Kinetica

[Bryan]

Kinetica is a futuristic racing game in which you race in "Kinetic Suits". These suits are designed for the game's characters to move much quicker than any vehicle could, some reaching speeds of up to 380mph. The track environments are zero gravity, making some races difficult. Each track is laced nicely with hidden side tracks and short cuts, making it a unique race everytime.

Storyline

The book is actually the only source for the story. With most racing games, there isn't much of a background as to why you are racing. I'll post it straight from the book.

"In the past, illegal underground racing was nothing more than a bunch of spoiled rich kids racing one another throughout the underbelly of the city. Racing through the slums provided both freedom from the autorities as well as a getaway from their pristine social class. As the races became more frequent, a cult following developed among the society of underground dwellers. The races provided a free source of entertainment. For others, the steady following of spectators provided a new source of gambling.

When the "E-FIRE" swept through the city, it sparked an economic depression, where the most affluent people in the city found themselves struggling to survive with little or no energy resources. As more people sought shelter in the slums, the popularity of the underground racing grew into a new class of citizens.

Years later, advancements in technology developed a new source of kinetic power that supplied the city with an abundance of energy. The economy boomed and a new affluent class emerged: one with an addiction to the underground races.

With new money in this reborn city, named "KINETICA", several secret investors provided technology and sponsorship deals to capitalize on the financial gains of the illegal activities related to the events. This changed the races dramatically. Faster Suits, dynamic tracks, televison broadcasts and superstar treatment for the participants.

Racing has evolved."

3.5/5

Graphics

The graphics of Kinetica are to be taken note of. The tracks are all extremely futuristic and innovative. It's something refreshing to the racing genre of games, something to capture our visual senses. Even with the incredible speed, the detail and feel of each track and racer is as though you were actually there.

4.5/5

Gameplay

Although difficult to get used to at first, once you are comfortable with the game, it's controls are terrific. Each racer handles differently. With the speed and reaction times that you deal with in KINETICA, you will feel each of those differences as you try your hand with new racers.

There are also a number of tricks that can be pulled off to obtain boost, which enables your racer to move even faster. Throughout the tracks, you encounter zero gravity, insane jumps, and obstacles. All of these you encounter at a remarkable speed.

5/5

Difficulty

When you first start a season, the races are fairly easy (once you get a feel for the controls and how the game works). As you progress through the seasons, it becomes more difficult. Once you approach the last season, there are a few races which will frustrate you beyond belief. But keep in mind, there is always a way to get far ahead of the pack, you just have to find it.

Keep an eye out for shortcuts and speedstrips among several other advantages on the track or you will be eating the dust of your fellow racers time after time.

4.5/5

Music

If you like techno at all, this is the soundtrack for you. Each and every track provided for the game is done by an actual artist, rather than studio crafted. The music fits the game perfectly. The game's theme song is, "If I Survive" by Hybrid.

When I first played this game, I had no idea who Hybrid was. The game wasn't mine, but after playing it and hearing that song, it was stuck in my head for days. That song alone was one of the reasons that I purchased KINETICA.

After searching high and low for Hybrid, I came up with nothing. At the time, I was working at Sam Goody. Employees were allowed to go through the underground artists bin to take what we wanted. Well, luck have it, I found three Hybrid cd's (all were the same cd). I took them home and listened to one. I was blown away.

The cd is titled "Wide Angle" and the group is Hybrid. I still consider it to be one of the best cd's that I've ever heard. As a side note, if anyone is interested in hearing tracks from it, please let me know via PM and I will send them to you.

I would rate the soundtrack higher if I could.

5/5

[Pacman]

Sounds intereasting.