Posted on: September 23, 2009
gcb
Verified ownerGames: 30 Reviews: 2
Absolutely brilliant 'fun' driving sim - runs great on linux with Crossover-Games
I have driven (and raced) cars & bikes for more than 30years now. I like driving cars so much, the only thing I'm happy with driving on the road, is a coupe, due to their unique chassis/handling qualities. When it comes to driving/racing sims, I can become over-critical very easily...but there are two different kinds of these things. There are 'serious' driving/racing sims -- these are the sort of games you wish you had -real- steering-wheel/pedals/gearshift and other controls, that feel and react onscreen exactly the way they would/should in a real car..and then there are 'fun' games of this type, where the most enjoyment to be had is using a joystick or gamepad to control the car instead. This GOG release of FlatOut installs and runs great on linux using Codeweavers Crossover-Games (I believe this is true for the Mac version as well). For years I'd been a big fan of the RollCage series using analog joystick for input, and never found gamepad to be quite as much fun with those titles. FlatOut is quite the opposite -- here is a game that gives you a reason for having a gamepad. The linux/crossover-game interaction with a USB gamepad controlling FlatOut is seamless -- real plug&play material. Not many driving games lend themselves to the immediate hard-left/hard-right/quick recenter steering control input most basic gamepads provide, but FlatOut is the exception -- you will end up appreciating this kind of steering control with this game, because if you're doing it right, best laps are obtained by literally going flat-out, committing to lines you won't be able to see for 5 or 6 seconds, and then controlling huge powerslides around corners looking for that 'perfect' line. Most of the time, it's kind of like driving rally-x without a navigator beside you to help you out along the way. The physics are great fun, certainly car-control wise they're very 'close to the mark' to what will happen if you get it wrong ..and don't wear a seatbelt. If there is a strategy to winning this game, it is this -- get out infront, go hard don't look back, and don't stuff-up. The AI drivers get meaner and uglier as you progress thru the levels...and quicker. They will give you no respect, give them none in return...many a time I've pitched the thing into a corner so hard, the -only- way I'm going to get around it, is if I hit the opponent car my chosen line is deliberately part of...you really -do- have to drive gloves-off here. The only thing I found the fun could've been added to, would have been a so called 'kickdown' switch to force the auto back a gear, and being able to change the actual gear ratios themselves...but other than that, outstanding FUN!
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