Rally Cross rally racing game for the PSX

Hello, Yeah, I know this is a shameless plug, but I am curious as to some early opinions of the game. The coolest racing game to ever come to a pc/console will be out Q1 '97 for the Sony Playstation. It is called Rally Cross, and has the most realistic features of any racing game to this date. You can see screenshots and read some more specifics on the game at: http://www.sepc.sony.com/SCEA/squares/rallycross_f.html http://www.gameinformer.com/news/dec96/120596d.html Jim Buck Sony Interactive Studios America

Still doesn't look as good as RAC Rally, Sega Rally or the forthcoming Accolade Test Drive Offroad for PC

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>Hello, > Yeah, I know this is a shameless plug, but I am curious as to some >early opinions of the game. > The coolest racing game to ever come to a pc/console will be out Q1 >'97 for the Sony Playstation. It is called Rally Cross, and has the most >realistic features of any racing game to this date. You can see screenshots >and read some more specifics on the game at: >http://www.sepc.sony.com/SCEA/squares/rallycross_f.html >http://www.gameinformer.com/news/dec96/120596d.html >Jim Buck >Sony Interactive Studios America

Wow....looks really good. After playing Screamers 2 on my PC I started to wonder where the rally games were for the PS...now I find out theres one on the way! Plus if I'm not mistaken it'll have 2 player split screen<Did I understand this right?>. One thing I wasn't sure of...The Sony site says 6 courses. The other site says 18 tracks. Is one of them incorrect or is it 3 tracks per course. If it is 3 tracks per course is it Rige Racer style where it's the same track just extended it or is it 18 totally different tracks? Also I didn't see ANY dash views...is there some kind of in car view? To me, this is crucial to a good racing game and would be disappointed to find it lacking. Thanks JASON

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>Hello, > Yeah, I know this is a shameless plug, but I am curious as to some >early opinions of the game. > The coolest racing game to ever come to a pc/console will be out Q1 >'97 for the Sony Playstation. It is called Rally Cross, and has the most >realistic features of any racing game to this date. You can see screenshots >and read some more specifics on the game at: >http://www.sepc.sony.com/SCEA/squares/rallycross_f.html >http://www.gameinformer.com/news/dec96/120596d.html >Jim Buck >Sony Interactive Studios America

Jim, Looks great and the split screen mode is an excellant idea. I love racing-type games. The latest 4x4 game which came out for the Playstation not too long ago is quite fun but has some problems. Looks like you have added several things missing from 4x4. What looks good in yours: 1) Graphics look great! 2) Split screen a definite plus! (I don't tend to do link-ups so split screen is better for me. 3) Difficulty levels are great for us older folk who don't have as much time to master games like my kids ;-) 4) Sounds very realistic! 5) As far as music, I usually turn it off after the first couple of times playing the game. I would rather listen to sounds of cars tearing-up the terrain! 6) And just on the whole it looks and sounds great. I hope it lives up to your web page description. Questions about yours: 1) Does it support Necgon? 2) How does it save? 3) How many tracks are there really and how are they broken out? 4) What's its frame rate? Not that I care, just want to know if it is smooth or not. 5) Not a question but a warning, I have many friends in the 30's who own Playstations. Don't make the game too difficult to play for us old folks ;-) What I like about 4x4 (in no particular order): 1) You can save after each race. This allows me to keep working on a race until I get good at it. Once I qualify (or come in first), then I can save and move on to the next track. I'm 32 with kids and don't have as much time as I use to. Thus, saving is a big deal to me anymore. I like the N64 Wave Race however once you start, you have to race like six races all at once before you can save. This takes up way too much time for me. PLEASE ALLOW SAVING TO MEMORY CARDS AFTER EACH RACE!!! 2) Many tracks of different terrain. 3) Different cars/trucks to choose from. 4) Quick interface to navigate. 5) Great send of speed and movement! What I don't like about 4x4 (in no particular order): 1) Tracks are a bit too narrow. It would be nice to be able to go off the track at times but maybe penalized by time for doing so. 2) Lava track is a bit too dark and hard to see at times. 3) The AI is set up such that you are always in the pack. I can sit still for 5 minutes and still finish Not Last? Makes for good competition but not realistic. Maybe that should be some type of Preference setting? 4) Needs a better on-screen map and indication of where other trucks are. 5) Lots of clipping problems; you see the white lines often. However, I ignore those after playing a while. Just to let you know, I'll be buying this the day it come out. By the way, when is this? I've heard Jan or Feb; hopefully January is the correct date. If not, you might want to update EB as that is the date they have. Hope this was helpful. Keep us informed as what is going on. Regards, Jeff

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> Hello, > Yeah, I know this is a shameless plug, but I am curious as to some > early opinions of the game. > The coolest racing game to ever come to a pc/console will be out Q1 > '97 for the Sony Playstation. It is called Rally Cross, and has the most > realistic features of any racing game to this date. You can see screenshots > and read some more specifics on the game at: > http://www.sepc.sony.com/SCEA/squares/rallycross_f.html > http://www.gameinformer.com/news/dec96/120596d.html > Jim Buck > Sony Interactive Studios America

Jason, Glad you are liking what you see so far. It will have both 2 and 4-player split screen (4 player with the multitap). The 18 course thing was a bit misleading. There are 6 courses, but 3 versions of each course (rookie, veteran, pro) with differences being not that big (short cuts being or not being available or more or less mud/ice, ...). There is an in-car view, but there won't be a dash/steering wheel - just the rpm guage, mph, ... the same stuff you see on the screen in out-car view. If you liked Screamer 2, you should love this. Jim Buck Sony Interactive Studios America

>Still doesn't look as good as RAC Rally, Sega Rally or the forthcoming >Accolade Test Drive Offroad for PC In which way doesn't Rally Cross look better than Sega Rally (for the Saturn, I presume)? I think it looks very good, and its split screen mode is something I wish would be in more racing games. Phat.

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> Still doesn't look as good as RAC Rally, Sega Rally or the forthcoming > Accolade Test Drive Offroad for PC > >Hello, > > Yeah, I know this is a shameless plug, but I am curious as to some > >early opinions of the game. > > The coolest racing game to ever come to a pc/console will be out Q1 > >'97 for the Sony Playstation. It is called Rally Cross, and has the most > >realistic features of any racing game to this date. You can see screenshots > >and read some more specifics on the game at: > >http://www.sepc.sony.com/SCEA/squares/rallycross_f.html > >http://www.gameinformer.com/news/dec96/120596d.html > >Jim Buck > >Sony Interactive Studios America

Looks to me like it's just another old racing game. I know, I know, it's off-road racing with 6 different tracks, and you can even race then backwards! (Wait a sec, haven't I already played a million games like this? Gosh darnit...I have!) The graphics look great but I think the PSX has enough racing games(off-road smoff-road they're all the same to me!). I like what sony did with the concept of a music game (RaPappa the Rapper) and other interesting titles (Jumping Flash...etc. even though they are somewhat childish) but I think most gamers have had enough racing games for one lifetime...I know I have. Bosco

> Hello, > Yeah, I know this is a shameless plug, but I am curious as to > some early opinions of the game. Here's a shameless flame. How about upgrading your website from pathetic to mediocre? Update the to be released games section eh?

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> > > The coolest racing game to ever come to a pc/console will be out Q1 > > >'97 for the Sony Playstation. It is called Rally Cross, and has the most > > >realistic features of any racing game to this date. You can see screenshots > > >and read some more specifics on the game at: > > >http://www.sepc.sony.com/SCEA/squares/rallycross_f.html > Finally, a good looking racing game with in-cockpoit view and 2-player > split screen. Ive been holding out on racing games (except WP2097) > simply because of not much split screen support. Im getting this one for > sure.

How about link cable support!? I want more games with BOTH split screen and link cable options (even better a game with split screen linkup!) I will not be buying Rage Racer or Destruction Derby 2 because they don't support the link cable or split screen. Namco is taking a step backwards taking out the link up option,the reason to buy RRR is it's linkup abilty (with only one disc :) not because it's that much better than Ridge Racer. Grey

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> > > Yeah, I know this is a shameless plug, but I am curious as to some > > >early opinions of the game. > > > The coolest racing game to ever come to a pc/console will be out Q1 > > >'97 for the Sony Playstation. It is called Rally Cross, and has the most > > >realistic features of any racing game to this date. You can see screenshots > > >and read some more specifics on the game at: > > >http://www.sepc.sony.com/SCEA/squares/rallycross_f.html > > >http://www.gameinformer.com/news/dec96/120596d.html > Finally, a good looking racing game with in-cockpoit view and 2-player > split screen. Ive been holding out on racing games (except WP2097) > simply because of not much split screen support. Im getting this one for > sure. > -- > Hardware Engineer | > Hypertec Pty Ltd | www.hypertec.com.au

YOU DUMB ass!

Finally, a good looking racing game with in-cockpoit view and 2-player split screen. Ive been holding out on racing games (except WP2097) simply because of not much split screen support. Im getting this one for sure. -- Hardware Engineer | Hypertec Pty Ltd | www.hypertec.com.au

I'm gonna disagree AND agree with you. First off I agree there are too many racing games for the playstation BUT I don't agree that gamers have had enough racing games. I think what needs to be done is to cut down on the racers, letting only the highest quality games through..also cut down on the blatant ridge racer clones. If I see that black and orange tunnel one more time!!!! My playstation has quickly become a racing console much to my satisfaction With great games such as the arcade racer classic RR and RRR; the future racers Wipout/Wipeout XL; and the sims NASCAR and F1.I think the prefect addition to this is a rally style game where you're bumpin and slidin all around the track. Keep the GOOD racers comin but stop floodin the racing market with duds...quality not quantity!<CLICHE!> JASON

|> I think most [PSX] gamers have had enough racing games |>for one lifetime...I know I have. Fact is, I have no interest in racing games either... but I love racing sims. And now (since last monthor two) the PSX finally has two - Psygnosis' F1 and NASCAR by Papyrus. I hope this is a trend... I don't care how many racing sims there are, I'll always buy any of them that aren't outright rip-offs. It would be nice to see GP2 and some updated form of Indycar (something more extensive than Andretti racing) too.

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> I'm gonna disagree AND agree with you. First off I agree there are too >many racing games for the playstation BUT I don't agree that gamers >have had enough racing games. I think what needs to be done is to cut >down on the racers, letting only the highest quality games >through..also cut down on the blatant ridge racer clones. If I see >that black and orange tunnel one more time!!!! My playstation has >quickly become a racing console much to my satisfaction With great >games such as the arcade racer classic RR and RRR; the future racers >Wipout/Wipeout XL; and the sims NASCAR and F1.I think the prefect >addition to this is a rally style game where you're bumpin and slidin >all around the track. Keep the GOOD racers comin but stop floodin the >racing market with duds...quality not quantity!<CLICHE!> >JASON

Glad to hear you are looking for quality games. We hope we are doing just what you are asking by only putting out quality with Rally Cross. Jim Buck Sony Interactive Studios America

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>> Hello, >> Yeah, I know this is a shameless plug, but I am curious as to >> some early opinions of the game. >Here's a shameless flame. How about upgrading your website from >pathetic to mediocre? >Update the to be released games section eh?

Well, if I had access to that website, I would do just that. But, that is SCEA's website, and I am with SISA. If you have problems with the website, email the webmaster of that site (address can be found on one of the web pages). Jim Buck Sony Interactive Studios America

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>|> I think most [PSX] gamers have had enough racing games >|>for one lifetime...I know I have. >Fact is, I have no interest in racing games either... but I love >racing sims. And now (since last monthor two) the PSX finally has two >- Psygnosis' F1 and NASCAR by Papyrus. I hope this is a trend... I >don't care how many racing sims there are, I'll always buy any of them >that aren't outright rip-offs. It would be nice to see GP2 and some >updated form of Indycar (something more extensive than Andretti >racing) too.

Out of curiosity, what do you feel the differences are between a racing GAME and SIM? Jim Buck Sony Interactive Studios America

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>How about link cable support!? I want more games with BOTH >split screen and link cable options (even better a game with >split screen linkup!) I will not be buying Rage Racer or Destruction >Derby 2 because they don't support the link cable or split screen. Namco >is taking a step backwards >taking out the link up option,the reason to buy RRR is >it's linkup abilty (with only one disc :) not because >it's that much better than Ridge Racer. >Grey

For reasons I can not get into, the decision was made early in the project to not have link support. Making up for this, we offer both 2 and 4-player (with the multitap) split screen modes. And the best part is, you need only one disc. :) Jim Buck Sony Interactive Studios America

writes: >>How about link cable support!? I want more games with BOTH >>split screen and link cable options (even better a game with >>split screen linkup!) I will not be buying Rage Racer or Destruction >>Derby 2 because they don't support the link cable or split screen. Namco

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>>is taking a step backwards >>taking out the link up option,the reason to buy RRR is >>it's linkup abilty (with only one disc :) not because >>it's that much better than Ridge Racer. >>Grey > For reasons I can not get into, the decision was made early in

the >project to not have link support. Making up for this, we offer both 2 and >4-player (with the multitap) split screen modes. And the best part is, you >need only one disc. :) >Jim Buck >Sony Interactive Studios America How small will the screen be with 4 players on one? Can you still race? I really like the 4 player in Andretti.

>How small will the screen be with 4 players on one? Can you still race? >I really like the 4 player in Andretti. It will be the tv screen divided up into four like a grid. Yes, you can still race. Jim Buck Sony Interactive Studios America

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> > > > Yeah, I know this is a shameless plug, but I am curious as to some > > > >early opinions of the game. > > > > The coolest racing game to ever come to a pc/console will be out Q1 > > > >'97 for the Sony Playstation. It is called Rally Cross, and has the most > > > >realistic features of any racing game to this date. You can see screenshots > > > >and read some more specifics on the game at: > > > >http://www.sepc.sony.com/SCEA/squares/rallycross_f.html > > > >http://www.gameinformer.com/news/dec96/120596d.html > > Finally, a good looking racing game with in-cockpoit view and 2-player > > split screen. Ive been holding out on racing games (except WP2097) > > simply because of not much split screen support. Im getting this one for > > sure. > YOU DUMB ass!

Just what are you trying to tell me. That saving my money on not buying games that I cant play with friends at the same time on one psx is dumb ? -- Hardware Engineer | Hypertec Pty Ltd | www.hypertec.com.au

| Out of curiosity, what do you feel the differences are between a | racing GAME and SIM? Racing sims are programs that attempt to model actual performance, Race protocol, and opponent characterisitics. Racing "games" or "arcades" take full liberty to ignore actual car characteristics, race protocol, and opponent characteristics in order to maximize features like "sense of speed" and "the adrenaline rush" possible in the illusion of racing. Arcades tend to do away with less exciting stuff like yellow flags, detailed car-setups, innate car instabilities, potentially big leads, etc. In terms of use, the sad fact is that people who favor arcade racing games tend to hate sims, finding them to be "boring", with complaints like "it seems slow", "car setups are tedious", "it is too easy to crash", "the car is too hard to keep stable on the road", "too hard to pass", "too hard to catch opponents", etc. In general, I think they would say they are just "too much work." As a sim fan, the main reason I don't use arcade games is that (for me) they lack the sort of depth that would keep me interested in them for more than 1/2 hour. I also am a racing fan, and it is extremely interesting to race simulated tracks that you actually watch as a racing fan, and to get a feel for just how complex and difficult, and yes, even occasionally tedious (like when you spin and the field passes you, never to be seen again for the rest of the race) actual racing can be. Lastly, an interesting fact I've noticed about sims versus arcade racers is that the sims actually improve my real driving. In fact, it is known than some NASCAR drivers actually use the Papyrus NASCAR sim to stay sharp on aspects of individual tracks, and Jacques Villeneuve made a statement this past summer indicating he used GP2, and that is was possible in some part responsible for his success on several tracks he'd never raced before. Anyway, the *only* reason I bought a PSX was because the sim F1 by Psygnosis came out, and the only other software I've felt obliged to buy for it since was NASCAR. It was sorth the money, and I hope the new arrival of sims is a trend. BTW, I'd consider Andretti racing a "sim", but it has some pretty basic interface problems (like not being able to calibrate analog input devies); I was dissapointed with that, it looked pretty good.

What about the 12 lap limit? That's what killed it for me. I did like the ability to be drafted by a new sponsor after a good season...very good feature I'd like to see implemented in the sims. JASON

>| Out of curiosity, what do you feel the differences are between a >| racing GAME and SIM? [sim and game differences deleted] That's some interesting insight. I would definitely have to say that most of the racers I have seen for the PSX fall under the arcade catagory, esp. the Ridge/Rage Racer series. By your definition, Rally Cross is not a sim, but the physics in the game are very much realistic with incredibly differing terrain to drive them on (tires are NOT locked to the ground), so it's not so arcady as other driving games. Jim Buck Sony Interactive Studios America

: For reasons I can not get into, the decision was made early in the : project to not have link support. Making up for this, we offer both 2 and : 4-player (with the multitap) split screen modes. And the best part is, you : need only one disc. :) 4player split screen, huh. good, the fastest way to make my PSX on a 27 in television look like an SNES on a 13 in. Oh well. One more game I won't be buying. Pasquale DeMaio

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> : For reasons I can not get into, the decision was made early in the > : project to not have link support. Making up for this, we offer both 2 and > : 4-player (with the multitap) split screen modes. And the best part is, you > : need only one disc. :) > 4player split screen, huh. good, the fastest way to make my PSX on a 27 in > television look like an SNES on a 13 in. Oh well. One more game I > won't be buying. > Pasquale DeMaio

I will not be buying Rally cross for reasons I can get into: No link cable option!!!!!! Make the game with both two player options split screen and link cable. Making up for this you say the game has split screen ....OH WOW!!! what an amazing feat ....this racing game is a two player game .... isn't that somthing!

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>: For reasons I can not get into, the decision was made early in the >: project to not have link support. Making up for this, we offer both 2 and >: 4-player (with the multitap) split screen modes. And the best part is, you >: need only one disc. :) >4player split screen, huh. good, the fastest way to make my PSX on a 27 in >television look like an SNES on a 13 in. Oh well. One more game I >won't be buying. >Pasquale DeMaio

I am sorry you feel this way. I have seen what the game looks like at 1/4 the size, and it isn't as bad as it sounds at all. And the fact that you are playing against 3 of your buddies (instead of 3 computer cars) makes the fun factor far outweigh any loss of resolution that you get. Jim Buck Sony Interactive Studios America

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>> : For reasons I can not get into, the decision was made early in the >> : project to not have link support. Making up for this, we offer both 2 and >> : 4-player (with the multitap) split screen modes. And the best part is, you >> : need only one disc. :) >> 4player split screen, huh. good, the fastest way to make my PSX on a 27 in >> television look like an SNES on a 13 in. Oh well. One more game I >> won't be buying. >> Pasquale DeMaio >I will not be buying Rally cross for reasons I can get into: >No link cable option!!!!!! Make the game with both two player options >split screen and link cable. >Making up for this you say the game has split screen ....OH WOW!!! >what an amazing feat ....this racing game is a two player game .... >isn't that somthing!

Well, and 4 player as well, which VERY few games (if any) even have. I am sorry that no linkup will be your dominating reason for not buying. The game is an extremely fun game in its own right, and I hope that the diehard linkup people will be a bit more forgiving for games that don't have linkup. Jim Buck Sony Interactive Studios America

Finally, a decent racing game (except Need for Speed) with split screen. Linkers may complain, but finally a game for the rest of us with only one PSX, one TV, and one game disc... ------------------------------------- Wuqaas M. Munir

: Finally, a decent racing game (except Need for Speed) with split screen. I guess you don't like Andretti Racing's split- or split-and-link modes.. : Linkers may complain, but finally a game for the rest of us with only : one PSX, one TV, and one game disc... Your comment suggests that you are missing the point! I also only have one PSX, one TV and one of each game disc, yet I try to link up with a PSX friend as often as practical. The experience is matchless. -- _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ o/~ o/~ Nhat-Viet Phi, alias "Toto" o/~ o/~ A piano kinda guy! _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/

> I am sorry you feel this way. I have seen what the game looks like at >1/4 the size, and it isn't as bad as it sounds at all. And the fact that you >are playing against 3 of your buddies (instead of 3 computer cars) makes the >fun factor far outweigh any loss of resolution that you get. What are the frame rates for the 1-, 2-, and 4-player modes? Any loss in detail (aside from resolution) as the number of sub-screens increase? Thanks. Phat.

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>> I am sorry you feel this way. I have seen what the game looks like at >>1/4 the size, and it isn't as bad as it sounds at all. And the fact that you >>are playing against 3 of your buddies (instead of 3 computer cars) makes the >>fun factor far outweigh any loss of resolution that you get. >What are the frame rates for the 1-, 2-, and 4-player modes? Any loss >in detail (aside from resolution) as the number of sub-screens increase? >Thanks. >Phat.

We are expecting 30fps in single and 2 player modes and bet. 20 and 30fps for 4 player. There should be no loss of detail in either 2 or 4 player split screen modes. Jim Buck Sony Interactive Studios America

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| >BTW, I'd consider Andretti racing a "sim", but it has some pretty | >basic interface problems (like not being able to calibrate analog | >input devies); I was dissapointed with that, it looked pretty good. | What about the 12 lap limit? That's what killed it for me. I did like | the ability to be drafted by a new sponsor after a good season...very | good feature I'd like to see implemented in the sims.

Actually, I returned it before I even got a chance to get that far. Had I bought it a couple months before F1 came out, I would have liked it more. I think it was a breakthrough product, a real driving sim for PSX. Basically, there was an aesthetic until a few months ago to home game arcade platforms that was by nature "anti-sim." I think the PSX was the first to break the barrier, but the platform is still overcoming some sluggishness in that direction. F1 by Psygnosis and Papyrus' NASCAR (which is actually a sort of hybrid between the old PC NASCAR and the then-still-not-out NASCAR2) both put the platform securely in a mode where serious racing sims will continue to be produced. I hope!

Please do get into it. After no link up in DD2, now no link up in a Sony game. Will I ever be able to buy another racing game, Split screen was fine on 16 bit as there was no alternative but when such a excellent option exists and is not being supported, the will to offer my support diminishes. and it looked like quite a nice game :(

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>>> For reasons I can not get into, the decision was made early in >>the >>>project to not have link support. Making up for this, we offer both 2 >>and >>>4-player (with the multitap) split screen modes. And the best part is, >>you >Please do get into it. After no link up in DD2, now no link up in a >Sony game. Will I ever be able to buy another racing game, Split >screen was fine on 16 bit as there was no alternative but when such a >excellent option exists and is not being supported, the will to offer >my support diminishes. and it looked like quite a nice game :(

Penfold, I had posted this the other day in reply to someone's message. Here it is just in case your news server didn't pick it up. These aren't necessarily OUR reasons, but they are reasons why: Jim Buck Sony Interactive Studios America

Jim, One thing you may be forgetting, and that is very apparrant(sp?) here on the newsgroup, is that that 3% of link owners will buy nearly >any< linked game because of the fact that they >can< be linked. My brother and his best friend do this all the time. I've also seen many posts here stating the same thing. A smart suit might regard this as a "sure" sale. Granted its a small percentage, but its 3%(give or take) more than you would have before. Even mediocre games are usually fun with more than one player. My 2 cents.

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> >> For reasons I can not get into, the decision was made early in > >the > >>project to not have link support. Making up for this, we offer both 2 > >and > >>4-player (with the multitap) split screen modes. And the best part is, > >you > Please do get into it. After no link up in DD2, now no link up in a > Sony game. Will I ever be able to buy another racing game, Split > screen was fine on 16 bit as there was no alternative but when such a > excellent option exists and is not being supported, the will to offer > my support diminishes. and it looked like quite a nice game :(

Heres a solution for Sony: MAKE A FRIGGEN MODEM! What is the problem? Doesn't anyone (or hasn't anyone) played any computer games over the modem? It's just like link in the fact that you each get full screen action, but you don't need to have two tv's in your house along with two of everything else! I think a link is very inconvienent for the average person. I personally don't feel like lugging a 50lb tv upstairs and hook it up in my room so I can play with someone for a couple hours. I'm not saying I like split-screen either, it's too cramped and for games like Twisted Metal 2 it detracts from the fun by being able to tell where your opponent is at all times. Last time I posted about a modem no one responded. What's up? Doesn't anyone else think it would be fun to sit in the comfort of your home and play with someone from across town? Comments please! Seth

I agree with you on this. I didn't say that those were the reasons that it was decided that Rally didn't have link, just that those are reasons a developer might not put it in (or other relevant features). I am just a programmer, and I have no such say in any decisions such as what features go into a game (at least not yet anyway). But when/if I do have say, I will put in whatever features that will assure a maximized fun in the game, and if that means linkup must be in there, then it will be. Jim Buck Sony Interactive Studios America

Errrh NO the Feature that sets it apart from all other Console, and it`s not used. If any game comes out that I feel would have beniftted from link up and it is not included I simply won`t buy it. Ie Command and Conquer I was looking forward to that but no link, no buy. hopefully syndicate wars will include it.

I agree with the previous post who bemoaned the lack of a modem for the PSX. One thing to wonder is, what's the speed of data transfer between Playstations via the link cable? Is it bus-like in speed, ie a few megabytes a second? Or is it more along the lines of 9600-38,400? If the latter, it seems that it wouldn't be that hard to build a modem that simply emulated a linkup between playstations over the phone lines. Just have the PSX linked to the modem, dial from the modem to another PSX-Modem, and have that other modem linked to its owners playstation. This way, you could have a transparent link emulation that wouldn't require the unlikely dual Playstation/TV situation required for current link play. Another thing, has anyone thought of proposing a multi-link standard? A new generation of games that would not only be able to do a standard link, but also use a multi-headed link cable to play against another 2 or 3 users in the same game. Think about it, Twisted Metal 3, Descent 2, or Wipeout Omega against a bunch of other people instead of simply 1 other... Then of course, the possibillity of using something like TEN or some home built multi-line server with a flock of Playstations connected using PSX-Modems... Tournament play is a possibillity, people. What's needed is the demand. / Ben Hallert / http://www.efn.org/~hallert | "Be seeing you!" <*>\ "A stroke of the brush does not guarantee art from the bristles."-Kosh "If the King's English was good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for \ me!" -- "Ma" Ferguson, Governor of Texas (circa 1920) /

It's probably technically feasible. In fact, someone claimed that they had a prototype which simulated the link but that Sony was cool to the idea. Problem is, linkable games seem to be an endangered species as fewer and fewer new games are being designed with link support. And it doesn't encourage the game companies when people are constantly harping on how difficult it is to setup 2 Playstations and 2 TVs and so on. If you have any interest in online or network *** on the Playstation, you should be telling all the game developers that you want link games, even if you never intend to use it. Because once there are enough linkable games, someone is more likely to produce a modem which simulates the link and maybe Sony itself will do more to promote online and network *** instead of absolutely nothing. Linkable games will be the prototypes for online games. But Sony is so myopic, all they care is about slamming as much SW as quickly as possible. Only when they're forced to by the competition will they do something about it. So if you want Playstation modems, or online services which allow more than 2 people to participate in games, support link games and hope that things like the Sega Netlink and all the PC online game services take off. There's even a rumor that the disk drive for the N64 may have a modem as well. Let's hope that's true and it becomes a HUGE hit. Then Sony will have to get off its ass and do something.

So if 3% own a cable then 6% are using them, a bit more incentive by Sony. Like including the link up disk, should easily bring it up to 10% of Playstations owners being pissed off with the Big money men ditching the Link option because they want their game out ASAP. So if you really support the Link Boycott there unlinkable games

Most of the people that play Station games with me play one mine because they have none of their own. So I'm glad there's another racing game with split screen coming out, linkup is worthless if you're the only one around that owns a Playstation.

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>>4player split screen, huh. good, the fastest way to make my PSX on a 27 in >>television look like an SNES on a 13 in. Oh well. One more game I >>won't be buying. >>Pasquale DeMaio > I am sorry you feel this way. I have seen what the game looks like at >1/4 the size, and it isn't as bad as it sounds at all. And the fact that you >are playing against 3 of your buddies (instead of 3 computer cars) makes the >fun factor far outweigh any loss of resolution that you get. >Jim Buck >Sony Interactive Studios America

I, for one, will give this game a close look BECAUSE of the split screen option. I like to play games with my friends but we simply cannot afford multiple Playstations. This is not because we're poor students, I might add. We're all professionals with family incomes in excess of $50,000 a year. We also have families (and believe me, until you HAVE a child you can't begin to comprehend just how expensive it is to raise a child these days). I took a look at Wipeout, for instance, but decided not to buy it because it lacked a split screen mode. Just wanted to let Sony know that they haven't irritated all Playstation owners with this decision! Henry

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>I, for one, will give this game a close look BECAUSE of the split >screen option. I like to play games with my friends but we simply >cannot afford multiple Playstations. This is not because we're poor >students, I might add. We're all professionals with family incomes in >excess of $50,000 a year. We also have families (and believe me, >until you HAVE a child you can't begin to comprehend just how >expensive it is to raise a child these days). I took a look at >Wipeout, for instance, but decided not to buy it because it lacked a >split screen mode. >Just wanted to let Sony know that they haven't irritated all >Playstation owners with this decision! >Henry

Henry, I glad to hear your comments. I don't believe you will be disappointed. Watch for the game very soon. Jim Buck Sony Interactive Studios America

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|> Watch for the game very soon. |> |> |>Jim Buck |>Sony Interactive Studios America |>

Jim, I've seen the QT movies from Next Gen's site (they look incredible). How's the 4 player mode running? I understand from a preview that 2 player split is running smooth, But I've not heard how smooth the 4 player split is. Kevin Clark

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> |> Watch for the game very soon. > |> > |> > |>Jim Buck > |>Sony Interactive Studios America > |> > Jim, > I've seen the QT movies from Next Gen's site (they look incredible). How's > the 4 player mode running? I understand from a preview that 2 player split > is running smooth, But I've not heard how smooth the 4 player split is. > Kevin Clark

They should include both options: 4 player split-screens or 4 player linked-up with 2 split screens. Include a second link-up disc only in the package just like MTGP 2 in Japan. This makes everybody happy.

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> writes: >|> Watch for the game very soon. >|> >|> >|>Jim Buck >|>Sony Interactive Studios America >|> >Jim, >I've seen the QT movies from Next Gen's site (they look incredible). How's >the 4 player mode running? I understand from a preview that 2 player split >is running smooth, But I've not heard how smooth the 4 player split is. >Kevin Clark

Kevin, Yes, the 2 player split screen is quite smooth - it's running at 30fps, just as fast as one player. For four player split screen, we obviously had to drop the frame rate since we are drawing so much - it's final speed is 15fps (which, btw, is the same frame rate that Daytona on the Sega Saturn ran in). But, keep in mind, that's how fast the display is running - all physics, ai, and joystick control is still running at 30fps, so you will still have the same amount of control and playability as in single player. Jim Buck Sony Interactive Studios America

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> > writes: > >|> Watch for the game very soon. > >|> > >|> > >|>Jim Buck > >|>Sony Interactive Studios America > >|> > >Jim, > >I've seen the QT movies from Next Gen's site (they look incredible). How's > >the 4 player mode running? I understand from a preview that 2 player split > >is running smooth, But I've not heard how smooth the 4 player split is. > >Kevin Clark > Kevin, > Yes, the 2 player split screen is quite smooth - it's running at > 30fps, just as fast as one player. For four player split screen, we obviously > had to drop the frame rate since we are drawing so much - it's final speed is > 15fps (which, btw, is the same frame rate that Daytona on the Sega Saturn ran > in). But, keep in mind, that's how fast the display is running - all physics, > ai, and joystick control is still running at 30fps, so you will still have the > same amount of control and playability as in single player. > Jim Buck > Sony Interactive Studios America

Jim, You can't imagine how much I am anticipating this game. I have seen release dates (from two different retailers) of Feb 4th and Feb 11th. Is either of these dates realistic or will it be a little later? I am getting a multitap just for this game. I downloaded a couple of movies and it looks fantastic. Shawn Winget

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>Jim, >You can't imagine how much I am anticipating this game. I have seen >release dates (from two different retailers) of Feb 4th and Feb 11th. Is >either of these dates realistic or will it be a little later? I am >getting a multitap just for this game. I downloaded a couple of movies >and it looks fantastic. >Shawn Winget

Shawn, The latter date is more realistic (seeing as right now it's the day before the former date :) ), but it may be a little later than the 11th (but not much later), so be a little patient. I am glad to hear that you are getting a multitap for this game - you won't be disappointed. We, just a couple days, ago added support for the newest analog/feedback joystick - I don't know when this controller will actually be out though. Jim Buck Sony Interactive Studios America