As was mentioned before, the game features precise physical modeling, but it's not realistic, at least in this version. Trucks often give the sensation of being in a low-gravity environment because they're able to take mighty leaps off of precipices and hilltops, landing in valleys far below to bound away at high rates of speed. Whacking into them often sends such objects caroming off into walls, up hills, or directly into the center of the track. The game also features a replay mode that's almost as entertaining as playing. The replay mode enables players to play back the race at various speeds and from various camera angles.
Players can switch perspective from racer to racer, as well.
Particularly memorable races can also be saved for later viewing. Sound in the game is quite good, too. Although all the elements don't seem to be quite in place yet, the game features stereo separation and good audio cues you can clearly hear your truck's bumpers thwap into heavy desert brush, for example, and you're definitely aware when another truck is coming up behind you. In some locations where stationary objects are making noise, you can clearly hear a doppler effect as you travel past the objects. Click here for a list of today's stories Post your comments on this story.