Sega GT Online
Score: 70% ESRB: Teen Publisher: Sega Developer: WOW Entertainment Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 12 Genre: Racing
Graphics & Sound: As the name implies, Sega GT Online is the online version of last year's Sega GT 2002. The disc contains both the original offline single-player game and adds online modes to the deal. Although a welcome addition, the online mode leaves much to be desired. Graphically, the game remains unchanged from its previous incarnation. Sega GT looks about as good as a 2 year old game should, but it may disappoint those looking for something on par with Project Gotham Racing 2 or any of the more recent racing games on the system. Cars are accurately modeled and show off some nice details. Some new cars have also been added, as have new tracks and weather effects. Each track also does a great job of displaying the atmosphere of each track's location. Sega GT sounds good, but lacks the power of the vehicles in the game. Most engine sounds sound like they are coming out of a tin can instead of a souped up roadster. The soundtrack is also well done and features groups like The Short Rounds, The Plus Ones and The Oranges Band. Of course, this selection pales in comparison to what can be cooked up when using the custom soundtrack option. After ripping a few tracks from your CD collection to the Xbox's hard drive, you can then use them during the game. This allows gamers to put their own personal spin on the game.
Gameplay: If Gran Tursimo 3 was a novel, Sega GT would be the Cliff Notes. The game firmly sets itself within the simulation branch of racing games, but doesn't go into the same level of detail as GT3. All of the cars in the game are licensed from companies like Honda, Ford and GM and feature a nice range of cars (over 165) including newer models and 50's classics. You are also allowed to tweak your car, but this doesn't go into the same amount of detail as other, more hardcore racing sims. I liked that the tweaking options offered were given in plain terms, so I actually understood everything I was doing to my car. This should help to pull in more casual racing fans, but can also turn away the hardcore guys. You begin with a wad of cash and a selection of cars to choose from. After your initial purchase, you travel around the world competing in races and winning more money and cars. A number of challenges are also offered, including Event races, Quick Battle races and License Tests. Other modes of interest include Chronicle, which lets you take a classic car and race your way into the top 3. Gathering mode is a collection of mini-games based on other aspects of the game, in which you face time trials and steer cone-littered courses in order to earn money and cars. The real draw of the game is the Online mode. Here you can race with players from around the world, chat with people and trade parts.
Difficulty: The racing engine in Sega GT Online is well done and offers some nice challenges in races. Races never feel completely out of reach, and you are always given the option to go back and earn more money to improve your chances. What makes the game challenging is the damage meter. It doesn't affect you car's performance, but at the end of the race any damage you might have is taken from your total winnings. The more expensive the car, the more money is taken per damage point. Even the best drivers will have a problem getting through a course without taking damage due to the opposing AI that isn't above bumping and ramming you.
Game Mechanics: The sole reason for Sega GT Online's existence, the online option, ends up dealing a crippling blow. Just getting online is a chore thanks to a mess of a menu system. Once online, finding a game is hard since you can't hang around in rooms to wait for a race to finish. When you are able to find a race, the experience is fun. I didn't have too many bouts with laggy performance, but it was present. The control scheme is very easy to use and follows the same set up as other racing games. The steering feels tight, with few steering problems popping up. As expected, mastery comes with experience. Until you get used to the steering, expect to lose lots of money on the repair charges. With a price point of 20 bucks, Sega GT Online isn't a complete loss. The option to play online, as well as the inclusion of the original game, makes it appealing to those on a budget. But, the awkwardness of the online mode will turn off many. If you can afford to spend the extra money and crave an online racing experience, you might find Project Gotham 2 a smoother ride.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
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