PREVIEW
Racing soon to your PC, it’s Boss Rally from Southpeak Interactive, a rally-style arcade racer that encourages all-out automotive assault–from minor fender-benders to major airborne stunts. Developed by Boss Games studios, Boss Rally is a N64 port that includes additions like full 3D support and internet multiplayer gameplay. Drivers will choose from up to 16 cars racing on six different courses, and will compete with up to 19 computer-controlled opponents both on the course and exploring off-road shortcuts. For example, I found myself venturing off-road on the Jungle Course and discovered that if I hugged the right side of the road I found a hut; when I hit the brakes and made another hard right, I made a bee-line through the course that gave me a considerable advantage over my opponents.
Boss Rally offers three different kinds of single-player competitions: Championship Mode, where you’ll progress through a series of increasingly difficult races; Time Attack, basically a beat the clock event; and Quick Race, where you’ll jump right into the pack with a bunch of AI opponents. Racers can select from three different tire types and shock setups to compensate for weather and racing conditions, and there are three camera angles to choose from to view the action. You’ll want to pick the chase perspective occasionally in order to enjoy the real time car deformation as the inevitable crashes occur.
Controller options range from keyboard and mouse (not recommended) to joystick, gamepad, or racing wheel. The game also supports force feedback controllers. Boss Rally requires s DirectX 6-compatible 3D video card; in addition to internet play, multiplayer is supported by LAN, modem, or serial cable. Instant replays are available and the original soundtrack is from the band Dragline.
Finally, there are some surprises concealed in the game, such as faster cars, a hidden track, and even mirrored versions of all courses. It’s the little extras like these that may well nudge Boss Rally past the pack of has-been and wannabe ports that have failed to make the successful transition from console to PC.
If arcade racing gets your motor running, then head onto the highway later this month when Boss Rally hits the shelves.