Vanishing Point

Vanishing Point is a racing game developed by Clockwork Games and published by Acclaim Entertainment for Sega Dreamcast and Sony PlayStation. Released in January 4th/February 5th, 2001 in North America and in March 9th in Europe.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) The graphics are pretty good even by 2001 standards, specially the Dreamcast version. Also, it lacks the draw-distance, which is impressive.
 * 2) Fluid framerate.
 * 3) The game itself is an attempt to provide accurate car physics and handling in a realistic manor. A good feature for hardcore players.
 * 4) Thirty-two cars to drive such as the 1995 Ford Mustang MKIV (One of the two starter cars), 1997 Dodge Viper GTS, 1998 Lotus Esprit and 1996 TVR Cerbera.
 * 5) Unlike any other racing games, the gameplay itself is rather unique and involves beating the target time while racing against other opponents.
 * 6) The game features a new gamemode known as "Stunt Mode", in which involves performing a variety of jumps in small courses and barrel rolls, chicanes and pop balloons before the time runs out.
 * 7) Great sound design.
 * 8) Outstanding soundtrack influenced by European/Japanese electronic music such as "Peregone " and "Receptor ".
 * 9) Thirteen tracks to race from the desert to the cityscapes.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) The PlayStation port's graphics, albeit being regarded as one of the best even by the said console's standards, are a bit inferior to the original Dreamcast release.
 * 2) The rubberband AI and traffic are rather unbearable, despite you don't lose the race while being overtaken with the exception of failing to beat the target time.
 * 3) The handling is rather jerky and can be a nightmare to some, specially for the new players.

Trivia

 * The "Peregone" track itself samples the Altered States sample collection from Zero-G, more specifically the "Is That The Door?" track. Games like Max Payne, Postal, Half-Life 2, and Silent Hill: Shattered Memories have their soundtrack sampling the aforementioned track too.