Network Q RAC Rally (video game)

Network Q RAC Rally
DOS front cover featuring a Ford Escort Cosworth
DeveloperPixelkraft
PublishersEuropress
SeriesRally Championship
PlatformsMS-DOS, PC-98, FM Towns
Release
  • EU: 1993 (DOS)
  • NA: 1994 (DOS)
  • JP: 1994 (PC-98)
  • JP: 1995 (FM Towns)
GenreRacing
ModesSingle-player, multiplayer

Network Q RAC Rally (Rally in the US)[1] is a rally computer game released for MS-DOS in November 1993. It was developed by British studio Pixelkraft and published by Europress Software,[2] five years after Europress's Lombard RAC Rally. The new name reflects the change of sponsorship of the real-life annual RAC Rally event in Britain, on which the games are based on. Because of this, the game was also referred to as RAC Rally 2 by some critics.[3]

Network Q RAC Rally was one of the earliest rally simulators, aiming for realism (including damage and weather conditions) in a three-dimensional environment.[4] A version for Amiga was also touted for release but cancelled by Europress.[5] Also, a version for the Super Nintendo was under development by Arc and for publishing by JVC but this version was not released either, but a prototype build exists.[6][7] Europress released a sequel in 1996, called Network Q RAC Rally Championship (which would go on to create the Rally Championship series).

Game principles

The game simulates the eponymous British rally with all 35 stages except for the special stages. Car behaviour changes depending on the road surface and vehicle condition. Driving aids such as automatic braking and automatic transmission are available. Vehicles are serviced between stages. Four different tyre types are available.[8]

The graphics consist of overlapping raster images that zoom as they are approached. An electronic co-driver provides English voice guidance. The game is controlled via keyboard or joystick.[8]

Playable vehicles are:

Reception

Computer Gaming World in March 1994 reported that Rally's graphics were "strong" and that "the night time driving is about the best in any racing simulation". The magazine approved of the navigator voice's use of racing jargon.[1] Elsewhere in the issue, the magazine said that the game "might be a fun experience for serious rally sports, but those racing fans who've grown accustomed to more detailed driving sims will probably race on by".[9] In April 1994 the magazine stated that "Rally just doesn't cut the mustard in the realism department". Citing lack of collision detection, "both sloppy and oversensitive" controls, repeated crashes, lack of drafting, replays, or camera angles, and the competing IndyCar Racing and World Circuit, the magazine concluded that "die-hard racers will want to look elsewhere before considering Rally".[10]

References

  1. ^ a b Matthews, Robin (March 1994). "Rally Round The Wicket, Boys!". Over There. Computer Gaming World. pp. 98, 100.
  2. ^ Gamespot: Network Q RAC Rally
  3. ^ "RAC Rally 2". PC Zone. No. 10. January 1994. p. 66.
  4. ^ "Rally Round The Wicket, Boys!". Arcade. No. 1. November 1998. p. 139.
  5. ^ "Helping Hand". Amiga Format. No. 59. May 1994. p. 98.
  6. ^ IGN https://www.ign.com/games/rally-the-final-round-of-the-world-rally-championship. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  7. ^ Kotaku https://kotaku.com/games/rally-the-final-round-of-the-world-rally-championship. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  8. ^ a b Harald Wagner (April 1994). [Network Q RAC Rally is available for free viewing and download at the Internet Archive "Schlammschlacht"]. PC Games. p. 44. {{cite magazine}}: Check |url= value (help)
  9. ^ "Taking A Peek". Computer Gaming World. March 1994. pp. 174–180.
  10. ^ Goble, Gordon (April 1994). "Around The UK In Four Days". Computer Gaming World. pp. 82, 84.


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