FlatOut
About
Flatout is the racing game with a heavy focus on destruction and associated with the drivers tearing out the front windshield. It is the first part of the tetralogy, followed by the three sequels and one remaster.
Gameplay
The game consists of two modes: survival and racing. The goal of the racing part is pretty much the same as in any game of its genre: to reach the finish through the variety of lap tracks. The one to finish the route first wins. There are always eight players on the map with the protagonist and seven other racers — the game does not divide players into teams, every racer plays for himself. While the survival mode brings a new experience to the genre cause the winning player is determined not only by the amount of the damage it dealt to the others but also by surviving as long as possible.
Key features
The FlatOut is usually noticed for the realistic physics and the destruction mechanics, allowing the player to ruin their cars in many ways with the different types of collisions being caused by the different kinds of accidents accordingly. Apart from vehicle impacts the racing game also features realistic driver-tossing-out mechanics based on Ragdoll physics technology, which was previously used in animated cartoons and FlatOut is the first known title to utilize the engine in the video games.
System requirements for Xbox
System requirements for PlayStation 2
System requirements for Linux
Processor: 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent,
Memory: 2 GB RAM,
Graphics: GeForce 8800GT, Radeon HD 5770 or better (Intel cards are not supported).
Requires the following packages to be installed: Wine and dependencies.
Notice: The Linux version comes with a 32-bit binary only. This is a Wine game and requires your local Wine package in order to play.
System requirements for PC
Minimum: 1.5 GHz Pentium 4 or AMD Equivalent, 256 MB RAM, 64 MB Graphics Card,DirectX Compatible Sound Card, 1.1 GB of free Hard Drive Space, Win 98/ME/2000/XP, DirectX9.0c
Recommended: 2.0 GHz Pentium 4 or AMD 2000+, 512 MB RAM, 128 MB GraphicsCard, DirectX Compatible Sound Card, Gamepad or Steering Wheel, Windows XP SP2
Where to buy
Top contributors
FlatOut reviews and comments
+ Nice soundtrack matching the game's intesity
+ For a game released in 2004, it does have stunning physics and good graphics
+ Pleasant driving model, dependent on car's tuning tho
+ Interesting tracks, not a lot of variety tho (winter ones are the best)
NEUTRAL:
> Gotta watch out for the smallest of objects - the game recommends demolishing things, but not once did I manage to do a triple corkscrew with burning engine on because I drove into a cardboard
> Tuning system can be a little bit unintelligible - you buy things and it does something, but what exactly and how much.. idk
> Game is fairly easy, so it would be nice if it had difficulty settings
CONS:
- Your opponents are a bunch of idiots who bought their driver license at their local market
- There is a weird bug that adds horsepower every time you open statistics tab
FlatOut aged quite well and it can give you more fun than some modern racing games. I recommend buying this one, even at full price.
Oh, and practice mashing R before you race. You'll need it.
About:
The game offers intuitive controls that require little acclimatization. The screen is free from excessive information and embellishments, allowing players to fully focus on the race. The absence of complex storylines and additional missions keeps the game focused on its core element — racing.
Realistic physics is one of «FlatOut's» key features:
The game features an advanced damage system that allows cars to break and deform upon collision. This mechanic adds an element of unpredictability, making each race unique. The vehicle handling reflects real-world physical laws, requiring players to consider trajectory, speed, and maneuvers on the track.
Graphics:
At the time of release, the game offered impressive graphics. Cars and environments are highly detailed, enhancing the immersion in the gameplay. The visual effects of damage and destruction add to the spectacle.
Music:
The soundtrack consists of Grunge, Garage Rock, and Punk Rock, which emphasizes the racing dynamics and keeps players energized.
Microsoft from Deutsch