SingTel Ultimate Race Simulator 2008

This simulator provides a simple and yet fast-paced option for those who enjoy F1 racing.

Ultimate Race Simulator 2008 can be viewed as being a game designed to hone one's virtual racing skills before taking on more challenging platforms. The platform itself is actually quite simple in regards to the car and the track layout. There is only one vehicle to choose and the course itself does not change (it is within the confines of the Singapore Grand Prix Circuit). Therefore, those who are looking for a great deal of variety may not particularly enjoy this version. There are still some other beneficial features worthwhile examining.

Ultimate Driving Realism

SingTel had decided to place much more of an emphasis upon the skills required to drive a proper Formula One car. So, the controls are quite touchy and the player will often find the vehicle careening off of the track. This is likely to be the same scenario that would occur should one decide to drive the real thing without prior training. While the movements can be touchy, Ultimate Racing Simulator 2008 challenges the player to improve his or her skills as time goes on.

No Frills and No Distractions

Much like the controls, there is little help from the game in terms of modifications or automatic gears. This is in direct contrast to other systems that employ upgrades once a certain course is completed. In essence, there is very little that this game offers other than the ability for the driver to beat his or her previous time. Another issue to address is that as only one track is available, the player will likely become familiar with its twists and turns over time. This could slightly diminish the challenging aspects of the circuit that were first encountered.

Specifications

It is recommended that a computer have at least 512 megabytes of processing power along with .Net Framework 2.0 or higher. Direct X 9.0c is the video codec of choice and a standard 3D graphics card should suffice in terms of motion.

This "bare-bones" racing game is perfect for those looking for a challenge or who desire to improve their virtual driving skills. What are some of the benefits and drawbacks to be noted?

Pros

• A very realistic driving scenario

Cons

• The vehicle is difficult to control
• There is no possibility to modify or upgrade the car
• The course can become monotonous over time