This is a copy of a letter I sent to CGW after reading their online
"review" of 'CART Precision Racing.'
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I stand in utter disbelief. I have been a subscriber of your magazine
from the beginning, but I am now seriously considering canceling my
subscription. The reason for this change of heart is your recent online
review of 'CART Precision Racing' by Scott A. May.
Scott claims that the "game authentically simulates the 1997 PPG CART
World Series schedule." Perhaps Mr. May does not understand the words
"authentic" or "simulate." This can be the only explanation as the *game*
'CART Precision Racing' is neither authentic, nor a simulation. The only
thing that can be said about the game's "AI" is that it is all
"artificial" and totally lacks "intelligence." The "AI" in the game is
absolutely the worst that I have ever had the horror to witness in a
racing game. Even admitted "arcade" style games such as 'POD' have better
AI than this game. A testament to this fact can be seen in every single
race where it is possible to lap all cars on Expert level within a few
laps. In addition, for a game that claims to be a simulation of racing,
it lacks one of the primary features of a real race - yellow flags!
As for the graphics, I do not understand how Mr. May can claim that CART
"is-without [sic] a doubt-the [sic] best-looking [sic] racing sim on any
format." Perhaps he has not had the joy of driving 'Formula 1 Racing
Simulation' from Ubisoft, but then again even 'Grand Prix 2' by
Microprose and 'Indycar Racing 2' by Papyrus both surpass this game in
the graphics department, so perhaps that isn't the answer after all. One
of the most annoying "features" of this game that Scott found appealing
was the way that "trackside objects such as trees and buildings gradually
materialize." What he failed to mention was the fact that they
"materialize" at such a close distance that it is more annoying than it
is realistic!
I would also like to differ with the author's assertion that "at the time
of this writing, the game was so new, finding available online
competition proved impossible, so this aspect of CART remains untested."
I would say that the real reason that no one was available to compete
with Mr. May is because the majority of racers cannot tolerate this game.
Mr. May goes on to state "Microsoft's CART Precision Racing qualifies as
the best game of its type ever produced." If by this he means that it
alone has the honor of being the first computer game in six*** years of
*** that I have returned, then he would be correct. Otherwise, perhaps
he should go back to racing arcade games and leave the reviews of
simulations to someone who knows what they are talking about.
*Highly* disappointed in your magazine,
Rob