Cross Racing Championship 2005
| Cross Racing Championship 2005 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio |
 Invictus Games |
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| Publisher |
Invictus Games Take 2 Interactive
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| Erstveröffent- lichung |
October 4, 2005 | ||
| platform | Windows | ||
| genre | Racing game | ||
| Game mode | Single player , multiplayer | ||
| control | Keyboard , gamepad , steering wheel | ||
| medium | 1 CD | ||
| Age rating |
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Cross Racing Championship 2005 (often abbreviated as CRC 2005 ) is a video game from the racing game genre. It was developed by Invictus Games and released on October 4, 2005 for Windows only . The Hungarian metal band SZEG contributed the soundtrack. The game combines elements of rally cross with those of tuning .
Gameplay
The game does not have a fixed storyline - it is much more a combination of a career, a time trial, a single race and a multiplayer mode typical of racing games. In addition, CRC 2005 also has a so-called Free Ride mode, which allows the individual locations to be explored freely without being limited to the routes that were previously set out. So the player can z. B. Reach places that are not accessible in normal races.
The game has two different multiplayer modes. On the one hand there is the commercially available online multiplayer and LAN multiplayer, which allows a certain number of players to play together on their own computers over the Internet. The servers have since been switched off. However, it is still possible to play over the LAN or over a virtual LAN network over the Internet. A special feature is the hot seat - here several players compete one after the other on just one computer and try to achieve the best time on a previously selected route. Accordingly, this mode can also be used offline.
The career mode is the heart of the game and before new vehicles, tracks and parts are available to the player in the other modes, they must first unlock them there. You can choose from a large number of paint finishes and your own start number. The player starts with classic production vehicles with standard equipment on muddy tracks , then works his way up through snow and road races to finally compete on a real, asphalted racetrack . In each race the player has to assert himself against up to eight computer opponents. As their career progresses, they control their vehicles better and better and can also be hostile or fearful towards the player. This can lead to situations where one driver does not offer any resistance when overtaking, while the other defends himself and even deliberately rams the player. The AI opponents always have the same start number and livery, which makes them distinguishable from a distance.
The game also features extensive destruction mechanics and physics. For example, dents of different sizes are shown in the vehicle depending on the severity of the impact. Bumpers can fall off and even the entire body can warp. Individual tires can also be torn off or damaged. The vehicle can be repaired at the push of a button if it is too badly damaged - the player gets back into the race without wasting too much time. However, this function can also be deactivated, which forces you to drive more carefully, especially in multiplayer.
The vehicles
The game has a total of eight vehicles, which are modeled on real automobiles, but have fantasy names for licensing reasons. There are also some variations in the bodywork.
A list of the vehicles with the names given in the game and the original prototype:
- Quadro AD ( Audi quattro )
- Corus ( Ford Focus )
- Pickup ( Ford Ranger )
- Scheforn (fantasy vehicle )
- C-Racer 4x4 ( Suzuki Vitara )
- T8 Classic ( Donkervoort D8 GTO )
- Revo GT ( BMW E36 )
- Buggy ( VW buggy )
In addition, there are many mods from players mainly from Eastern Europe who add more vehicles to the game.
Tuning is an important aspect of the game . If the player starts with unchanged production vehicles, he can improve them with parts unlocked during the course of the game and increase the overall performance considerably. Adjustments to the engine , transmission , brakes , suspension , differential , etc. B. provides all-wheel drive for vehicles that are actually only delivered with front-wheel drive and can be made on the body itself. You can also choose from a range of different finishes. The player also has to choose the most suitable tire compound - he can choose from a total of six sets for different surfaces. Choosing the wrong tires can make driving extremely difficult or even impossible.
The routes
The game has a total of six different locations. Depending on the race, these are marked out with guard rails in different ways to form a route. The player often drives in the same place during his career, but always on slightly different routes. The scenes have all sprung from the imagination, but each contain elements typical of the country in which they are supposed to be located.
Races in the UK take place on public but closed roads and country lanes through a forest. There is an autumn atmosphere. France offers summer races on serpentines and short gravel roads. In the USA , races take place on the beach, which is clearly reminiscent of the atmosphere of California . Finland offers winter races through snowy forests and over frozen lakes . In Germany , track races take place on a closed circuit that is based on the Nürburgring and Hockenheimring . Typical rally cross races, on the other hand, take place on a track in Hungary made up of concrete , mud and earth .
Other
It is possible for the player to copy their own music as MP3 files into the game folder. These can then be selected and played in the game. This is also possible during a race or while driving.
A demo version limited to two races was included on many compilation CDs in Europe.
reception
The game was rated as good, but failed to gain a lot of popularity. Metacritic awarded 77 out of 100 possible points. CRC 2005 also received good to very good reviews from the players themselves.