Summary
- Release Year: 1997
- Genres: Racing, Sport
- Platforms: DOS
- Developers: Torus Games
- Publishers: Virtual Sports Interactive
Touring Car Champions (1997)
Touring Car Champions was the first attempt to create a game based on the Australian Touring Car Championship and Bathurst 1000. It was also the first to use full motion video as the base for a racing game.
The game was developed by Melbourne House and published by Ubisoft in 1997. It was released for the PlayStation and Windows.
Gameplay
Touring Car Champions is a racing game that simulates the Australian Touring Car Championship and Bathurst 1000. The game features 16 tracks, including all of the circuits on the 1997 ATCC calendar.
Players can choose to race in either single-player or multiplayer mode. In single-player mode, players can compete in a variety of races, including championships, time trials, and single races. In multiplayer mode, players can race against each other on a LAN or over the internet.
The game’s controls are simple and easy to learn. Players use the left analog stick to steer their car, the right analog stick to accelerate and brake, and the shoulder buttons to shift gears.
Graphics
Touring Car Champions was the first racing game to use full motion video as the base for its graphics. This gave the game a more realistic look than other racing games of the time.
The game’s graphics are still impressive today. The cars are well-detailed and the tracks are accurately recreated. The game’s use of full motion video also helps to create a sense of immersion.
Sound
The game’s sound is also top-notch. The cars sound realistic and the crowd noise is immersive. The game’s music is also well-composed and fits the game’s atmosphere.
Reception
Touring Car Champions was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its graphics, sound, and gameplay. It was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
The game was nominated for several awards, including the BAFTA award for Best Racing Game. It also won the award for Best Racing Game at the 1997 Milia d’Or festival.
Legacy
Touring Car Champions is considered to be one of the best racing games of all time. It was one of the first games to use full motion video and it set a new standard for racing game graphics.
The game’s success also helped to popularize the Australian Touring Car Championship and Bathurst 1000. The game is still played by fans today and it remains a classic of the racing game genre.
Conclusion
Touring Car Champions is a groundbreaking racing game that set a new standard for graphics and gameplay. It is still considered to be one of the best racing games of all time and it remains a classic of the genre.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
