Apex

"Apex, a good racing game"

Intro

This has got to be the best racing game I've seen on the Xbox. All the elements are there, graphics, sound, and style. So lets get on to the review and see how this game pans out.

Graphics

The wind is gusting, the trees are swaying, and your driving your custom made car down the road. This has got to be the most realistic looking Racing, and driving sim I've ever seen. With 500,000 polygons per track, and up to 11,000 polygons per car. The real time damage to the cars is awesome, if a car bumps into the other cars bumper, the bumper bends, it's a site to see. This game was definitely built for the power of the Xbox. It takes advantage of all the Xbox's power.

Sound

The sound in this game is godly. When you hear the motors at the starting line, you'll be hooked. You can hear the tires screech when the race starts, and the hand brakes getting pulled on a tight turn, and even the gears shifting and down shifting during the race in the straightaway. Also, if you have Dolby Digital 5.1, this game supports that function, and that makes the game sound even better!

Gameplay

The gameplay is magnificent, the controls are easy to pick up and the cars are even easier to drive. They don't take those long wide turns like trucks, but tight smooth turns like a real sports car. That has got to be one of the things that really bothers me in a racing game. When a sports car turns really wide, like a truck or SUV, and you hit a wall. But in this game there is none of that, the car's are almost effortless to drive. Which is one of the great things about this game, and the fact that you get to pick and build the car you want. Now that just adds to the supremacy of this game.

Story

Make your way to the top as a rising sports car mogul and build an automotive company.

Play Time

The play time is great also. I'm not even done with the game yet, but that's not saying much since I only got it 2 days ago. I'd say it will take me about 1 to 2 more months to finish this game, I'm probably going to take my time and admire the superb graphics and sound.

Replay Value

It probably won't have much replay value when I'm done with the 1st person mode, and with lots of tracks, 54 to be exact, and 80 cars in total. This game will keep any car lover busy for a long time.

Final Recommendation

If your a racing sim fan, I'd definitely say to buy this game, it is a awesome experience for any racing sim fan. Also, even if your not a race or speed fan, I'd still say to rent this game to see how great it is. So, if you're a racing sim fan, or just an adrenaline junkie then this is the game for you.

Final Scores
Graphics: 7/10
Sound: 7/10
Gameplay: 8/10
Story: 6/10
Play Time: 6/10
Replay Value: 4/10
Final Score 6/10

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 02/22/03, Updated 07/23/03