Corvette Review - PS2

Upon first entering the game it becomes evident that it has borrowed ideas from the Gran Turismo series; the menu style and accompanying music and tones are very similar to those of the racing king's. You'll find available a Quick Race mode, which, obviously, allows you to quickly jump into a race; an Arcade mode, in which you must complete races in order, finishing each race according to the set parameters - for example, come third or better; a Career mode, which is similar to the Arcade mode except that it takes you through the Corvette's history, giving you a different model of Corvette to use after each set of races are completed successfully; the Specials mode, in which you'll find five special races that test your endurance, skill and more; and a Multiplayer mode, which allows you and a friend to race head-to-head on a split screen.

The way the Arcade and Career modes are set out extend the game's lifespan and appeal; races are set out in ladder form, and each race must be completed before the next is available. Doing well in races in both the Arcade and Career modes unlock various goodies such as a whole host of new car colours - and they aren't just standard colours either, you'll come across specialised paint that gives off multicoloured reflections. As you make your way through the Career mode you'll be rewarded with car upgrades, such as improved brakes, wheels and engines. These are given immediately, however, which draws away the fun of selecting your own upgrades.

The tracks in Corvette take place in cities, as most racing games' tracks do, but also in stranger places such as an Air Force compound and a construction site. I suppose this is a good thing, though; it adds a lot of variety to the game, as you aren't constantly racing through city after city. The track type often transcends, and it varies from standard tarmac to thick, wet gravel. The cars handle slightly differently on each surface but you won't feel it as much as in other racing games.

The cars in Corvette are, obviously, all Corvettes. Fortunately there are quite a few to choose from, and you'll get to use models made as far back as the early fifties. The cars handle realistically and are easy control; occasionally you'll need to brake on a corner, but most can be taken without doing so. Sometimes you'll have the opportunity to slide round a hairpin or two using the handbrake, but hold it down too long and you'll be sent spinning. There are a good (continued next page)