Lotus Challenge...I got it!!!!!
Discussion
I bought this game for the Xbox last night. It is amazing!!!!
For all you gaming nuts, here is the lowdown.
Graphics-wise it's not the prettiest driving game for the Xbox. PGR looks better. However, as far as gameplay (which is far more important) it is unmatched.
First off, the driving/physics engine was tested and approved by the Lotus test driving staff. It is realistic as hell for a game, and it really gives you the Lotus driving feel.
Second, options options and more options. Authentic Lotus color codes (ruby red or calypso red...your choice!) But here is the best part:
Other game do difficulty levels for the drivers, like Easy, Hard, Expert, etc.
Lotus challenge instead uses a driving aid system:
Full aids - ABS, traction control, assisted steering
Some aids - Traction control
No aids - As Mr. Chapman intended. No driving aids.
That to me is much better realism.
The tracks are great. You start off driving an Elise around the Hethel test track. The challenges are very difficult...they seem like they'd be easy but they are not. Other games let you do ridiculous powerslides at will. Here they require you to do one on a skid pad in an Esprit V8. Well, either you spin out or your tires grab...I still can't get that perfect balance.
Fun little add-ons like car soccer, etc.
And the cars...everything from the classic first cars to the Formula-1 racers. I unlocked the 340-R last night and ran a race in it's class. I thought I was gonna weep with joy.
I don't think I've played a game with a more realistic driving feel.
If you own an Xbox, buy this game. If not, consider getting one.
Mike
For all you gaming nuts, here is the lowdown.
Graphics-wise it's not the prettiest driving game for the Xbox. PGR looks better. However, as far as gameplay (which is far more important) it is unmatched.
First off, the driving/physics engine was tested and approved by the Lotus test driving staff. It is realistic as hell for a game, and it really gives you the Lotus driving feel.
Second, options options and more options. Authentic Lotus color codes (ruby red or calypso red...your choice!) But here is the best part:
Other game do difficulty levels for the drivers, like Easy, Hard, Expert, etc.
Lotus challenge instead uses a driving aid system:
Full aids - ABS, traction control, assisted steering
Some aids - Traction control
No aids - As Mr. Chapman intended. No driving aids.
That to me is much better realism.
The tracks are great. You start off driving an Elise around the Hethel test track. The challenges are very difficult...they seem like they'd be easy but they are not. Other games let you do ridiculous powerslides at will. Here they require you to do one on a skid pad in an Esprit V8. Well, either you spin out or your tires grab...I still can't get that perfect balance.
Fun little add-ons like car soccer, etc.
And the cars...everything from the classic first cars to the Formula-1 racers. I unlocked the 340-R last night and ran a race in it's class. I thought I was gonna weep with joy.
I don't think I've played a game with a more realistic driving feel.
If you own an Xbox, buy this game. If not, consider getting one.
Mike
I have it on PS2. Still struggling with the challenges. I keep getting abused - 'my dog can drive better than you', 'you're driving like a grandmother', etc 
I also have with it the Lotus steering wheel, which is an Elise replica, as well as the Elise replica pedals, etc. Yep, I'm obssesed.
>> Edited by andecorp on Thursday 12th June 18:31
I also have with it the Lotus steering wheel, which is an Elise replica, as well as the Elise replica pedals, etc. Yep, I'm obssesed.
>> Edited by andecorp on Thursday 12th June 18:31
ErnestM said: Mike - I will shoot an email off to Ted and see if he will add this to the driving games so you can be immortalized through a review...
ErnestM
If you'd rather me write up a proper review for it, I would be more than happy to. Something more detailed.
>> Edited by madmike on Thursday 12th June 18:47
andecorp said: I have it on PS2. Still struggling with the challenges. I keep getting abused - 'my dog can drive better than you', 'you're driving like a grandmother', etc
I also have with it the Lotus steering wheel, which is an Elise replica, as well as the Elise replica pedals, etc. Yep, I'm obssesed.
>> Edited by andecorp on Thursday 12th June 18:31
I lent my brother my driving wheel...he's sending it to me so I can play properly. However, the also very innovative "circular steering" method with the the normal controller is brilliant.
Mike
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