Viper Racing

Review

by Nick Smith

Sierra claims that Viper Racing is "the world's first true sports car simulation." Some may dispute this statement, but this game certainly has enough detail and playability to keep the ardent racing enthusiast happy.

Compared to other racing games, the first difference noticed about Viper Racing is that every car in the races is the prestigious Dodge Viper. After some fairly impressive introduction sequences, you have a choice to make. Do you want to customize your vehicle or pitch straight into some high-speed action?

If you choose the former, you'll have masses of technical detail at your disposal with which to personalize and improve your car; you can upgrade the brakes, gears, suspension, and color schemes. But, like most people, you'll probably want to head straight into the action with the quick race option.

Even by the high standards set by similar racing games like Gran Turismo and Need For Speed III, this game has stunning graphics. Your PC will need a good 3dfx card and a DirectX-compatible soundcard to get the very best from the game. Even without these, though, the action through the six featured courses will appeal.

The gameplay is simple to pick up and soon becomes addictive. There is a strong sense of realism to the game, which means that skill is required to stop yourself from spinning out on the more demanding tracks. Every small bump or shunt will affect the performance of the car, although seeing yourself skid (especially with the overhead 'plane view option) is visually spectacular.

The long-term appeal of the game is its only (small) flaw. Though Viper Racing has a "Season" option in which you can play through a racing career, the provision of only one basic vehicle type and six tracks may leave some players itching to try another racing sim in a couple of month's time. But try it yourself first -- as you look up the vast expanse of track, with smoke rising realistically from your bonnet, you can't help but love this game.