Scorcher
This is one of those interesting games to which people have completely different opinions. Some quite like it, others think it really sucks. I belong firmly to the first category.
Ok, time for a bit of background here. Scorcher is a futuristic racing game which was released in 1996. You race around six different tracks on futuristic, weaponless motorcycles, trying to place as good as possible and not running out of time.
As for graphics, Scorcher looked great back then, and still looks quite good, even though it lacks 3d acceleration. It doesn't require much computing power to look good either, with a relatively new machine you can turn all details on and crank up the resolution as far as it will go (640*480), and that looks really nice. The tracks are extremely cool, full of twists, turns, bends, and details. They are also very dark and moody, and give a very nice feel to the game, along with the techno soundtrack.
When you think about it, the main complaint from most of the negative voices about this game is that they find it too hard. They think the tracks are too difficult, or that controlling your craft is too difficult. Well, would you expect a bike hoovering inside a forcefield to behave like your average racing car? As for the tracks, they certainly aren't easy, but personally I find that adds to the charm of the game. The first time you race on a track, you probably won't even finish the first lap. You'll fall into every hole there is, run off the track times beyond counting, and the time will be up before you can shout "Wait for me!" In this game, you have to learn the tracks, and do it well: where are the sharp turns and holes in the road, where is it safe to boost? Once you learn a track, and it doesn't really take all that long, Scorcher really rewards you. I've seen few games give such speed thrills as Scorcher while you are still in control of you vehichle. It's fast, sometimes too fast of course (ending up with you off course), good looking and simple. Your typical arcade racer, with a learning curve half of the reviewers seem to be unable to accept. Some will probably also complain about how limited the track is, and the fact that surrounding it is nothing but darkness, ready to swallow you craft should you venture too far to the side. It doesn't bother me though; it keeps the game running smoothly on older machines and there's still more well-drawn scenery than you have time to look at as you speed by.
Simplicity can also be said to be the problem with Scorcher. There is no multiplayer of any kind, poor joystick support (haven't tried it myself though), only six tracks and only one form of tournament which ends as soon as you fail to qualify for the next race.
Bottom line: Scorcher is a really nice racing game with a learning curve some find too steep and with too few tracks or playing styles.
