I realize that these are just two different variations on the
same product, but which should I buy? I don't have a 3D card,
so that is not an issue. Which has more interesting stages?
(RAC has 28 in Britain, including some racetrack stages, while
IRC has 15 "international" stages, plus whatever people edit).
IRC has a track editor, but no in-car view. So which, on the
balance, is a more enjoyable product?
Stephen
Stephen,
I have found the new version, International Rally Championship to be the
better game. It's not just a variation, it's a new updated game. Sure, you
won't benefit so much from the improved graphics via 3D but it's always
there if you get a card in the future. I think the modelling of the cars is
better in IRC plus you have a certain amount of freedom driving off the main
track - something you can't do in Network Q Rally.
For me personally, IRC will probably have more of a 'life' mainly due to the
track editor and this will be especially true if the game gets the kind of
support that NFS had/has with people making up new tracks and then you have
someone like Doug Burg who sets up a web site as a repository for them all.
It just adds to the challenges. Perhaps someone would like to have a go at
recreating the F1 tracks for IRC?
I don't find the lack of an in-car view too much of a problem. The bumper
cam is quite good and reasonably steady so you can see where you are
supposed to be going. You still get the rear-view mirror, too. I find the
external view difficult to use because I can't judge the corners very well
like that (as if it makes any difference with the way I drive!!). This may
be different for you.
In the end, it's up to you. Ya pays ya money and makes ya choice. As I
said at the top, IRC is the one for me!!
Cheers ...... Pete
*** Opinions expressed are those of the author and
not those of Intel Corporation (UK) Limited ***
>Stephen
It all depends on what hardware do you have. International Rally is a
Windows 95 game, so it depends heavilly on DirectX to have a good
performance. If your machine is a Pentium 166 and up, and your video board
is supported by DirectX 5, go to International Rally. It is a funny game. If
you have Pentium 133 or down, consider getting RAC Rally that is a DOS game.
Even on a Pentium 75, you will get top performance. By the way, you can get
the X-Miles add-on, and you will get more 10 new tracks to race at. You
probably can get both for the same price of International.
Roberto Reboucas
Brazil
>Stephen
No one will be recreating anything since there is not a track editor in IRC.
It is a random track generator and as such one cannot edit anything. You
simply play around with a few variables, shake the dice and hope for the
best as the computer generates the result.
The lack of an in-car view is inexcusable.
RAC has real tracks (that are interesting and challenging) and an attention
to detail that is outstanding (windshield wipers, weather, night driving,
sound effects, etc.). IRC has removed all of the individuality and detail
and replaced it with high-tech graphics (but only if you have a 3dfx card)
and half as many tracks (all of which drive like they were created with the
generator as opposed to modelled by hand or modelled after real roads).
I own both games but if I had to choose only one it would be RAC.
Joe
I totally agree, when I play RAC it's like I've competed in a real
rally, but
there is no sense of achievement with IRC, I mean when I was playing it
you had to
do a number of 'laps' around a course and there were pitstops along the
way
for fuel.
Definitely an arcade game *not* a simulator.
MarkH
I couldn't agree more with your criticisms of IRC. I returned my copy
to the vendor for a full refund the next day. I then sent an e-mail to
Europress expressing my disgust.
My advice is to wait for the next release.
