Next-Generation games-players should ready themselves for the release of the first genuine next-generation racing game, when Virgin Interactive publishes Lotus Extreme Challenge (working title), the world's first computer game officially developed in collaboration with a vehicle manufacture. The game will be released in the first half of 2001.
This unique strategic partnership sees the Lotus group (one of Britain's premier sportscar manufacturers) working with award-winning developer Kuju to create an interactive simulation that draws directly on top-secret test data. The result will be a game that's as exhilarating to play as Lotus cars are to drive - and it will look as sexy as a top-of-the-range Esprit.
And it's not just the sports cars that will feature here. Players will be able to jump behind the wheel of Lotus's superb racing and street cars as well as motors that only the privileged few will ever drive. In fact, almost every car Lotus has manufactured since the 1959 Lotus 7 (as featured in The Prisoner) to this year's amazing 340R will be available to race. And, unlike many licensed computer games, the in-game cars will behave realistically to the driver's commands, resulting in visible damage when vehicles collide.
Lotus Extreme Challenge mixes simulation, arcade and stunt modes to create one of the most complete driving experiences to date. Players can opt for a pure adrenaline rush or a more tactical long-haul race; each set across a variety of landscapes and tracks. Using the Instant Action facility, players can be racing nose-to-bumper in moments; the more serious speed junkie, however, will prefer to take time setting the vehicles up to give optimum performance.
The special effects are particularly unique, with rain, storm, snow, fog, dirt and mud all gloriously represented. Advanced real-time particle systems handle the dirt, smoke and damage effects, whilst multi-pass rendering, projected shadow casting and directional light make each frame - and there are 60 of them per second - a work of art.
A full physics-related track and car relationship makes driving as realistic as possible. Players will also be able to donut, wheel-spin and spin-out - using these tricks to their advantage when the situation arises.
A range of challenges awaits each player - from lapping the fastest, to completing trials or missions. The Story mode mixes gaming styles, with players able to choose different characters, each with a different path through the game. These modes are based on the real-life exploits of the world-famous Lotus Challenge Team, which not only races in world championships across the globe, but is also called upon to perform stunts for films and adverts. In addition, 'emergency' challenges such as rushing people to hospital in rush-hour traffic will ensure that Lotus Extreme Challenge lives up to its name.
A multi-player option is available for those willing to take-on a chum. These are spread across Championships or decided on a single race. Specific modes and challenges result in hidden tracks or cars being unlocked and available for play in any other mode - so once you've think you've finished a particular section of the game, you'll be able to replay it in a faster car, thrashing down lap times in single- or multi-player sessions.
Those that have been privileged enough to see early demos - including those behind Sony's closed doors - agree that technically, this is the best driving game to come out of Europe.
One thing's for sure, for those with a PlayStation 2, and PC 2001 can't come soon enough.
Lotus Extreme Challenge will be published by Virgin Interactive.
