Race Pro - You got it yet?

[Bahnzo]

Says release date is today...so anyone got their hands on a copy yet?

[lnin0]

Gamestop told me they would have it Wed

[Rules]

Looks like Wednesday at the earliest for me.

[Flawless]

IGN UK Review - 8.5

Quote:

There's a tangible connection between car and tarmac noticeable throughout the game's considerable roster, and each vehicle, from the humble Mini to the bare-knuckled open wheel F3000s, feels pleasantly distinct. Push a tin-top from the game's flagship WTCC series to its extremities and you can feel the chassis flex; take it beyond and the audio visual feedback is astounding as the car skitters and bounces across the track. Take to the wheel of a single-seater and the benefit of slicks and wings is instantly apparent as the downforce sucks the car down at speed and cornering becomes a precision affair. The sound design compounds the authenticity, with the whine of the transmission as convincingly rendered as the pop and wheeze of a braking engine working its way down through the gears. Engine notes themselves are equally convincing, be it the piercing tone of a Radical's motor or the more guttural heave of the Touring Cars.

Quote:

Unfortunately, the game is often betrayed by a dip in frame-rate and the occasional screen tear, and although these never infringe excessively upon the experience they're indicative of the lack of polish that's evident throughout Race Pro. Indeed, it's this shortfall in presentation that's likely to prove too great a barrier to those who demand a little more sheen from their racers, and it's this lack of polish that also prevents Race Pro from ultimately fulfilling its potential.

Quote:

As unwelcoming as its front end may be, as underwhelming as it may look and as bare as its feature set is, when Race Pro hits the track it reveals its colours as a top tier racer. No other game has managed to capture the thrill of going bumper to bumper in pure-bred machinery quite so brilliantly as this, and if you can see through its shortcomings it's one of the very best available on the 360.

[Flamehead]

Scouring the web for "professional" reviews on Race Pro shows that they're across the board. Some love it, some hate it. This is one title whose appeal seems to be based on the eye of the beholder, depending on what you're looking for.

I think this is why some reviewers "get it" and other don't. Meaning, Race Pro doesn't appear to be anything than what it says it is--a no frills, bottom-line simulation racer. A title whose fun comes from the realism (as much as a console title can deliver realism) of an authentic racing experience. It appears to be a title squarely aimed at the niche of gamers who have craved a simulation style racer on the 360, but haven't gotten one yet.

I get the impression that a lot of reviewers see just another "racer" out there, but because it lacks certain "features" that others have, it must not be a good title.

For example, GT and Forza are really nothing more that driving simulators when you think about it (GT even makes the distinction of calling itself that, rather than a racing sim--at least Poly's being honest). Yes, they may attempt to deliver decent physics on a racing track--but with only 7 other cars on the grid? How is that racing?

When I picture a road race, I picture 16 cars on the grid at least--along with the physics. Want to paint your car with all kinds of designs? Want to marvel at how a ba-jillion pixels accurately model reflections on its paint? Well, there are games for that already, and I'm glad that Race Pro isn't another one of them.

When a reviewer starts comparing a game to Project Gotham or Grid, they've lost me already. Those games are fine for what they set out to do, but Race Pro doesn't appear to set out to mimic those games--thankfully.

Just had to vent. The casual arcade gamer probably will get bored with this title and not like it, BUT THAT'S OK.

This one's waiting for me at home on my front door, so I can't wait to give it a spin tonight.

[bluengold34_OS]

Found one copy at the GS I go to, threw it and am racing Mini's at Anderstorn.

[Flamehead]

How is it, especially with all aids off?

[DXZeke]

Quote: Originally Posted by bluengold34

Found one copy at the GS I go to, threw it and am racing Mini's at Anderstorn.

How's it play?

Are you digging it?