle view.  No messing around here.  There's no rear-view
mirror but, there is a button available for a quick look behind you.  GTR is
a straight-forward racer where you get behind the wheel and just have fun.  

The Bottom Line:  GTR is a thrilling arcade racing game which provides
endless hours of exciting action and great replay value.  If you're looking
for an entertaining racing game with the emphasis on "FUN", then GTR is the
game for you.

Street Price:  $49.95

Password:  No

Memory Card:  1 Block

Supports:  Analog steering controllers

Graphics:  95

Sound:  95

Soundtrack:  70

Learning Curve:  Easy

Difficulty:  Easy at first and then harder as you progress

Controller Options:  4

Manual:  Good

Replay Value:  Great.

FINAL SCORE:  90

=*=A Voltranic Syndicated Review=*=

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page