Reviewed
11.07.2000
Publisher
Climax
Ent. (JPN)
Interplay
(USA)
Developer
Climax
Ent.
Format
GD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
May
24, 2000 (JPN)
Oct.
25, 2000 (USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
3D
View
1st/3rd
Person
Genre
Arcade/Driver
Players
1
Options
Backup
12+12
Racing
Wheel
Rumble
VGA
Box
VMS/VMU
Requires
n/a
Importable
95% |
INTRO:
> First, I'd like to stress that this review pertains mainly to the American
version of this game. Interplay/Climax has made enough improvements
to warrant differing descriptions. If you want to read about the
Japanese version, then hit the "Preview" link at the bottom of this page.
> Super Runabout is essentially a mindless arcade/driver with various objectives,
which is quite similar to Sega's Crazy Taxi
(Naomi/Dreamcast). There are two main scenarios to choose from.
One features a semi-legal courier service run by Pop, an old man struggling
with a loan payment, and his streetwise daughter, Shirley. The second
features two reckless cops, Brandon and Radman, who are trying to be promoted
to the Criminal Investigation Department. At any rate, there are
no rules and the road belongs to those without fear...
GRAPHICS:
> Initially, eye candy is what draws you to this game. As you know
from my preview of the Japanese version, that's not quite good enough.
Anyway, here are the graphic fixes Interplay/Climax made. The slowdown
of the Japanese version has been severely tamed (check). Another
point of improvement is the acceleration as it's much more exciting now.
To round out the graphical enhancements, the American version has much
better crash detection (it would seem as though Interplay read my preview).
> Climax definitely has talent as their rendition of San Francisco is full
of buildings, cross traffic, opposing traffic, pedestrians, and obstacles
(both the kind you can, and can't crash through). When cars collide
you'll see bellowing smoke, explosive sparks, plus spinning and tumbling
vehicles/objects. The car models are average, while the reflections
are pretty impressive. As with most racers, there is some draw in,
but it certainly is minor and uneventful.
CONTROL:
> This part is standard fare. You have accel, brake, gear, steer,
and action buttons to contend with. Each vehicle controls differently
and you're even able to fine tune them in the Garage mode. As you
progress through the game, you'll be awarded new vehicles and even VMS/VMU
mini games. Again, Interplay/Climax came through with an improvement
over the Japanese version as the vehicles you drive are much more stable
now (kudos). Your mission objectives vary and include rescuing the
President's daughter, picking up bombs, and chasing a stolen F1 car.
> Although there really isn't huge amount of course variations, you're
still free to take any route to complete the mission objectives.
That includes jumping over obstacles via ramps, taking short cuts, and
crashing through fences and other objects. Be careful though, as
enduring too much damage will automatically end your mission with a broken
vehicle.
SOUND:
> Not too bad. Most of the music is pop/rock with emphasis on guitar
(I like that). It's mainly fast paced too, which fits the on-screen
mayhem very well. As for sound effects, they're also good.
You'll hear fender benders, skidding, various environmental effects, and
more.
FUN:
> Super Runabout gives you a large area to drive in for each level.
That point really enhances the feeling that you're actually in San Francisco.
All the high speed reckless driving, long air-times over hills and ramps,
and chain reaction crashes just add to your slapstick enjoyment.
Throw in tons of missions and vehicles to earn, and you have a good amount
of fun for the money...
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