Review by: Patrick Tan

This is the sequel to King The Spirit (US version is High Velocity). I didn't play the first version before so I can't comment on how much improvement this has. This is a racing game that has more simulation feel to it than just pure arcade racing. There are 3 tracks (plus mirror tracks) to race on, with only one opponent car to race against. You have quite a number of cars to choose from and you can also customize it in almost every areas (colors, tires, engines, transmissions, brakes, etc). In addition, you can choose the weather, season and time of day to race on. The two player split screen mode comes with two options, split horizontally or vertically.

Graphics: 8.5/10

The graphics is very good: fast and smooth (although not as smooth as Sega Rally) with very little popup (maybe slightly better than Sega Rally). In addition, the game has special effects like rain, snow, fog, etc. Overall, the graphics is comparable to Sega Rally except the image is not as bright and I find the texture-mapped quite plain.

Control: 8/10

The game seems hard to control in the beginning because of the track design; the track is full of curves so it is pretty hard to race well. However, the control is good in the sense that you know you will be able to race better after more practise. The game supports 3D analog pad as well. As I said before, this game is more like simulation driving with slopes and lots of irregular and sharp bends. So don't expect to be able to drive at high speed even though the game is capable of doing that.

Playability: 7/10

This is the part that I don't really like about this game, mainly because it is more like a simulation than arcade game. You select and customise a car to race against a computer car. If you win it, you get another new car. Although it is a plus to have lots of cars to choose and be able to customise them, the problem is it is not really fun (in this game) to race the same tracks again even with different cars. The thrill of arcade racing is not there: winding tracks that limit the speed and only one opponent. Maybe simulation fans may like this more, but I lost the interest to play this game after a while.

Overall: 7.5/10

It's hard to rate this game. The game is good in terms of graphics, control and options (large selection of cars and customizabe). But the fun (maybe it's only me) is not there to play the game again and again. So, rent it before you buy (especially if you are looking for arcade action racing game).