CART World Series

Last updated
CART World Series
CART World Series Cover.jpg
CART World Series NTSC cover
Developer(s) Sony Interactive Studios America
Publisher(s) Sony Computer Entertainment
Platform(s) PlayStation
Release
Genre(s) Arcade racing
Mode(s) Single player, multiplayer

CART World Series is a racing video game for the PlayStation console, developed by Sony Interactive Studios America and published by Sony Computer Entertainment and released in October 1997. [1] CART World Series is based on the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) open-wheel racing series.

Contents

Gameplay

This game is licensed and features many notable drivers from the late 1990s, such as Greg Moore, Al Unser Jr. and Paul Tracy. The game also features realistic handling and damage. Players can compete in a full year's worth of races competing for points in each race or in simple single races. There are two game modes: arcade and simulation. Arcade mode allows re-spawning of damaged vehicle parts. In Simulation mode, all damage is permanent for the race. The game supports the analog controller.

The player can make many modifications to a car's performance. The player can adjust the tires to fit the road (hard for ovals or soft for road courses), as well as modify gear ratios and aerodynamics. Moving the front of the car down or slanting the wings may enable the player to find a perfect combination of speed and handling. During simulation mode races, the car's tires will wear down and fuel will deplete (both can be replaced by a pit stop).

In addition to the real drivers and cars (Honda and Ford included), ten official CART tracks have been included, each modeled after its real-life counterpart. Tracks span the United States and are located in Cleveland, Michigan, Long Beach and more. Each features realistic dynamics and road handling in an attempt to create a believable racing experience. In Season Mode, the player takes part in a series of races, for which the player must qualify and race, earning points toward a cup.

This game also features a two-player mode via either split screen or PlayStation Link Cable, or a combination of both for four players.

List of drivers and teams

DriverTeam
Flag of the United States.svg Jimmy Vasser Chip Ganassi Racing
Flag of Italy.svg Alex Zanardi
Flag of the United States.svg Al Unser Jr. Team Penske
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Paul Tracy
Flag of Brazil.svg Gil de Ferran Walker Racing
Flag of Brazil.svg Christian Fittipaldi Newman-Haas Racing
Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Rahal Team Rahal
Flag of the United States.svg Bryan Herta
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Dario Franchitti Hogan Racing
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Patrick Carpentier Bettenhausen Racing
Flag of Brazil.svg Maurício Gugelmin PacWest
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Mark Blundell
Flag of Mexico.svg Michel Jourdain Jr. Payton/Coyne Racing
Flag of the United States.svg Scott Pruett Patrick Racing
Flag of Brazil.svg Raul Boesel
Flag of the United States.svg Richie Hearn Della Penna Motorsports
Flag of Japan.svg Hiro Matsushita Arciero-Wells Racing
Flag of Italy.svg Max Papis
Flag of the United States.svg Parker Johnstone Team Green
Flag of Brazil.svg André Ribeiro Tasman Motorsports
Flag of Mexico.svg Adrian Fernández
Flag of Argentina.svg Juan Manuel Fangio II All American Racing
Flag of the United States.svg P. J. Jones
Flag of Brazil.svg Gualter Salles Davis Racing
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Greg Moore Forsythe Racing

Tracks

Reception

The game received primarily mixed reviews. Critics widely praised the graphics of both the car models [3] [4] [5] and the detailed tracks, [3] [4] [5] as well as the extensive CART licensed content. [3] [5] However, some criticized the music [3] [5] and reaction to the controls was divided. Sushi-X of Electronic Gaming Monthly found them not responsive enough, [3] and Jaz Rignall commented in IGN that the way the car sticks firmly to the road, preventing the powerslides that racing game fans are accustomed to, is frustrating. [4] Contrarily, GamePro stated that "the effective car setup options and responsive handling keep you on the track." [5]

Sushi-X's co-reviewers Kraig Kujawa and John Ricciardi both recommended CART World Series, with Kujawa remarking that it "strikes a careful balance between realism and fun". [3] However, most critics, including the other two members of Electronic Gaming Monthly's review team, concluded that while it was a decent game on its own terms, it did not hold up well against other games in the crowded PlayStation racing game market of the time. [3] [4] [5] GamePro, for example, opined that "For sport racing fans, CART ranks third this season - NASCAR '98 has better balance, while F1 Championship Edition has deeper sim play." [5]

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References

  1. 1 2 "Racer Ready for Play". GameSpot . October 3, 1997. Archived from the original on February 21, 1999. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  2. "CART World Series Gamerankings Review Score". GameRankings. Archived from the original on 2019-05-01.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Review Crew: CART World Series". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 101. Ziff Davis. December 1997. p. 198.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Rignall, Jaz (October 9, 1997). "CART World Series Review". IGN . Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Air Hendrix (January 1998). "CART World Series". GamePro . No. 112. IDG. p. 118.