Vanishing Point

"A good game with poor control."

Vanishing Point is sure a mixed bag of a racer. While the game is sure pretty, it falls flat on its face with horrible control.

Vanishing Point was released around December 2000; it was published by Acclaim and developed by Clockwork Games. While this is Clockwork Games first attempt at a racing game, it sure isn't half-bad. But, I will say this is one of the best games that Acclaim has published.

Gameplay: This is the worse part of the entire game. I mean it's ruined by really sensitive controls. Even worse you can't really fix the sensitive controls. Other than that, a nice amount of replay value is in this one, about 42 cars to unlock, and a lot of tracks to unlock also. The problem with unlocking everything is that only 2 cars are unlocked in the beginning. If you hate Fords, then I recommend you somewhat avoid this game, because the first 2 cars that are selectable at the beginning are Fords. You get about 12 tracks with 4 types (such as mirrored and reversed) As soon as you get past the horrid control, there are lots of fun multiplayer games for you to enjoy. As I said, practice with the sensitive controls and you should get the hang of it. There even is an online ranking mode to boot, however I don't know if it's still around sadly.

Graphics: This is the good part of the game. Crisp, almost no popup, just pretty. I really could go on all day, but I won't. In fact this is one of the prettiest DC games out, even though it came out in 2000.

Sound: This part of the game I never really noticed, so I suppose it's okay. You can expect one of those licensed soundtracks and some decent sound effects. Noting to be thrilled over.

Replay Value: This is the other part of the game that is really good. I mean sure you only get a few tracks and 2 cars at the beginning of the game, but there is a lot to obtain and unlock. This should take you a good weekend. You must really love the subject matter to do so,

All in all, Vanishing Point is an okay game that is worth playing if you like racers, just as long as you can get past the control issues. The online ranking mode should keep you busy if it's still up. As I said before I'm not too sure, because I don't really play many online games. Overall, a 6/10.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 09/15/02, Updated 09/15/02