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The Pro is Back for Another Round!
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80.6
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| First Impression and Game Installation |
LAZ |
The game installed with no problems at all. I didn't have any driver related issues (like I did in the first version).
The pictures on the box were enough to tell me that Moto1 had made great strides in improving this game. From the moment you open the game I instantly knew I was in for a great sim racing experience. The new intro was totally hot! I quickly configured my wheel (I reviewed the game with Thrustmaster's Force Feedback wheel) and went straight to the Quick Race. The options nearly identical to the first version, which was great to see (reduced learning curve). I was pumped when I first saw my car, let alone hit the ignition, let alone did my burnout. Man, this game is a blast! |
8.8 |
8.9
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| KARVIN |
My first impressions happened at Russ’s house and if you’ve ever been exposed to real NHRA racing you will understand and appreciate the realism that has been put into this game. Everything from the sound, graphics, car paint schemes, driver profile and racing realism help you feel like you are there at the track. I even found some motor homes sitting out back behind the retaining walls (don’t ask me how). Of course I got a video spanking after that move to remind me about my driving skills.
Unfortunately the Racepak feature which displays crucial engine and car data did not work on my machines or Russ’s. The developers are working on this issue since it works on some machines and not others and is related to some system files being in the right places along with the correct versions. |
9 |
| RUSS |
NHRA2 represents an impressive improvement over the NHRA1 game. The detail work done in the graphics really enhanced the game, especially the view with which I am most familiar – the inside of a funny car. I was surprised at how much harder it seemed to be able to control the cars, particularly the funny cars. Must be the tuner’s fault! |
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| Configurable Options and Ease of Use |
LAZ |
The options for controllers was ok, but I would like to be able to assign keys to my wheel's buttons from within the game. The options are generally geared toward novice users, and lack any kind of sophistication for people who desire to get the most out of the game on their system. One glaring detail when playing the game was having to push the 'I' key on the keyboard to start the engine. You should be able to assign the keys to your wheel from within the game. The game definitely needs more configuration options. |
7 |
7.5
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| KARVIN |
The game has a number of options to control the graphics, audio, video, controller and resolution. You can play joystick, wheel or keyboard. I’ve played on three different wheels now and they really bring the experience to its best but expect a learning curve to get all your controller settings optimal before you race the pros. The game works well with a Joystick for those of you without a wheel….get a wheel with Force Feedback! |
8 |
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| Graphics |
LAZ |
Wow! They made major improvements all over the place in the graphics area. The car paint schemes look fantastic. The 'In Car' views look ten times better, with much more attention to detail. The parachutes even have logos on them and they look great (trust me, I have found myself having to look at the opponents from the back too many times). The scenery, crounds, tracks, crew, replays … everything has been improved. The graphics were in need of some upgrading, and Moto1 was ready for the challenge - as the superbly answered the call. |
9 |
8.9
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| KARVIN |
Those with higher end machines and more memory will really appreciate the multitude of graphic options. Keep in mind that the game will play and load faster on the lower settings if you don’t have zippy CPU. I played fine in 1024x768x16 in high graphics mode on my 400Mhz, 128MB machine. You will need at least 64MB to avoid excessive load times between rounds. In the Ultra mode the high end graphics kick in with shading and much more detail that you will notice immediately in the cars as the smaller sponsor logos become very clear. The car crashes can be quite spectacular with car parts flying everywhere as well as your driver. |
8.8 |
| RUSS |
In business you hear that the three biggest things are location, location and location. When you talk about graphics the three biggest things are details, details and details. NHRA2 really stepped up in this department. The interior of the cars is the first thing I noticed. When I first saw it, I halfway expected to see the tachometer work! Even though the tachometer doesn’t work - it is a big improvement over the first effort. Other things I noticed are the logos on the parachute packs and the Goodyear logo on the inside of the tires as well as on the outside. I’m sure there are others that you will notice. One factor here is your equipment and patience for load times. I have my resolution turned down to keep load time to a minimum (I know, time to step up my equipment, huh?) I just want to make run after run after run, with little time in between. |
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| Video at Minimum and Maximum |
LAZ |
Moto1 made significant improvements in this version. You now have the ability to select a large variety of screen resolutions. And the screen shots look great - even in a low resolution mode. Fortunately for the guys that have higher end video cards, they will now be rewarded with the excellent graphics quality that you would expect. Nicely done Moto1! |
8 |
8.2
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| KARVIN |
The number of options from high to low end enables a lot of people to play this game. Those serious drivers will want to have a decent graphics card and a large monitor. On my machine I found you need to set the resolution higher on your desktop before changing it in the game before it will take effect. |
8.4 |
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| Sound |
LAZ |
The sound is AWESOME! I have surround sound, and I jacked up the volume big time to get some extra sound vibration (I'm sure my neighbors appreciated it). Again, MAX volume is a must. |
9.2 |
9.1
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| KARVIN |
The sound is first rate especially if you have a subwoofer and a couple of external speakers. The chattering of the motor, burnout and blower noise are the things you will remember after you pass out playing all night. |
9 |
| RUSS |
Play it loud! The sound of the nitro burning engines is unmistakable. Plus there is the detail, like the little chirp that the slicks make at the end of the burnout that raises the sense of realism this game offers. To keep the family happy at night, I often use headphones so I can still vibrate my brain. That actually works well, and gives one the sense of isolation that you tend to fill while in the cockpit of a racecar. |
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| Beginner thru Advanced Use |
LAZ |
I put quite a few hours on the new version before doing this review, and I still find this version to have a steeper driving learning curve than the first version - especially with the Funny Cars (they are very hard to keep out of the wall). But the game has been improved so much, that they also raised the 'white knuckle' factor, so I am probably as much at fault for being so pumped up I can hardly contain myself!
The new 'Racepak' analysis program is the same program that is on the computer in Russ' semi-trailer. I remember how impressed I was when Russ first showed me what they analyze between runs, and I think it is very cool that Moto1 puts that kind of analysis in their game. So, for you guys that have to dig down to the lowest demoninator and realism in a sim - there is plenty of learning curve to get into with the Racepak options, and the rewards will be worth every minute! |
8.8 |
8.8
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| KARVIN |
There are varying skill levels to let everyone play at their own pace. You can save your game along the way to come back to it later. I’d suggest you start out in Novice or Arcade before you go to Full mode where you’ll be tuning your own motor. Your tuning files can be saved as well since each track has variable conditions between rounds. When going to Full skill mode I suggest starting with the Top Fuel Dragster first as they are less squirrelly on the track (just like the pros) than a Funny Car.
Advanced players will want take advantage of the following behind this game on the Internet. www.nitrografix.com will educate you on how to paint your own car and let you display it there when you are done. You’ll be able to use it in the game as well. www.nitrosim.com holds online racing events that mimic the actual NHRA season. You submit your time slips and send them your game file for proof and then they place you in the Elimination bracket according to your times for a simulated racing experience.
There are 24 tracks to choose from which mimic all of the real ones used for NHRA national events. |
8.8 |
| RUSS |
The beginner level allows my kids to play, but I must confess that my ego took me right to the Full level. Then after many crashes I figured I would let someone else tune (arcade level) until I could drive. It really does allow anyone to play and still provide a challenge. |
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| Multi-player |
LAZ |
No question in my mind that the multi-player option is the weak link in the game. They only offer one type of mult-player solution - online through the internet. At the time of the review, we still couldn't use multi-player online. Unfortunatly, they left out a couple of the most important multi-player solutions - modem to modem and network play. And if ever there was a game that screemed to have have the ability to have a Split Screen setup so two friends could sit on the same PC and drag race beside each other, it is this game. I sure hope the multi-player options are improved on the next version (even if they don't change anything else). |
5 |
4.5
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| KARVIN |
Unfortunately it is advertised to have it but has not been delivered yet in the game. The timing of this is fairly soon according to the developers as they have been through several beta rounds and are finishing it up. This will bring the game into a new realm of competition with fellow racers. Although disappointing now, you will want to refine your racing against the simulated computer drivers so that your multi-player game will shine when it is delivered. |
4 |
| RUSS |
We’re waiting – rumor has it not much longer. |
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| Help Instructions |
LAZ |
The help file was still in need of attention. They still need to have some kind of integrated help contained inside the program. The help file needs to be included in their project planning stage, so it won't come off as an after thought. |
5 |
5.5
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| KARVIN |
Help in the game is non-existent but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to get started as it is straight forward to get to the race track with a car. A printed manual is provided that is adequate and does provide some tidbits on racing and tuning which are essential in order to really master the game. |
6 |
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| Value (price for what you get) |
LAZ |
This game is flat out one of the best racing sim values on the market, and Moto1 should be majorly commended for being able to produce a game of this caliber at their MSRP. |
9.5 |
9.7
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| KARVIN |
You can’t go wrong with this one. When’s the last time you paid $20.00 retail for a game? Good old Best Buy has been running it on sale for $14.99 recently. |
9.8 |
| RUSS |
Having played this game, if my CD was destroyed and the price had gone up 4X I would still buy it again! I don’t know of any other game, PC or otherwise that has been as much fun as this. If your passion is drag racing, this is a must. Even if you’ve always made turns I think you will get hooked on NHRA2. |
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| Recommend to Others |
LAZ |
No doubt about this recommendation. If you bought the first one, you HAVE to go buy the upgrade right now. And if you missed the first one, get off your butt and go get it. The only caution is that you better get it early in the evening, because you won't be able to peel yourself away from your PC to go to bed! |
9.5 |
9.5
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| KARVIN |
No question. If you are a race fan of any sort you will want to check this game out. Just don’t drive when you are done. |
9.4 |
| RUSS |
Buy the game, but don’t scrimp on controllers. Having a really good force feedback wheel system is a must. Then be patient, work with the settings until you become comfortable with the cars handling. Remember, you have to walk before you can run. |
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