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Platform: Xbox 360
Rating: 6.1 | 0 User Reviews | Send to Friend
Although entertaining at its core, "FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage" is ultimately too destructive for it's own good. Like arcade style games before it ("FlatOut" uncannily recalls "Burnout"), this remake of the original "FlatOut" is just another placeholder in the game industry's stockpile -- one with high hopes but lacking the necessary tools to get the job done. This new edition features a series of modes geared towards providing the player with as much destruction and mayhem as possible, including the Xbox Live feature, but, crucially, it lacks a party mode where game enthusiasts can race each other in a simultaneous multiplayer environment. FlatOut. the game's main career mode, has you competing in a number of racing events in three main racing classes. Starting at Derby Class, you have the power to move up to Street Class and eventually to Race Class, upgrading cars and adding additions with the money you earn. Other possibilities include Carnage Mode, a set of 36 different challenges that provide the driver with obstacles and the opportunity to destroy them for points; and Single Events, which allows drivers to test all of the tracks in FlatOut and Carnage modes. While the graphics and handling allow for a realistic experience inside the off-course racing world of fresh forests, gloomy deserts, and slick cities, the destruction that ensues is at such a feverish pitch that it actually becomes distracting. Not too much fun, either. "FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage" merely leaves off where other racing games have gone before, not pushing the extra mile.
GAMEPLAY: 6.5
The handling is accurate but too so, at the point where it's frustrating. Though fun, obstacles become a burden and if you're not in front at the start of the race, don't plan on catching up.
GRAPHICS: 7.5
The car stirring up dirt on the farm field track is one of the game's most alluring features, part of the game's ability to make every course seem visually stunning.
SOUND: 5.1
An alternative rock soundtrack combined with crashes and bangs makes for a dull sound experience. Turn your own music or television way up.
VALUE: 5.4
Challenging enough to keep even an experienced gamer occupied, but doesn't nearly promise replays. Once you get over the visual elements, the tracks seem a bit monotonous.
OVERALL: 6.1
Though Carnage Mode will keep you pressing reset for the hope of a better turn, stick with the original "Burnout" series and wish for a more creative car game in the future. A rental, for sure.
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