Apex

"Design the car and race it, win they will buy lose and they won't"

The Game:

Apex was designed to separate itself from the mass racers by allowing you to design, race and sell the vehicles. They missed the mark however this is just a disguise of win races unlock different cars. Instead you win races and depending on your finish you will sell so many cars 1st 24 2nd 20 and so on. You sell so many you can PICK a design of a new car or win alot and pick a design of a different class racer. This is the crux of the game and all in all is ok but I think I would have rather unlocked ferrari's and porsche's just my opinion.

The Graphics:

This is where Apex really shines with a reported over 100 000 polygons per vehicle with real time damage it is very gorgeous. The back grounds are incredible racing in a city where you can actualy watch a billboards video and planes and helicopters fly around. The pavement looks real as does the sun blinding your eyes. The opposing cars are actual cars and look fantastic as a vehicle takes damage sparks fly as you go. As far as graphics go this game is the best looking racer of the top three PGR, RalliSport and Apex. However it's not that much better as the other two are pretty spectacular themselves.

The Sound:

Being on the XBox sure has it's advantages digital 5.1 surround sound makes any racer sound good. Apex could have used a bit of work in it's track player for some reason the bass is cracked up to a level which makes the songs you burn not good however decreasing the bass solves this. The cars themselves sound good some extra work in the crashing dept. would have went a long way. All in all the sound is pretty good. Hearing what side the vehicle is trying to pass you on is nice and the tunnel affects are pretty cool to.

The Controls:

The controls are the basics you have your gas brake and hand brake. You have the option of using manual or automatic transmission. You have the option of switching your view or looking behind you. The controls themselves are pretty tight. The steering is responsive and feels good. The hand brake is good to you can actually spin out if you apply it to long. All in all a pretty tight arcade racer.

The Game Play:

There 2 main modes in Apex. Dream mode where you pick your design and race it and continue along trying to build your auto empire. Arcade where you race actual cares you unlock in dream mode. Of course there is also 2 player mode.

Over All:

This game is a really top notch racer. I feel it deserves an 8.5. If the little quirks had been fixed it would be an easy 10 as it stands it is an easy 8.5. Apex is a standout and a must buy for race fans.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/14/03, Updated 04/05/03