rec.autos.simulators

Yes it's worth buying if you like auto sims at all.  It has in my opinion the
best physics of any off-road game and maybe in any auto sim.  I know not
everyone will agree with what I just said, but I really feel like I am driving
the truck and have control.  The game requires at least a 200MHz machine or
better if you want to play in 640 x 480 with any kind of frame rate (15fps)
otherwise you will have to play in 320 x 240.  Also the game really needs a
driving wheel and pedals for control and a lot of practice to get good.  It is
not a game like Test Drive Off-Road or Monster Truck Madness as therse are
arcade type games and SODA (Spin Out) is a true simulation.  Damage can be
turned on or off and the AI of the computer trucks can be adjusted.  One of the
best features of the game is the track editor that allows you to build your own
course and have the computer learn the track for the AI trucks and buggies and
then send  to your buddies to try..

The Good:

1)  Great Physics
2)  Great control with Thrustmaster type steering wheel and pedals
3)  Multiplay with 6 players over null modem, modem, IPX and internet via
TCP/IP.
4)  Track editor with AI learning and import /export feature to share with
friends.
5)  3D card not required (see number 1 in the Bad) and graphic options can be
turned off or set to auto like in other Papyrus sims.
6)  2x2 trucks, 4x4 trucks, and 2x2 buggies with full setup changes and a way
to save said setups.

The Bad

1)  low flame rate in 640 x 480 due to no Direct 3D support or 3Dfx only
Rendition based cards supported.
2)  Promised 3Dfx patch at XMas time then Papyrus renigged.
3)  Lack of faith in Papyrus to support game although no major problems that
require attention that I am aware of.

 As you can tell I really like this game and recommecnd it.  I feel that the
good definately out wieghs the bad.

If the game had Direct 3D at least it would have been a major hit in my opinion
and not laying in the bargain bins.  

Jerry

I've always felt the same.  A lot of criticism has been leveled at
this simulation...and I do mean simulation...as a result of the
physics model, which requires the driver to really hustle their
vehicle to run decent times.  There's been a couple of posts
complaining about "lack of control" , but if these guys tried out a
real SODA vehicle, I think they would find out that this physics model
is really very accurate :)

Whoops! just said that.:)  As for the wheel, be sure to purchase a
high quality one...the sim will wear out a Thrustmaster product (T1,
T2, GP1, etc.) in short order.  And yes, you need a powerful computer
to fully appreciate SODA.  However, that's becoming true for most of
the new driving games being released, so you might consider trading
that 166 in for a 266...they're getting cheaper every day.

All good points.  I was very much surprised when the SODA sim went to
the  $19.95 discount area, but lack of sales does that...look at MS
CART.  Aside from framerate, however, I've always felt that SODA
didn't fare well because of the lack of an "anti-skid" and "anti-spin"
feature.  With these features,  making it an arcade game,  it probably
would have sold much better.

Ben Sides

Ben,

    Soda runs very smooth on my P166mmx with Matrox Mystique. Also, at
Software Etc. it is on the shelf at 12.99. The physics engine is very
realistic as I have been off-road quite a bit in my various 4x4s and
steering is not easy with the front wheels bouncing everywhere......:-).
Can't beat it for the price. I am sure that with the faster machines it will
run quite a bit better.

--

Regards, Ed Medlin

www.edmedlin.netminds.com
www.softwarecritics.com