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Review : Auto Modellista for PS2
Last Friday I found myself realizing that I have not gotten a new Playstation 2 game is quite some time. So I notices that my local game store had a copy of Capcom's cel-shaded online-ready racing game, Auto Modellista for Playstation2 used for 30 bucks.
There are two kinds of racing games in this world. There are the hyper realistic games that have a plethora of cars to choose from and thousands of parts to install, customize and tweak. These games strive for a type of realistic fantasy that every kid who has a bit of gasoline in their blood loves to play because it indulges their automotive wet dreams.
Then there are fun low brow easily accessible arcade style racing games that anyone who can drive can instantly play as soon as they put their quarter in the slot and press start.
Capcom was successful in making a unique racing game that has a enough for everyone and is not a cookie cutter clone of the major racing games on the market. Auto Modellista can be played with pre-made car settings and provides a good simple arcade racing experience like Ridge Racer R4. But for those who are affected by car part's catalogs in the same way that normal people are affected by good porn this game has options to customize the performance and appearance of cars, garages and racing teams.
Probably the most noticeable is the graphics. Capcom used cel-shaded graphics to give the player a feel of an interactive anime racing show. If you are a realism lover you might want to spend your time playing Grand Turismo 3 and Project Gotham. After I got this game I found myself humming the Speed Racer theme song whenever I was doing good. I totally loved the anime style special effects and that they actually used Manga style speed lines when you got going at top speed.
This game is 100% a product of Japan. The cars, courses, parts, music and culture of this game is pure "Made in Japan". Sure there are some token US and Italian cars but culturally this is as Nipponese as Sushi, Kabuki, Ninjas and Godzilla.
The sounds effects were good but this game suffers from cheesy Japanese announcer syndrome. The in game announcer sounds like he just got out of a recording session for Capcom VS SNK and Dance Dance Revolution. Some of the music is good but there are some tracks that sound like they were composed by the same damn composer as Marvel VS Capcom 2. But a couple slightly annoying songs should not turn you away from a very remarkable game.
There is the garage mode where you race and win upgrades, cars and garage accessories. There is the arcade mode that is instant high speed driving action. There is a mode where you can save a replay of a race and edit it to make a music video and highlights reel.
What really sets this game apart from it's graphics is the online racing mode. Capcom used Sega's online middleware or SNAP to bring this game online. I think that Capcom was wise in making this game broadband only. An USB keyboards is good to make the sign up registration quicker. But one you go online you can start online races with other racers. I usually set the limit at 6 cars. There is no lag and it is hella fun. If you have DSL or a cable modem I would hook up your PS2 and try it out. This is a perfect example of how online game play can add to what a game has to offer. In plain words I would have not chosen this game if it was not online. If I had to chose between two similar games I would pick the online capable game.
This is a really refreshing racing game and I am not a big fan of most racing games. It is on it's way to the Gamecube. This is a definite rental and if you are online with your PS2 then I strongly suggest you pick this game up.
He's off and flyin' as he guns the car around the track
He's jammin' down the pedal like he's never comin' back
Adventure's waitin' just ahead.
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer, Go!
Jake at July 15, 2003 
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Comments
Go Speed Racer, Go!! :D hehe...i used to like playing my bro's Gran Turismo (in fact, i got it for him for his bday ages ago)...i think i'd like this one, too...i'm not *that into racing games, but i like 'em for fun (i love Mario-Kart, or whatever it's called...lol)
Posted by: Lilly at July 15, 2003 5:57 AM
hey why dont you put in the techno speed racer song. You know the one? OH TRIXIE! OH SPEEEEED!
I want to play this game so bad i am going to email them to try to convince them to make a pc version....they will probably tell me to pack sand but if enough people do it maybeeee.
Posted by: pete at July 15, 2003 10:18 AM
"There is no lag and it is hella fun" *shakes head in shame* Jake 2 things... One you're a white guy. Two you shouldn't say hella, even though you live in Bremerton.
Posted by: Anna at July 15, 2003 11:02 AM
heh...good on Anna.....heh, I am a Bremalo.
Posted by: pete at July 15, 2003 10:16 PM
Oh-no you did nnnnt...Talk to the hand girlfriend!
Posted by: Jake at July 15, 2003 10:26 PM
you are waaaaaaaay too white for your own good jake.
Posted by: Anna at July 16, 2003 12:19 AM
Slammin' review, dogg. I done peeped what otha reviewas had to say bout dis game, they said it was whack, yo. But I give it a shot if the J-A-Kizle-to-tha-E-izle thinks it's dope. (I am the whitest.)
Posted by: Trapp at July 16, 2003 9:29 AM
