Speed...it's a hell of a drug

I'm talking about speed in terms of velocity here by the way. We all like to go fast due to the sense of sheer adrenaline it can create. It makes us grip the edge of our seats, bite our nails and pushes our sensory reactions to absolute limit. In terms of game design, speed can be the nucleus of a game's design.

Just look at the exemplary Wipeout2097 - a game based around pure, unfettered speed set beside thumping techno music. Back in '97 this was a true onslaught on the senses and defined speed in games. Then of course, Burnout 3: Takedown (this video is the shit!) came along and showed us how it was really done, especially one of the Asian levels, with the short stretch of jungle (you know the one I mean, it's perfect for cheeky 'rumble in the jungle' takedowns). That one straight alone is testament to the game's sense of speed.

However, have you ever read a description of a racing game where it boasted 'incredible speeds of up to 200mph'. This may be splitting hairs but personally, I love fast games and the following is simply food for thought.

Recently, I received a promo copy of Speed Racer on Wii, with the box blurb boasting, no not speeds of 200mph (that's too slow), no not 300mph (c'mon slowpoke!) but 400mph! (OMFG!!1) After playing the game however, it's admittedly much slower than Burnout 3 and doesn't deliver the same sense of speed.

Claiming that a game rockets along at 400mph is a classic case of padding - using buzz words and gimmick-speak to sell a weak game. To most players, it will feel exactly the same as a game that boasts 200mph speeds. Unless I'm propelled back into my seat and through the wall when I slam that turbo button, I wont be satisfied by claims of 400mph.

But once again, I love fast games and claims of breakneck speed usually get me interested, as long as they make good on their promises. We all know deep down that we wont actually be gunning it at these speeds but we still buy these games for their interpretation of how they may feel. Personally, Burnout Dominator, while not the best game in the series, conveys the best sense of speed in a racing game so far, chaining multiple boosts has to be seen to be believed!

So there you have it, speed the drug is bad (m'kay), speed the movie is a non-stop thrill ride and speed in gaming is a lie, but a bloody brilliant lie at that! :D

Much love,

Dave