BIG RED RACING

A year after Big Red Adventure, The Big Red Software Company were to release their last game - Big Red Racing. Given it's name, one would think that this anarchic and divisive gem shares a lot with the adventure game that preceded it but it doesn't. This is an arcade racing game all the way with the humour ramped up to obscene levels.

It was initially intended to be a multi-platform release with ports to both the Sony PlayStation and the Sega Saturn but the developer's merger with Eidos that same year put an end to that thought. Thankfully it doesn't suffer from the technical issues that plagued the previous game and runs smoothly under both DOS and Windows '95.

By 1996, polygonal racing games were becoming the norm and the graphical prowess of many developers were rising considerably. In direct contrast to the Big Red Adventure, the graphics here are perhaps the game's only flaw. While other games were attempting grater detail and varied terrain, Big Red's graphics are simple, blocky and uninteresting. Even racing on the moon looses its charm when you see how boring its vistas are.

Game-play wise it's another matter. It may take some time to get used to but the races are a great amount of fun, especially in multi-player. You can choose from up to 24 courses over 6 cups and each track allows you to pick from one of two vehicles. There are 16 in total ranging from cars and trucks to helicopters and moon buggies.

There is a commentary that runs through which gives the game a lot of personality, but can become grating. There's only so many farts and belches you can hear before it becomes annoying, but the many samples are varied and often times hilarious. I laughed out loud a number of times at the random quotes that were bombarded at me but there is an option to turn them off you you have delicate ears.

To controls are a little bit floaty. While diverting from the track is often encouraged to find hidden secrets, you may find you have no choice but to do so. To complete the race, you have to ride through the checkpoints that are placed along the track. If you miss one, you'll have to high-tail it back otherwise you'll see your ranking drop like a stone in water. If you don't mind about winning, going for a wander around the open worlds can bring up some wonderful surprises. Finding all of the hidden areas can be a game in itself.

The game-play isn't for everyone and the humour can be a touch on the blue side but I still love it. It may take some getting used to, but once you do there is great fun to be had.

To download the game, follow the link below. This custom installer exclusive to The Collection Chamber uses DOSBox to bring the game to modern systems. Tested on Windows 7.
  12.07.2015 - Ver.2 - Compressed CD audio.

File Size: 123 Mb.  Install Size: 164 Mb.  Need help? Consult the Collection Chamber FAQ

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Big Red Racing is © The Big Red Software Company
Review, Cover Design and Installer created by me

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