If you're tired of racing games that treat you like a law-abiding citizen and want to unleash your inner hoodlum with a side of cartoonish chaos, then Felony 11-79 might just be your dream come true. This classic PlayStation gem from Climax Entertainment combines racing with a touch of madness, and a smidge of plot that’s as incoherent as a teenager’s diary. Welcome to the world of vehicular anarchy, where rules are as flexible as your morality.
Gameplay in Felony 11-79 is as chaotic as a toddler with a sugar rush. Players race through various urban landscapes, including Down Town, Sea Side, and Metro City, completing missions that involve tasks like retrieving stolen cars and engaging in car chases, while trying not to crash into more things than you can fathom. The game’s map is less about linear progression and more like a playground for reckless driving, which is great if you remember your time as a wild child in the schoolyard. There's about as much thought put into the storyline as a Saturday morning cartoon — you chase down the bad guys and try not to get caught by the ever-watchful fuzz. In fact, you could say the gameplay is more about evasion than racing, fitting for a game named after a police code. The real kicker, however, is the extensive options for customizing your vehicles. Each car has unique stats to fiddle with, ranging from steering to fuel consumption. In true '90s fashion, the requirement to refuel and customize your cars throws realism out the window and lets you punch the gas pedal to pedal down the racetrack of sloppiness. Players can unlock tons of vehicles, which is something some complained about — too many cars, not enough tracks! Who would’ve thought speed freaks don't always want a great collection of cars but just want to drive fast on a lengthy racetrack? This is a shock that could rattle the entire universe of racing enthusiasts!
Graphically, Felony 11-79 wears its late ’90s aesthetic like a badge of honor… or shame, depending on your viewpoint. Picture blocky cars and awkward character animations, like watching a dance-off where everyone forgot the steps. The city environments appear expansive but lack the finery that modern gamers might take for granted. Each location offers just enough detail for players to recognize they’re not in Kansas anymore. Overall, the visuals get the job done but are like the last piece of pizza at a party: no one’s really complaining, but hey, it’s not gourmet.
Felony 11-79 serves up a mixed platter of chaos that racing fans might either relish or toss back with disgust. The good news is that while navigating through angry traffic and trying to keep your car from falling apart can be entertaining, the game does suffer from a short lifespan that leaves a lot to be desired. Critics agree that it might be more worthwhile as a rental than a purchase, leading to the verdict that this title earns a humble 6.5 out of 10. If you're in dire need of a retro romp full of unfiltered joyrides, gear up for Felony 11-79 — just don’t expect a Michelin star on this culinary delight of chaotic driving. It’s a wild ride that scratches that itch for chaos, all while reminding you that sometimes, speed limits are just suggestions… as long as you're in a video game.