S.C.A.R.S. is not your typical PC car racing game. Created by Ubi Soft Entertainment, it offers a fresh twist to the genre. In this game, you step into the shoes of one of nine supercomputers ruling future Earth. Your only form of entertainment is to race computer-generated cars representing different animals against your supercomputer counterparts in simulated Earth environments. To up the excitement, you have access to various weapons scattered across each course, adding a layer of strategy to the races. While S.C.A.R.S. has its entertaining moments, it also has its shortcomings.
Control: Using a controller is highly recommended for S.C.A.R.S., as a keyboard won’t suffice. With the need to both race and utilize weapons, you’ll find yourself managing more than just gas and brakes. Jumping, a feature not common in racing games, is essential to dodge certain weapons. However, the maneuverability of the cars is somewhat limited, leading to occasional loss of control, which can be frustrating.
Graphics: One of S.C.A.R.S.’s strengths lies in its graphics. The gameplay is smooth, and the courses are well-detailed, with both terrain and backgrounds receiving attention. The game incorporates vibrant colors into its tracks, keeping them visually engaging.
Sound: As with many racing games, sound expectations are moderate. Sound effects are mainly focused on engine noises, collisions with course elements, and occasional weapon explosions. The music, while serving its purpose, is your typical generic techno/dance style and lacks originality. Nevertheless, the techno Western music in the Canyon level provides a humorous touch.
Miscellaneous: Multiplayer is limited to two players and can be challenging since one player may need to use the keyboard. Despite the tracks being quite extensive and offering various directions, S.C.A.R.S. only offers nine tracks in total. Instead of creating entirely new tracks, the game recycles them by altering the environment to night or rain. Moreover, the minimum number of laps is four, resulting in total race times of nearly six minutes per track, which can become tedious. On the positive side, many tracks feature multiple routes, some faster than others, adding some variety to the gameplay.
Overall: S.C.A.R.S. initially impresses with its graphics, intricate courses, and the addition of weapons for intense rival battles. However, as you continue playing, the limited track selection and somewhat subpar controls can dampen the experience. Nevertheless, S.C.A.R.S. offers an entertaining and action-packed racing style that sets it apart from other games in the genre.
The Review
S.C.A.R.S.
S.C.A.R.S. delivers a unique twist on PC car racing games by introducing supercomputers racing in futuristic Earth environments with added weaponry. While it offers engaging graphics and action-packed gameplay, limited tracks and control issues may hinder the overall experience. Nevertheless, S.C.A.R.S. stands out for its action-oriented racing style.
PROS
- Engaging Graphics
- Action-Packed Gameplay
CONS
- Limited Tracks
- Control Issues
- Multiplayer Limitations