Re Volt

Gameplay

The PC version of the game featured 28 stock cars and 14 tracks including a stunt arena for free roaming. Cars come in three fuel variants; electric, glow (internal combustion) and special. The players driving ability will place them into various categories so that they race against other cars of similar capabilities. These capabilities are classified in categories which are: Rookie, Amateur, Advanced, Semi-Pro and Pro. Tracks are also categorized depending on their difficulty to master and win. These categories are: Easy, Medium, Hard and Extreme. Cars and tracks are both unlocked through success in the game's tournament modes.

Single Race allows 2-4 players on the console versions and 2-12 players on the PC version to race on the normal, single-player tracks. Within each race, competitors race to be the first to complete a preset number of laps of the circuit. To aid them in this there are a variety of lightning bolt shaped pick-ups lying around the track. Collecting one of these provides the player with a random weapon varying from oil slicks to fireworks and batteries that increase your speed for a short period of time. The worse a player is doing in the race, the more likely one of the better weapons will be obtained, and vice versa.

Multiplayer

Re-Volt's Multi-Player mode has two game modes: "Single Race" and "Battle Tag". In the console versions of the game, Multiplayer is played via split screen, whereas the PC version is online only. In Single Race, players can race against each other in the standard single-player tracks, although user-made tracks can be selected using certain methods. Battle Tag puts players in one of four special arenas: Neighborhood, Garden, Supermarket and Museum. The players must find and pick up a star that is hidden somewhere in the level. When a player takes the star, their timer starts counting down. By coming within proximity of the player with the star, other players can steal the star, thus starting that player's timer and stopping the opponent's. A player wins when his timer runs out. In addition, players can make their car jump by using the 'Reposition' key, instead of actually repositioning the car, as the arenas do not have a set course.

Track editor

All versions of the original game included a track editor. On the PC and console versions, this works by means of a series of set modules that can be put together to form a potentially infinite number of different combinations. Modules include bridges, straights, corners, chicanes, and pipes. Each module can be adjusted in multiple ways, from height above ground level to gradient of hill and radius of corner. Pick-ups can be added afterwards to the completed track, which must then be exported before it can be played. Exported tracks can be played in Single Race or in Multi-Player.

Development

Re-Volt was developed by Acclaim Studios London and released by Acclaim Entertainment in 1999. It was originally released on the PlayStation, PC, Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast. A sequel titled RC Revenge was released in 2000 for the PlayStation, followed by an enhanced port of the game called RC Revenge Pro for PlayStation 2.

Xbox beta version

A Microsoft Xbox version called Re-Volt Live was in development with a very limited beta version distributed to closed beta testers. This stripped down version of Re-Volt was issued to beta testers of the Xbox Live service prior to the launch of the service on the original Xbox system, but much to the disappointment of fans - a more complete version was never released on the Microsoft console. The full game was cancelled close to being finished. Even though it was not officially released, the full development version is available and can be played on a modified Xbox that is capable of running games from a storage device.

Arcade version

In September 2004, a modified version of Re-Volt was released for the arcade machines by Tsunami Visual Technologies. This port of the game featured a few changes in gameplay and graphics. It ran on Microsoft Windows 98 and came in two versions: the TsuMo Standard Non-Motion Sit Down Re-Volt and a deluxe model. Similar to the Dreamcast version's Time Trial mode and many other arcade racers, there is a global timer. This version also featured additional tracks, among those the fan-made Venice by Gabor and a new track created by Kurt Arnlund, an ex-Tsunami employee.

Mobile device ports

In July 2010, WeGo Interactive Co., Ltd., located in Seoul, South Korea, purchased all IP related with Re-Volt, RC Revenge Pro, and RC de Go (developed and owned by Taito), from Toronto-based Throwback Entertainment.

In July 2012, Re-Volt was announced for iOS and Android mobile platforms. In October 2012, Re-Volt was released for iOS as "Re-Volt Classic". An Android version of the game was released on April 24, 2013 to the Korean T-Store and later to the Play Store.

PC re-release

On October 3, 2013, the PC version of Re-Volt was re-released through digital distribution on GOG.com. The release was based on the community developed 1.2 Beta patch, with additional support for the original CD tracks as MP3 files. On January 14, 2014, the game was pulled on request from the developers of the 1.2 Beta patch due to a misunderstanding with publishers WeGo Interactive.

Legacy

Although Acclaim Entertainment has been defunct since 2004, fans continued to support and extend the game by producing fan-made vehicles and courses, and by operating multiplayer servers. Fans have created an open-source, cross-platform chat/lobby client called "RV House" that allows players to connect and play online. While new players may experience a significant learning curve, the community remains active with records of fastest laps and new courses and cars still being added. The fan-base have gone on to maintain the PC version with alpha and beta updates. The game was also ported by the fan community to multiple platforms such as Linux, MacOS, ODROID, and OpenPandora based on the available source code.

Reception

Upon its initial release, the Dreamcast and PC versions of Re-Volt received critical acclaim. Mark Clarkson of Computer Gaming World gave the game 4/5 stars praising the game's graphics and environments, and realistic RC-like handling, although noted that the in-game map editor was poor. Vincent Lopez of IGN gave the PC version an 8.8, praising the game's graphics, the gameplay and interface, but criticised the game's techno music and track editor.

Unlike the Dreamcast and PC versions, the PlayStation and N64 versions of Re-Volt were less positively received. Official PlayStation Magazine US gave the game a 40%, criticising the framerate and glitches. All Game Guide reviewed the Nintendo 64 version and gave it a 40%, criticising the poor frame rate and the large environments.