Racing Legends Review

When a game has a title like Racing Legends, one would expect to see appearances from many of the biggest name drivers of racing's past.  Sadly, the game actually lacks any professional endorsements.  Instead, the 'Legends' refers to the advancement of Formula One car designs through the decades.  Despite the deceptive naming, the title does attempt to take players through an evolution of the sport.  Is this enough to get the checkered flag, or just another false start?

Formula One racing is hardly a new sport.  With roots dating all the way back to the early 1900s, the competition has continued to draw a large and extremely dedicated audience.  As Racing Legends begins its trek through the decades, it starts in the 1960's and runs all the way through the 2000s.  Players will be given a tour of different car designs that show the significant effect technology has had on the sport over the last five decades.

The problem is that the cosmetic differences in the vehicle's design doesn't necessarily reflect a change in how cars perform on the track.  Aside from a slight speed tweak or a supposed handling improvement, every single car seems to race exactly the same.  Furthermore, the handling seems extremely rigid and unfluid.  Simply put, cars should not feel this way to drive.

Players are given the option of a top down camera, one that hovers slightly behind the vehicle or an in-cockpit perspective.  No matter where the viewpoint resides, however, the rigid controls still remain an unavoidable obstacle.  That said, if on screen buttons are not one's cup of tea, there is also the option to use gyroscopic tilt - I just don't recommend it.

One thing that the game does well is in providing players a sense of accomplishment at the end of every race.  After successfully grabbing the checkered flag, new tracks and cars will be unlocked.  This sense of progression goes a long way towards quelling the monotony of the limited track designs and environments.  Oh, and developers, please take note that running the exact same track in reverse hardly constitutes a "new" track.  You may try to be sneaky and rename it, but we are onto you.

With a name like Racing Legends, a consumer might anticipate a broadly sweeping experience that could traverse the annals of racing history.  Unfortunately this title barely strives to be more than a mediocre racing experience.  It tries to do too many things and falls short in virtually every regard.  Save yourself the disappointment and leave this game in the pits. It could certainly use a tune up.

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