What can I say? I am a sucker for a great racing game. Especially an arcade style one that is blazing fast and nice to look at. It all started with Ridge Racer, Daytona, Wipeout, the list goes on for hours, these games used to deliver what we in the gaming industry call “fun”. Lately with graphics and technology being the focus of software the fun factor has seemed to diminish, in my opinion having a good time is worth the price of admission so developers should start catering to the hardcore gamers needs. Without further ado, and to end my ranting let’s get down to business.
Graphics
There is very little to bitch about when it comes to Quantum’s visuals. This game is blazing fast, I am talking a steady 60 fps with no slow down. The game does chug a bit in four-player split screen but this is expected with such a graphical powerhouse. Imagine the textures found in Rallisport with the speed of Wipeout and you have a good idea of what this game looks like. Dynamic lighting, killer water effects, and particle effects that leave your eyes dusty this game is chock full of visual glory.
Sound
The music is very fitting, as you could expect from any hover-style racing game techno is the main entree. You are blessed with drum n’ bass melodies that make your ears scream for more. Thankfully there is a an option to add your own music. Once again we are left with a sorry use of this feature as Quantum only allows you to load a set number of tracks into the playlist for your listening pleasure. The ambience of the game is kind of quiet, I mean the music absolutely drowns it out. The explosions sound sweet on a surround system and the engines rev with the best of them.
Gameplay
This is where QR surpasses Wipeout in every fashion, this game is silky smooth. Everyone who is anyone knows that completing a race in Wipeout takes talent, ok so perhaps it takes a freakin’ miracle but in QR you have a chance to win, in fact even beginners can pick this game up and enjoy it just as much as hover-racing vets. The Novice difficulty setting is pretty tame and comparable to the old Wipeout games, but switch it up to Redshift difficulty and even Wipeout veterans will be green with envy, it’s that fast.
Overall
This game is more than worth it’s admission fee. A game that seeminglessly comes from nowhere and knocks you right on your ass. Making racing fun again QR delivers on so many levels it’s uncanny. I could write all day about how great this game is, but play it for yourself and experience the wonder that is Quantum Redshift.
