RacePro Updated Hands-On

Like other hardcore racing simulations, RacePro includes a vast array of adjustable sliders to tailor the cars to suit a particular racing style. Options include modifying gear ratios, brake sensitivity, among many others. For each option, RacePro includes descriptions detailing exactly what impact the change will have on your ride. Although many of these might still intimidate casual audiences, the default settings work well can safely skip the car customization

The game includes the usual variety of game modes including single races, a career mode, and online play. Unlike other racing simulations in which you amass a large collection of cars, RacePro takes a more authentic approach by placing you in the role of a professional driver. The career mode involves picking up contracts and slowly gaining access to faster, flashier rides (which will then be unlocked for use in other modes). Offline races can include up to 15 computer-controller drivers while online play supports up to 12 racers.

SimBin went to great length to ensure that each of the 44 cars featured in the game is as authentic as possible. Car types in RacePro range from Formula 3000 rides to more conventional rides like the Mini Cooper. Dashboards, dials, and even the sound of each car’s engine are consistent with their real-life counterparts. As with the cars, each of RacePro’s 13 courses, including Laguna Seca, closely mimic the real thing. Each course was based on over 1,000 photographs and includes every bump and corner from the actual course has been included in the game.

Like the game’s visuals, gameplay in RacePro is designed to be as authentic as possible. The game features realistic physics including bump stops and heating tires. As cars take damage from collisions, pieces of the car will fly off and cars progressively become harder to control as more damage is sustained. Even the game’s AI-controlled drivers seem to do good job of holding position and avoiding reckless contact.

As much as the title’s authenticity may appeal to hardcore racing enthusiasts, RacePro includes many features designed to ease novices into the world of racing as well. The loading screen preceding a race displays a track layout with tips on taking each of the major twists and turns on the course along with the recommended gear. Once the race starts, a line overlayed on the track reveals how professional drivers actually race the course and provides hints as to when to brake and accelerate preceding a corner. No release date for RacePro has been officially set as of yet. We’ll bring you more information on the game as we learn more.