Scorcher

People say:

3.0

I'm going against the rest of the Crew on this one, as I didn't enjoy Scorcher in the least. Only the fast graphics and near-perfect polygonal effects save this game from the depths of coaster-dom. Even after getting used to the ridiculous control, I found that Scorcher still had no depth. Without a Two-player Option, Scorcher is an empty game with no redeeming qualities. Racing against the three computer players just isn't fun, as they seem placed for no other reason than to pace you. I was excited to give Scorcher a whirl, but imagine my surprise that there was no challenge other than avoiding potholes and tight turns. The tracks themselves are rendered OK, but the collision detection is outrageous. I laughed when I barreled through a barricade, but was stopped cold by a skinny light post. There aren't even any shadows to help guide you when airborne. Also, the super speed-ups are useless for the most part, as you must begin to brake the instant you hit it. lest you sail off into the horizon, and back to last place. I was very disgusted at the poor tight-turn responsiveness, which has a noticeable delay, then an exaggerated pull right or left, sending you careening off the track in most cases. I'll leave this electrified hamster ball race to my furry little friends.

7.0

If I went with my first reaction to this one, I would have given it a low score, but with continued plays, I ended up liking Scorcher. The graphics and music are great. It reminds me of a Marble Madness-meets-WipeOut XL-type of game. The control takes some getting used to-that's for sure-and the break-up is annoying, but it's a pretty cool title overall.

7.5

Visually, Scorcher holds its own. Its level design has a great, unique look to it. The animation is also perfectly smooth, even at high speeds. The game is not for the impatient! Sometimes, you move so fast you will inevitably fly off the track. Through practice, this game can turn from frustrating to fairly good. Missing is a Two-player Mode.

7.0

Most gamers are gonna hate Scorcher the first few times they play it. This game punishes its newbies with the toughest, most obstacle-ridden tracks that ever coursed through a racing game. But if you stick with it, learn when to zig and when to zag, the game becomes very rewarding. And the sense of speed in First-person Mode is amazing, too.

You know those 'Atlasphere' things they sometimes have on 'American Gladiators'? Well, I don't know if they have them in the British version, because I can't sit through the opening titles without attempting suicide (only last week I tried to slash my throat open with a Stanley knife, and that was just because it was on the telly in the window of Dixons as I walked past), but they're basically big wireframe balls that the hapless contestants climb into, and then roll around in. Why they'd want to do this is anyone's guess; perhaps they're a bit backward or easily led. Anyway, Scorcher is a racing game in which you find yourself inside something similar, hurtling through a selection of tortuous courses like a gigantic marble with its arse on fire. Weird, eh?

There are two tracks in this demo, one of which is very complex and scary indeed. The action speaks for itself. Oh, and for a laugh, try mucking around with the various detail options (of which there are plenty).

You know those 'Atlasphere' things they sometimes have on 'American Gladiators'? Well, I don't know if they have them in the British version, because I can't sit through the opening titles without attempting suicide (only last week I tried to slash my throat open with a Stanley knife, and that was just because it was on the telly in the window of Dixons as I walked past), but they're basically big wireframe balls that the hapless contestants climb into, and then roll around in. Why they'd want to do this is anyone's guess; perhaps they're a bit backward or easily led. Anyway, Scorcher is a racing game in which you find yourself inside something similar, hurtling through a selection of tortuous courses like a gigantic marble with its arse on fire. Weird, eh?

There are two tracks in this demo, one of which is very complex and scary indeed. The action speaks for itself. Oh, and for a laugh, try mucking around with the various detail options (of which there are plenty).