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Game Overview
As a flagship launch-title, the original Destruction Derby
was a powerful demonstration of PlayStation gaming values.
Liberating, cathartic and (for its time!) brutally realistic,
it freed gamers from the restrictions associated with traditional
driving games. Subsequent sequels performed well and added
numerous features; total Destruction Derby sales now total
3 million +!! However, by the third incarnation it became
clear that the limitations of the PSX were restricting
the improvement of the franchise's basic game proposition.
The move to the PS2 promises to reinvigorate this much-loved
series: the improved graphics and game engine made available
on the next-generation platform restore the realism and therefore
the satisfaction of destruction racing.
The series' basic enjoyable premise
remains the same – take
control of a fully destructible car and throw it around a
series of tracks and bowls. With each collision earning crucial
turbo boost and grid positions, players are rewarded not
just for skilful cornering but for hammering their opponents
to pieces with their own vehicles! As bumpers drop off, knackered
radiators steam and doors flap open, the competition to get
to first place gets ever more heated.
Gone are the muddy-coloured stock cars and old bangers;
in their place is a colourful selection of larger-than-life
muscle cars with which to wreak havoc in the world of illegal
underground racing. A full range of distinct and stylised
characters (complete with individual vehicles, stories, relationships,
taunts and endings) replaces the previously anonymous and
faceless drivers of previous incarnations.
The biggest design change, however, is probably in the tracks,
bowls and arenas. Imaginatively themed, these now offer both
stunning looks and real variety. From looping the loop to
ramping huge gaps to avoiding swinging wrecking balls to
cruising crowded Chinatown marketplaces, each environment
throws new challenges at the player.
Most importantly, this latest incarnation
sees Destruction Derby going online! Just as DD1 showed
early PlayStation
consumers that console gaming could be easy, fun and accessible,
so DD4 will support the promise that not all online games
are geeky, clan-based first person shooters! It is hard to
imagine an online title further removed from the 'Quake on
PC' mould – with up to 16 players competing simultaneously
to destroy one another's customised cars, DD4 Online play
will be immediate, intense and inclusive. Moreover, the consumer
association between the Network Adaptor and this exciting
launch title should help to refresh the DD series, re-establishing
it as innovative and cutting-edge, even for those without
the BBA.
Key Features:
• Broadband adaptor compatibility allows simultaneous 16 player
online action; Multitap compatibility provides 4 player offline
multiplayer racing
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Forgiving arcade car physics give players easily controllable
skids – and easily manageable collisions!
• 20 fully deformable and customisable low-riding muscle cars
to throw around
• Huge range of unlockable characters, each with their own
individual vehicles, stories, relationships, taunts and endings
• Enormous variety of themed tracks and bowls packed with incredible
stunt features including ramps, loops and gap jumps
• Realtime cinematic camera cuts bring stunts and crashes to
life
• Fully scripted commentaries and character taunts
• Full replays give you a chance to savour every bone-shredding
crunch from every angle
• Appealing 'Americana' art style gives tracks and cars bold,
larger than life feel
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