Move Over Sim Fans

Racing games will always be separated into two distinct disciplines: Simulated realism or arcade style craziness.  Although this isn’t a new development, it’s a rule that has stood the test of time in gaming circles.  It’s impossible to have both.  Sim fans please read no further.  This game isn’t for you.  FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage, from Bugbear Entertainment, doesn’t offer realistic physics, customizable suspension, or anything else gearheads ask for these days.  This is mindless arcadey break-all-rules-of-reality excitement. And even as a Burnout clone, it’s pretty darn good.

FlatOut originally debuted on the Playstation 2 in 2005, but even after a sequel it still seemed stuck as a spiritual successor to Destruction Derby (PS1).  The latest installment still feels like DD, but it’s been married to a lot of the core ideas that made Burnout a success.  Visually its’ offerings are a pretty impressive sight.  Imagine MotorStorm, without the mountainy backdrop, bikes, or deformable track technology (a.k.a. mud).  You’ll even see glimpses slightly resembling MS’s brilliance, but it never surpasses it.  Regardless of FlatOut’s look, the demo is missing MotorStorm’s vertical scale.  Still, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to collide with the games fully destructible environments.  Cars soar through the air with amazing grace; the way they probably do in Evel Knievel's wet dreams.

Crash This!

The latest demo on XBL will give you a taste of FlatOut:UC's three modes: Carnage Race, Deathmatch Derby, and Race (with the last one decidedly unoriginal considering the game’s destructive angle).  Carnage race is just like any Burnout race – finish first and take out as many of your opponents in the process.  Deathmatch Derby is a lot like a destruction derby, arguably one of the most insane sports ever realized.  Imagine the scene of devastation as cars slide around the track, trying to smash each other to submission.  Obviously not for the faint of heart, but this experience lends itself well to a videogame. 

You’ll be jarringly surprised as the buzzer sounds and you slam the gas pedal, smashing and colliding with all your opponents at the center of the ring.  It’s visceral, it’s mindless, and it’s down right fun.  Power-ups pepper the small arenas offering small bonuses like increased crash damage, repair work, and score multipliers.  Probably the only thing ruining the experience is the horrible emo/smash rock soundtrack bellowing in the background.  Still, for this genre, this type of music is pretty consistent fare and ultimately forgivable.

Ultimate Outlook

FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage is a perfect homage of two great arcadey franchises being rolled up into one package.  It’s a fun diversion from the weighty titles that’ll be consuming your mind this fall (BioShock, Mass Effect, etc), unfortunately the XBL demo won't give you a taste of Flatout's interesting multiplayer options like ‘Hunter & Prey’ or ‘Beat the Bomb’.  You'll just have to wait for those. Being surprisingly fun, FlatOut: UC is another reason disclaimers are posted at a game’s initial load screen.  Don’t try this type of driving at home kids because it’s not real.  Keep this brand of fun 'in the game' where it belongs.