Summary
- Release Year: 2000
- Genres: Racing, Sport
- Platforms: Game Boy Advance, PlayStation
- Developers: Codemasters Southam
- Publishers: Codemasters
TOCA World Touring Cars (2000): A Detailed Retrospective
Released in 2000 for the PlayStation and Game Boy Advance, TOCA World Touring Cars (known as Jarrett & Labonte Stock Car Racing in the USA and WTC: World Touring Car Championship in Japan) is the third installment in the popular TOCA Touring Car series by Codemasters. While it departed from the series’ traditional focus on the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), it nevertheless offered an exciting and accessible racing experience that appealed to both casual and hardcore fans alike.
Gameplay
TOCA World Touring Cars features a wide range of racing disciplines, including touring car championships from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Players can choose from a variety of cars, each with its own unique handling characteristics. The gameplay is fast-paced and arcade-oriented, with a focus on overtaking and close racing.
One of the most significant changes from previous TOCA games was the removal of qualifying laps. Instead, players are assigned random grid positions, which adds an element of unpredictability to each race. Additionally, penalties for bad driving were omitted, making the game more forgiving for casual players.
Cars and Tracks
TOCA World Touring Cars boasts a roster of over 30 cars from a variety of manufacturers, including Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Seat, Subaru, and Volvo. The game features a diverse selection of tracks from around the world, including Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Laguna Seca, Mount Panorama, and Suzuka Circuit.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, TOCA World Touring Cars had impressive graphics, with detailed car models and lush track environments. The game’s sound design is also top-notch, with realistic engine noises and ambient track sounds.
Reception
TOCA World Touring Cars was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. It received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its accessible gameplay, diverse content, and impressive graphics. However, some fans of the series were disappointed by the lack of a fully licensed BTCC mode.
Legacy
TOCA World Touring Cars is remembered as a solid racing game that offered a unique and exciting experience. Its focus on arcade-style gameplay and accessible features made it a popular choice for both casual and hardcore racing fans. The game’s success helped to establish Codemasters as a leading developer of racing games.
Conclusion
TOCA World Touring Cars (2000) is a classic racing game that still holds up today. Its fast-paced gameplay, diverse content, and impressive graphics make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned racing veteran or a newcomer to the world of virtual motorsports, TOCA World Touring Cars is sure to provide hours of adrenaline-fueled entertainment.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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