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Review of NGEN Racing on PlayStation

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo May 2000
Cover image of NGEN Racing on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 12 May 2000
Genre: Racing, Combat Flight Simulator
Developer: Curly Monsters
Publisher: Infogrames

Introduction

Welcome, young speed demon, to the vibrant world of NGEN Racing! Forget cars, because in this air race, you'll be trading in your tires for wings. This gem from 2000 is about as fresh as milk left out on the counter, but fear not! It's a delightful blend of planes, pyrotechnics, and potential mid-air failures (don't worry; no pilots were harmed in the making of this game). So, grab your joystick and fasten your seatbelt; we're taking off into the clouds of nostalgia!

Gameplay

Prepare for takeoff! In NGEN Racing, you'll soar through fantastical courses in customizable aircraft. Yes, you heard that right! Assemble your own flying contraption from a collection of parts that even a mad scientist would envy. Race against the clock, or your friends, if you have any (just kidding, you have plenty!). Earn some sweet winnings after each race and don't forget to upgrade your plane, otherwise you'll be the only one left eating everyone's exhaust fumes. The controls take a while to get used to because if you've ever flown a plane in real life, you're just dreaming! Dodging incoming missiles is a must, not because they'll hurt you (spoiler: they don't), but because you might actually score points. The only downside? You might get lost in your own designs-make sure to avoid those embarrassing "under construction" parts your friends will mock you for! Hint: while the graphics may look a tad clapped out, your plane will eventually become a flying disco ball of colors, so you'll at least look fabulous while losing. Also, talking about customization-if you ever wanted to have a plane with glitter and neon lights, this is your chance! Just remember, more sparkles might mean more enemies jealous of your flair. Take that, boring colors!

Graphics

For a game released in the PS1 era, NGEN Racing hits some high notes in the graphic department, much like your uncle trying to sing karaoke after a few too many drinks. The colors are vibrant and the landscapes can be delightfully chaotic. However, don't hold your breath for lifelike realism. You'll notice your plane can sometimes blend in with the background as if it's taken rudimentary camouflage lessons. If someone distracts you with snacks, you might just lose track of your place in the race after realizing you're the mushroom blended with the scenery! Despite its quirks, the graphics deliver enough flamboyance to engage you while not making you shield your eyes from utter horror.

Conclusion

NGEN Racing is the kind of game that straddles the line between ridiculous fun and an exercise in patience. It may not have the most refined gameplay or controls ever invented, and, let's be honest, the track designs... well, let's just say some could have used a bit more thought (like, 'Hey, maybe we don't need five loops in a row!'). But what it lacks in polish, it absolutely makes up for in charm and customization. Race with your buddies, debate the best plane designs, or just enjoy the unique spin on arcade racing. Overall, if you've ever said to yourself, "I want to race planes while building them like I'm playing with LEGOs," then NGEN Racing is your ticket to the clouds. So strap in, rev up those engines, and prepare for non-stop aerial action that won't take itself too seriously-because, let's face it, who wants routine when you can have a whirlwind of laughs?

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