Need For Speed: Porsche Unleashed
Score: 84% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: EA Games Developer: EA Games Media: CD/1 Players: 1 - 2 (1 - 4 Multitap) Genre: Racing/ Simulation
Graphics & Sound: The graphics are nice, the subject (Porsches) are beautiful, as is to be expected, and the sound is great. In fact, the music in the 'Evolution Mode' matches the time period, and adds quite a bit to the 'feel' of racing these vintage Porsches. The tracks are very pretty, and look very good from a distance. Close inspection will reveal that textures (on building storefronts and such) are repeated quite a bit, but at a glance (i.e., while racing - not while smacking into every wall...) they look great. Some of the cars are convertibles or spyders, and in these, the driver even looks backwards when backing up. The music throughout is nicely handled, generally being fast paced, but again, with some nice 'period' style music in the 'Evolution Mode.' There is also some video footage of various Porsches. This along with the 'Evolution' mode and the various Porsche cars which can be driven, is enough to make it a must-have for a die hard Porsche fan.
Gameplay: There are arcade racing games, then there are simulation racing games. And then... there are simulation racing games. How do you know the difference? Diehard simulation games rarely worry about factors that may lower the game's 'fun' factor or limit the game's 'target audience.' Need For Speed: Porsche Unleashed is such a racing game. Or, I should say, driving game. There are many different modes to choose from, from 'Quick Races,' which allow you to hop into a Porsche of your choice and play against up to three other opponents, to 'Evolution,' a career based racing game which allows you to race your way through 50 years of Porsche models from vintage to present, and a 'Factory Driver' mode in which you push the limits of the cars and yourself to see exactly what the Porsche cars are capable of. In the (up to four player) multiplayer mode, you can choose to have no additional (computer controlled) opponents, making it one on one (...on one, on one). This means that you only have to worry about trying to do better than your friends. That's good, since the A.I. and the time limits in the 'Factory Driver' mode are very unforgiving.
Difficulty: Need For Speed: Porsche Unleashed falls into the 'simulation' category. Have you ever attempted a slalom in excess of 80 MPH? No? Ever wondered if it would be difficult? The answer, of course, is HELL YES! However, Need For Speed: Porsche Unleashed doesn't worry about whether or not something is difficult. Rather, the game asks, "Is it possible?" The handling is not very forgiving, and gamers who are expecting a great 'arcade' racer will be sorely disappointed. If you didn't like the simulation mode of Gran Turismo, be afraid... be very afraid. Casual racing gamers need not apply.
Game Mechanics: Need For Speed: Porsche Unleashed is a very difficult and unforgiving game. A Porsche has a lot of power and is fairly lightweight. While this leads to unique handling challenges, the average racing gamer is not used to 'simulation.' Anyone looking for an easy to control 'arcade' racing game will be disappointed. However, for those of you who (like me) love Porsche cars and can only hope to salivate near one any time in the near future, Need For Speed: Porsche Unleashed offers a glimpse into 50 years of Porsche history. Learn how the different models handle, what their top speeds are, how well they accelerate... get a feel for the cars so you can better understand (and appreciate) them. If you've only seen a couple of models of Porsche cars before, you can now try several out. One thing that I found very interesting is the fact that the vehicles can take damage. As much as it hurts to see one of these beautiful machines dented up, I think it adds greatly to the realism. If you were less than happy with the 'invincibility' of the cars in Gran Turismo, and you're tired of games that actually allow damage, but only to 'make believe,' 'non-licensed' cars, then you'll feel relieved to see that the cars can take a hit in NFS: Porsche Unleashed.
-Geck0, GameVortex Communications AKA Robert Perkins
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