Once you've beaten the computer controlled cars, grab a mate and test the multiplayer mode. You won't need no stinking modem to play head to head in this game, though, because Ignition features a unique split-screen mode for up close and personal racing. Download the free Ignition trial Inductive Automation. 90 Blue Ravine, Folsom CA, 95630. 1-800-266-7798 (toll-free). 1-916-456-1045 (int'l). Email Us.
Ignition is an action packed racing game viewed from above and slightly behind the player. The cars on offer range from police car and VW Beetle to school bus and truck, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses - trying to win with the bus, which involves blocking everyone behind the hideously slow vehicle for 3 laps, is perhaps the ultimate challenge.
Initially there are 5 tracks available, with practice and single race modes as well as full championship at 3 levels - winning each of the first 2 levels unlocks an extra track. They all have hazards running through them, and sections where you must make a split-second choice between the safer route and the risky but potentially rewarding one. Multiplayer can be done via network or by split-screen - in a break with convention the screen is split vertically rather than horizontally.
Let me start off by stating an axiom everyone should be aware of - everyone loves Ignition. And in case you are wondering what an axiom is, its a fact so basic that it needs no proof. It has to be the most loveable game I've ever played. Now that I got this shameless personal impression of the game off my chest, I'll try to write an objective review.
Ignition was developed by a small Swedish company called UDS (Unique Development Studios) and distributed by Virgin. Unfortunately, UDS is closed today, probably because of quite a few unsuccessful titles they launched after Ignition. However, you are probably wondering why Ignition received all the hype and praise. First of all, its concept was simple - it had to look great, feel great and constantly keep you wanting more and more. It succeeded flawlessly in all of those segments, but most of all, its fun factor was off the scale.
There are quite a few modes of play. The single player mode features championship, single race, time trial and pursue races. In championship, you race all available tracks and earn points. If you collect most points through all races, a new track and car get unlocked. Once you complete a championship, the game difficulty will automatically increase from novice to amateur. Of course, you can return it to novice, but in order to unlock new tracks and cars, you will also have to win championships in amateur and professional difficulty levels. Single race mode is just that - a single race with a car and track of your choice. Pursuit is similar, but with a slight twist - each time a lap is completed, the last car is destroyed, and thus kicked out of the race. This goes on until there is just one car left - the winner of course. Last but not least is the time trial mode in which you can race against the ghost car which shows how you drove when the track record was made. This is great for practicing. Single player mode is just the tip of the iceberg though. Multiplayer offers two more modes - splitscreen and network.
Graphics, level design and sounds are also a story for itself. The perspective moves about as you storm through twisty roads, bridge passes, cliffs serpents and canyons. Calling it bird perspective would be an insult since the game offers a full-blown 3D engine that looks and performs amazing. The DOS mode will limit you to 320x240 resolution, but you can enjoy the stunning look in 800x600 when playing under Windows. There are 10 levels in total, and some will complain about this, but the level design is so diverse and beautiful, you won't be bored even after driving around for countless number of laps. Every track features special jumps, twists and shortcuts that can be passed in an infinite number of ways. Basically, every lap is an unique experience. Also, every car has a set of characteristics that determine how fast it goes, how well it handles and how quickly the turbo charges. The turbo? Yes, every car has a regenerating turbo that will give you a speed burst for a short amount of fun. Using those in the right moment is critical for winning races. Also, each car produces a special sound when using the turbo. For example, when driving the police car, its sirenes will light up and sound the alarm, in school bus you will hear children screaming and cheering etc.
If you were wondering what the point of this game was, I will have to dissapoint you by telling you there is just one - to win the race and laugh at your looser opponents / friends. At a first glance it might seem a bit daft, but actually its more fun and addictive than you could ever imagine. Now would be a good time to conclude this review since only the most persistant of you actually read all the way until here :) There is just one more thing to say - this game is absolutely magnificent so go get it right away!! A straight 5, no thinking necessary.
How to run this game on modern Windows PC?
People who downloaded Ignition have also downloaded:
Grand Theft Auto 2, F1 Racing Simulation, Road Rash, GT Racing '97, International Rally Championship, FIFA: Road to World Cup 98, Re-Volt, Formula 1
It is just crazy to think that Ignition was originally released over 20 years ago! This was a very popular racing game that I spent a ton of time with as a kind on our old Packard Bell. It was re-released in all its original glory just a couple of years back and it showed that you do not need fancy graphics and tons of gimmicks when the gameplay has aged like a fine wine.
Take It To The Top
Ok, so I will say that when it comes to its main single-player racing mode that what we have here with Ignition is not going to compete with modern racing games. However, that is not to say what is here is bad. You have a championship mode where you need to finish in first to third and if you do you will earn points. At the end of the championship, if you are the winner of the cup, you move onto the next one.
As Addictive As A Can Of Oil In Radiator Springs
While the championship mode is where you will initially spend most of your time. Ignition has some other modes for you to play. There is a single race mode that you can do, but it is the other two modes that I love. First is the time trial mode and this is something my dad and I would play to death back in the day. You are trying to get the best race time possible and you then get to race your ghost.
The other game mode that I like is Pursue Mode and this back in 1997 when I first played it was unreal and it is still a great deal of fun now. The idea of this mode is that the player in last place at the end of each lap is eliminated! It makes for some very tense and action packed racing.
Micro Machi…
The racing style that is on offer here is cool. While I would describe the racing as “arcade” style racing. One interesting thing is that you can have manual transmission if you like. Each car has four stats which are acceleration, speed, turbo, and grip and depending on the car you have the stats will be different. The racing to me is most comparable with Micro Machines, but the V3 game that was released on the original PlayStation. Each of the tracks has a lot of personality to it and for a game that is 20 plus years old, I feel the visuals hold up quite well. There are many things on the tracks that are trying to trip you up ranging from pedestrians that drive like maniacs to avalanches.
Ignition Software Download
I had a blast going back and playing Ignition. It is so awesome when you play a game you loved as a kid and it has aged well. I would not say that the visuals are the best, but the gameplay has stood the test of time. I loved playing this on my own, but it was even more fun playing some local co-op with my son just like I use to with my dad back in the day.
Ignition 8 Download
Pros:
- The game just oozes charm and personality
- The racing is easy to get to grips with
- I love the visuals
- Plenty of tracks and cars
- Multiplayer is a ton of fun
Cons:
- I do wish championship mode had a bit more to it
- Might be too “Arcady” for some