Xtreme Air Racing PC Review
Xtreme Air Racing
"Xtreme Air Racing makes the Indy 500 look like a wussy convention." - PC Gamer.
UK based PC flight simulation computer games publisher, Just Flight today announced the forthcoming early July 2002 PC CD-Rom release of the extreme sport air racing game, Xtreme Air Racing (£24.99). The game is the brainchild of flight simulation developer, Victory Simulations. PC players will compete in a digital recreation of the world's fastest motor sport. The game is being tipped as the benchmark in hi-speed, extreme sport; no-holds-barred air racing.
"We are excited to release such a state-of-the-art air racing game in Europe," says Mungo Amyatt-Leir, Just Flight's MD. "The growing popularity of extreme sport air racing games is catching on like wildfire. If you're not accustomed to racing at high speed, you may want to think twice before you attempt to play Xtreme Air Racing".
Xtreme Air Racing recreates accurate representations of the aeroplanes raced annually at Reno Nevada, together with realistic 3D-terrain graphics combine to provide the ultimate high speed racing experience. Instead of racing cars around a track, try to visualise airplays in the sky racing at lightning speed.
Fly between 50-200 feet above the ground in a turbo-charged, nitrous burning steel monkey with over 3,000 horsepower at the touch of your fingertips. Experience racing around pylons 50ft off the ground. Fly so low to the ground that your propeller kisses the sagebrush, while surrounded by seven relentless competitors. It's no surprise why real-life pilot professionals refer to the experience as the "world' greatest adrenaline rush".
During a 'virtual' race, US World War II aviation expert Bob Hoover will be your co-pilot and coach you through the event, providing various suggestions and warnings. There's also a real-time announcer reacting to the actual events and changes in position as the race progresses.
Fly 20 highly detailed aircraft via 3-D cockpits, in nose to nose action against the most famous planes in the world of air racing. Try a single race or enter an entire season of racing in exotic locations around the world. From the jungles of Thailand to the scenic coast of England, to the snowy fjords of Iceland to the majesty of the Swiss Alps - Xtreme Air Racing has it all.
When you're ready to compete with the big boys, fly in the granddaddy of all air races, the National Championships at Reno. In between heats, choose from a number of aircraft and engine options. Set up your plane for peak performance from 50 different tracks.
Seasoned pros will love the high-fidelity simulation model with over 200 independent variables, while amateur pilots can jump into the cockpit in the bronze class to compete from the staring line. With state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, the computer pilot's opponents adapt to your skill level. No matter what skill level is selected, you will face a new, invigorating challenge.
Access the game in multi-player mode over the Victory Air Racing Network. The SoundMAX audio will also set a new standard for all air racing simulations as each plane engine runs in real-time and will react to variances in altitude, velocity, twists and turns. You can also record your own announcer tracks and even put your own name in the game.
As a virtual pilot, indulge in aerobatic stunts or test your survival skills by dog fighting in the air combat section. If you blow an engine, and don't coast back to the pits, you'll be lucky if you make a successful dead-stick landing and survive to tell the tale. Xtreme Air Racing is one of the few racing games where engine management during a race is critical. Go for it!
1. Stunning 3-D graphics with meticulous attention to aircraft detail and terrain.
2. 15 courses via 5 different regions including the Reno desert, European Alps & Thailand jungles.
3. 3 levels of difficulty, offering challenging game play for beginners and experts alike.
4. Extensive aircraft selection of over 20 different models in the Unlimited Class.
5. Unlock tracks and fly new aircraft as you advance.
6. Flexible and entertaining mulit-player mode for up to 8 players.
7. Fly in a single race or entire season with 3 racing seasons via progressive levels of difficulty.
8. Experience spectacular crashes and special effects.
9. Realistic flight physics with over 200 independent variables in the airframe.
10. "Hoover's Hints" will put Bob Hoover in the co-pilot seat to coach you around the course.
11. Air combat and Stunt modes
12. Extensive replay tools - record races and study racing techniques from all angles.
13. Race announcer gives the "play by play" and reacts in real-time to events during a race.
14. Ability to record your own voice as the announcer and name your own planes and pilots.
15. Wake turbulence from other aircraft.
16. Aircraft set-up and modification - tune the aircraft to track layout and weather conditions.
17. Dynamic, 3-D engine and sound effects.
18. Advanced AI adjusts to skill of player and makes every race competitive.
19. Optimised for hardware acceleration.