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CART PRECISION RACING
Developed by: Microsoft (1997)
Genre: CART/Indy Car racing sim
System Requirements: Windows 95/98, P 150+, CD ROM, 60 MB HDD Space, 32 MB RAM, Mouse, Modem.

OVERVIEW: While NASCAR and Formula One seem to have pole position in the auto racing sim world, CART/Indy Car seems to be the odd man out. I can't imagine why since it has the speed and power of NASCAR teamed with the elegance and skill of Formula One. Maybe it's because of the CART-Indy Car league wars- who knows. Whatever the reason, it didn't stop Microsoft from producing CART Precision Racing. Good thing too- racing fans will love it!

I'm more of a Formula One fan than anything, yet I was really impressed with the style of driving and the skill involved in CART/Indy Car racing. Microsoft's CART sim really gives you the feeling of rushing along the track at 200 mph! What Sierra's NASCAR Racing did for NASCAR, Microsoft's CART Precision should (and hopefully) will do for that racing circuit- it's the benchmark for all future CART sims to beat.

Racing fans will find the graphics and sounds in CART good. The tracks are rendered well (although kind of blocky)- complete with background graphics. There are weather effects as well so be prepared for wet weather racing (and skidding about the track if one is not careful). The garage/pit area is very comprehensive, allowing for all sorts of modifications to achieve better grip and performance. Then there are the cars themselves- each rendered flawlessly in the colors of each official CART team from the 1997 season. Yep, you'll find all of the teams and drivers in this game.

The racing physics are well done. Microsoft claims that the tracks are recreated to the centimeter- so you will experience every little bump and dip from each track. The pitstops are also well rendered, complete with 3D pit crew! Microsoft did their CART homework and passed with flying colors.

The only thing I didn't care for was the asphalt texturing. I found it too dark and grainy- something like what you find in NASCAR Racing would have been better. Other issues dealt with the rendering when viewing your car from different camera angles- some bad pixelization and graphic glitches occured.

THE SCOUTING REPORT:

THE PROS:

• Well rendered cars and circuits.
  Officially CART product: real teams, real drivers, real tracks.
  Easy to use menus and interfaces.
  Weather effects
  Excellent racing physics.
  Great sounds- some of the best I've heard.

THE CONS:

• Asphalt texturing is too dark and grainy.
  Funky renderings and pixelixations when using external views.
  Somewhat blocky renderings at times.

Review by Steve Ellis