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Review of S.C.A.R.S. on PlayStation

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Oct 1998
Cover image of S.C.A.R.S. on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7.2
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 09 Oct 1998
Genre: Racing
Developer: Vivid Image
Publisher: Ubisoft

Introduction

Welcome to the future, my fellow speed demons! Buckle up as we dive into the world of S.C.A.R.S. Where the games are futuristic, the cars are animal-themed, and the explosions are quite possibly more exciting than your last date. Let's see if this 1998 classic can hold its own in the crowded racing genre buttery popcorn and soda style as we burn some serious rubber!

Gameplay

Set in the thrillingly dystopian year of 3000, S.C.A.R.S. (which stands for Super Computer Animal Racing Simulator-yes, it's a mouthful) charges you headfirst into adrenaline-pumping races crafted by supercomputers that are about as friendly as the neighborhood cat when you try to pet it. Imagine racing a lion, a shark, or a scorpion-no, not in an episode of Fear Factor, but behind the wheel of your very own machine that's impressively designed to resemble these critters! With nine different animal-themed cars to pick from-each with a flavor of weaponry that includes turbos to shields and time bombs-you won't just need to speed; you'll also need to outgun your opponents. All of this madness happens across ten uniquely designed tracks, each filled with hidden shortcuts, making the game perfect for anyone who loves taking the sneaky route! The weapons are as varied as your grandma's stories about her youth, but without the real-life nostalgia of getting yelled at for raiding the cookie jar. So, expect to turbocharge your way past rivals and hit them with bombs (in-game only, folks!).

Graphics

For a game that was released in 1998, the graphics are surprisingly colorful-think neon lights at a rave without the hangover! Characters are cartoonishly designed, which is charming in a retro kind of way. Sure, it won't be winning any awards for realism, but sometimes you just want to race without contemplating the psychological impact of a hyper-realistic scorpion. The environments are vibrant, filled with the sort of detail that makes you feel like you're speeding through a cartoon universe where every corner could lead to a new zany adventure. Visual glitches may happen, but hey, aren't those just a testament to the good 'ol days of gaming? Don't forget your virtual reality goggles though; they might actually make the game look good... or better yet, just don't.

Conclusion

In conclusion, does S.C.A.R.S. revolutionize the racing genre? Probably not. Is it as good as Mario Kart? Let's say it's the cousin everyone mentions at family gatherings who may not be perfect but still knows how to swing a party. The game may struggle to compete with some of its peers, but if you're up for goofy animal antics combined with thrilling racing action, S.C.A.R.S. is a solid choice for some fun-especially if you're playing with friends and have a Multitap to squeeze everyone in. It's a colorful experience that may not age like fine wine, but it's certainly enjoyable enough to pick up and play once in a while, and perfect for anyone looking for an escapade that's less about reality and more about roaring engines and explosions. So, if you find yourself wanting to race a panther while dodging a time bomb, grab your controller and give this gem a whirl! Just don't forget to avoid the scorpions-they don't play nice.

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