DESCRIPTION

World Tour Racing was the first racer available for the Atari Jaguar CD. Earlier cartridge games, like Super Burnout and Checkered Flag were received with mixed reviews, which created some excitement for the release of WTR. Gameplay includes customizable cars, seven different racing views, and surprisingly intelligent AI. World Tour Racing also features a damage system — too many mid-race collisions will force drivers to the pits.

Unfortunately, the frame rate for World Tour Racing disappoints, with most estimates coming in between 15 to 30 frames per second depending on the number of objects onscreen. Things get worse in a two-player race; the slowdown frequently makes driving difficult. Perhaps more annoying than any other shortcoming, however, World Tour Racing failed to utilize the Jaguar's memory track, making 32-digit passwords an annoying necessity.

Graphically the game is a mixed bag, managing to combine sprites and polygons, but failing to look realistic or especially impressive. In all fairness, if WTR had been released earlier than 1997, as planned, the graphics (and game) may have been satisfactory. Atari logos and advertisements have been plastered over in-game billboards, adding a much needed nostalgic element. ~ Mark Hoogland, All Game Guide