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Review of Indianapolis 500 Legends on Nintendo DS

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo Dec 2007
Cover image of Indianapolis 500 Legends on DS
Gamefings Score: 5
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 19 Dec 2007
Genre: Racing game
Developer: Torus Games
Publisher: Destineer

Introduction

Get ready to put the pedal to the metal with 'Indianapolis 500 Legends' on the Nintendo DS. Immerse yourself in the roaring world of racing history where you steer through a whirlwind of iconic moments between 1961 and 1971. Think you can outpace the legendary racers? Buckle up and let's find out!

Gameplay

In 'Indianapolis 500 Legends', players don't just race; they rewrite history. You'll assume the roles of famous racers, driven by the need for speed and an insatiable lust for victory. Tasks vary from overtaking a set number of cars to qualifying faster than your grandma on a scooter. Expect missions that affect the unwritten law of racing history, including guiding Parnelli Jones to victory in 1967. Yes, you heard it right. We're talking about a game where you can save poor Parnelli from his mechanical fate! Besides this, you'll encounter different mission types like 'epic', 'pit stop', 'race', 'battle', 'qualify', 'dodge', and 'pass'. Oh, and wait for it-unlock a triad of additional '500' racers as you meticulously complete each mission. So, prepare to pedal like there's no tomorrow, and remember, historical accuracy is merely a suggestion here! While the gameplay can be engaging for a bit, some may find it a bit too repetitive, capturing the dull smell of burnt rubber rather than exhilarating speed.

Graphics

Graphics on the Nintendo DS? We're talking lower expectations than a cheap pizza on a Friday night. The visuals can be a mixed bag, where you'll occasionally appreciate the classic Indy 500 vibes but also feel your heart sink seeing what could only be described as a poor man's version of the racetrack. It's colorful enough, yes. But if you were expecting the cutting-edge graphics of modern-day games, you might just want to recalibrate your expectations to 'early 2000s' instead. The cars look decent-after all, who doesn't love pixelized speed demons?-though you might find yourself using your imagination more than usual. Just remember: your brain has the capability of turning those 2D sprites into sleek machines; it's a workout for your imagination!

Conclusion

In summary, 'Indianapolis 500 Legends' isn't the racing game you'd want to keep on your shelf like a priceless trophy. Instead, consider it like that dusty trophy you won for participating in a school race-something to remember, but not necessarily to celebrate. While it tries to pass itself off as a piece of racing history you can control, the repetitive gameplay and low graphics quality leave a bit to be desired. If you're a die-hard Indy racing fan looking for a quick fix on the DS, it may serve you a few fun moments in the driver's seat. Meanwhile, others might want to drive past this one and save their time for something that doesn't feel like a stop-and-go traffic jam. For now, it speeds along with a total score of 5 out of 10-a game that qualifies for a race but not necessarily for the winner's circle. Now, who's up for some Mario Kart?

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