TWIST AND SHOUT!
A Review of Whiplash
by Mark W. Frantz
Since the first cars rolled out of the factories many years ago, the world has become infatuated with a need for speed. Race cars were one of the first uses for the automobile following its inception. So, naturally, when computers rolled around, racing games cemented themselves on machines across America. The last year has brought a plethora of racing games to the PC, including the critically acclaimed IndyCar Racing II, NASCAR Racing, and new comers Need for Speed and Hi-Octane. Now stepping into this currently hot genre, Gremlin Interactive, in conjunction with Interplay, presents their offering, Whiplash.
Whiplash is no ordinary racing game. There are several features found in this game not found elsewhere, and these help to make it a unique product, a rarity in this topsy turvy world we call PC Games. The most notable feature, which is perhaps the most redeeming factor of Whiplash, is the ability to play over a network, with up to 16 DIFFERENT PEOPLE. That's right, 16. Mind you, I don't have 16 friends, but if I did, boy what fun would we have! This feature allows for unlimited replay ability, and gives Whiplash a slight edge over some competitors.
A second feature that is somewhat unique, although not as much anymore, is the ability to gain points by destroying your opponents cars. A trivial thing perhaps, but I think everybody once in while has the urge to utterly decimate the guy driving next to you.
A third unique feature is the ability to race cooperatively with another player or computer racer. You can give him orders, including win the race, destroy other cars, and block other cars. This is the first time I have ever seen this feature, and it is therefore certainly unique and interesting.
Beyond these features, Whiplash operates pretty much like any other racing game of its kind. The game features 16 different tracks, each with their own mix of jumps, twists, and loops. Some are devilishly difficult to win at no matter what you're driving, others depend solely on your car. Speaking of cars, you have eight to choose from, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Which one is best depends on the driver, as each player has his own style of racing.
The story line, although superfluous, does provide reasons for your racing. The basic gist of it is that all the car makers of the world are dominated by eight companies, and each company offers their best car for this huge tournament, the winner basically getting a majority of the business for the year. Each company builds their own track as well, usually favoring the abilities of their car. The tournament consists of you, the driver, picking one of these companies and attempting to win the tournament by racing on all eight tracks.
Points are awarded for placings, kills, and fastest laps. For instance, I could come in last but have the fastest lap and a couple of kills and still do reasonably well for the race. It's not setup so that you must win every race to win the tournament.
The graphics are pretty much standard fare, and chances are you'll have to run the game in VGA mode, since SVGA mode, although pretty, was choppy even on my Pentium 100. The VGA mode, although pixelicious, still provides the greatest ease of use. Sound effects are decent as well, with the engine noises and, of course, the annoying announcer who never seems to have something nice to say. (Of course, I'm not that good at it, so I can't blame him.) The game can be controlled through a variety of peripherals, including keyboard, mouse, joystick, gamepad, and whatever else you can think of. Personally, I preferred my old two button joystick.
So, when all is said and done, Whiplash is a pretty good game. With the multi player capabilities, and the possibility of destruction, it has set itself somewhat apart from the rest. It is not a serious racing sim, like IndyCar II or NASCAR, but it does provide a lot of entertainment. If you're not into realism, and you have an itchin' for destruction and a need for speed, this is the game for you.
Gamer's Zone Scorecard
| Product: |
Whiplash |
| Company: |
Published by Disney Interactive, Inc.
|
| Cost: |
n/a |
System Requirements:
A 486 with 33 MHZ or faster processor, Double
Speed CD-ROM, 256-color VGA, Windows 3.1 or later, Windows 95
compatible, 8 MB RAM, 8-bit Sound Card (16-bit highly recommended),
Joystick and Mouse compatible. This reviewer used: 90 MHZ Pentium, 8 MB
RAM, and Win 95.
Breakdown:
Fun Factor 5
Graphics 5
Sound 4
Interface 4
Replayability 5
Overall Score:
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