Games Database
PS2
Racing: Car
| Also for: | PC, Xbox, GameCube | ||
| Viewed: | 3D First-person / Third-person | Genre: | Racing: Car |
| Media: | CD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | Kuju | Soft. Co.: | VIE |
| Publishers: | VIE
(GB) |
Released: | 2 Nov 2001
(GB) |
| Ratings: | 3+ | ||
| Accessories: | Memory Card, Analogue Control Compatible: all buttons | ||
| Features: | Vibration Function Compatible | ||
Video
Summary
Lotus Challenge mixes simulation, arcade and stunt modes to create one of the most complete driving experiences to date. Players can opt for a pure adrenaline rush or a more tactical long-haul race. Each course is set across a variety of landscapes and tracks, and will see players racing around such diverse locations like London and Jupiter Beach Raceway in Florida.
The special effects are particularly outstanding, with rain, storms, snow, fog, dirt and mud all gloriously represented. Advanced real-time particle systems handle the dirt, smoke and damage effects. For instance, drive across grass, wheelspin in gravel or handbrake turn in sand and you’ll notice your tyres pick up grit, but work themselves clean after racing for a time. Scrape your Lotus down the side of a tunnel at over 100 miles an hour and see scratches and dents realistically form on the bodywork. Multi-pass rendering, projected shadow casting and directional light make each frame – and there are 60 of them per second – a work of art.
A range of challenges awaits each player – from lapping the fastest, to completing trials or missions. The 'Story Mode' mixes gaming styles, with players able to choose different characters, each with a different path through the game. These modes are based on the fictional exploits of a world-famous Lotus Challenge Team, which not only race in World Championships across the globe, but is also called upon to perform stunts for films and adverts. Players will be able to endure an Italian Alps hill climb, whizz around Hollywood film sets, or take part in a tyre commercial on an Oil Rig. In addition, players can race through rush-hour traffic and fly past speed cameras in the English countryside, ensuring that Lotus Challenge lives up to its name.
The special effects are particularly outstanding, with rain, storms, snow, fog, dirt and mud all gloriously represented. Advanced real-time particle systems handle the dirt, smoke and damage effects. For instance, drive across grass, wheelspin in gravel or handbrake turn in sand and you’ll notice your tyres pick up grit, but work themselves clean after racing for a time. Scrape your Lotus down the side of a tunnel at over 100 miles an hour and see scratches and dents realistically form on the bodywork. Multi-pass rendering, projected shadow casting and directional light make each frame – and there are 60 of them per second – a work of art.
A range of challenges awaits each player – from lapping the fastest, to completing trials or missions. The 'Story Mode' mixes gaming styles, with players able to choose different characters, each with a different path through the game. These modes are based on the fictional exploits of a world-famous Lotus Challenge Team, which not only race in World Championships across the globe, but is also called upon to perform stunts for films and adverts. Players will be able to endure an Italian Alps hill climb, whizz around Hollywood film sets, or take part in a tyre commercial on an Oil Rig. In addition, players can race through rush-hour traffic and fly past speed cameras in the English countryside, ensuring that Lotus Challenge lives up to its name.
