Test Drive Le Mans

"Why Can't More Game Companies Make Racing Games Like This?"

I usually don't review games but this time I am going to break my rule for this game.

Test Drive Le Mans simply rocks. Man, why can't game companies) make racing games like this? This game has great controls, great details of all the tracks (take a look at the Le Mans track), a great sense of speed, and has 24 cars on screen racing against you at the same time during the Le Mans races. On the other races, it still has around 10 cars on the screen at the same time. There are, from my experiences, NO slow downs and you can see the other drivers from your car! This is what racing is all about.. lots of drivers, control, speed, and details.

It would have been near perfect if Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec has at least that many cars on the screen at the same time. With all the power of the PS2, why can't they do that?

In addition, the AI can be selected from easy to hard. The AI drivers are exceptional and responds to your selection. Let say you choose a comparable car to the AI cars in terms of speed, handling, and so on. When you race against the AI cars, the race will depend on how well you race, your car, and what level of AI you selected. Moreover, the AI cars race against each other and you can see them bumping each other to gain top position.

Here are the rest of the info about the game:

Gameplay: 9/10

You have about 6-8 tracks to choose from. The tracks range from Suzuki Grand Prix to Le Mans.
These tracks are quality tracks with exceptional graphical details.

You have about the same amount of cars to choose from. The cars range from BMW prototype to the Toyota racers. The cars look amazing and drives great.

There are four modes of play: Quick Race, Championship, Time Trial, and Le Mans. All the races shine especially the Le Mans races. There is a true 24 hour race if you prefer it. I chose the shortened ten minute version.

During the Le Mans races, you can see 24 cars racing against you. The weather effects are amazing with day turn to night and to morning. Wet tracks affect the tires of your car and so on. You simply have to check this out yourself.

There are the usual strategic pit stops and they are done nicely.

I did not give it a 10 due to the fact that there are not enough tracks and there are no damage modeling. If it was due to space on each GD-ROM, I wish Infogrames released at least 2 GD-ROMs for this game.

Control: 10/10

This game shines in the control area. Oh man, talk about precision. The dreamcast controller fits it perfectly. The cars respond to the controller with quickness. Each car has different characteristics that responds to your control which resembles the real thing.

Kudos to Infogrames for assisting beginners with the controls. If a beginner chooses Amateur, the car will automatically slows down during tough corners. However, if expert level is chosen, then all assistance will be turn off.

The control schemes are simple and intuitive (i.e. Right Trigger for acceleration).

Graphics: 10/10

The tracks are shown in great details. You can see the trees, grass, tire screech, and so on.
The reflection of light from the sun has to be experience to believe. Also, when it rains, it really pours in this game. You can see the rain drops from inside the car. One curious thing though: without any wipers, the rain simply disappears from the windshield. Oh well, maybe that's asking too much.

I believe the game runs at a constant 30 fps. It would have been nice if it runs a 60 fps.
In addition, there is no damage to the cars during bumps or crashes. It would have been nice to have it. It certainly adds a lot more realism to it.

The cars are well modeled. Boy, are they detailed. You can see the headlamps, tires, rear spoilers, and so on with great details. More importantly, you can see your driver in detail.

Sound/Music: 8/10

Engine sounds are accurate as far as I can tell. You can hear tire screeching, car crashing into walls and each other. You can hear the crowd cheering on at certain parts of the track.
When you get to a pit stop, you will hear tools being use to change your car's tires and so on.

Music consists of mostly of the techno kind. Most of them are good during the race and does not annoy the player. I wish there are more music tracks, though. That is why it is getting an 8 here.

Replayability: 9/10

With four modes to play, Le Mans track time variations, secret cars, and AI selections, replayability is very high here. I played this game about 5 months ago for one week. Then, I played some other games. Somehow, I came back to this game. It is getting a 9 since there are not enough tracks here. I don't believe there are ever going to be enough tracks in any racing game but it could use more improvements in this area.

Overall: 9/10

Wish List for Future Versions:

Too bad the Dreamcast is on its way out. Hopefully, more game companies would follow this game's lead and provide more improvements such as:

- More cars/racers on screen at the same time.
- Racers that have emotions (i.e. driving up to you after you bump him/her and wave his/her fists at you)
- More tracks
- More music or customizable by ripping music for more variety
- Damage modeling

To Buy or Not To Buy?:

For racing fans, this is a definite buy. It costs $29.95 and sometimes at $24.95 online. Even if you are not a racing fan, buy it to check it out fully. You will be glad you did.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/12/01, Updated 07/12/01