- developer: GRIN
Ballistics is the Formula One of the future. Needless to say Ballistics is for the extreme speed enthusiasts. Maximizing the use of the very latest 3D cards GRIN has created a game that is cruel to your hardware but sweet to your eyes.
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Ballistics takes place during man's next century. Technology and increasing demand for hazardous entertainment has born a new form of racing. The Ballistics pilots run their hover bikes on magnetic fields inside a track that allows full 360º movement. The races take place in many different settings; all with their own unique design concept and environment, but all shaped to breed the speed.
Players control their Speeders by two systems. One where the Speeder attaches to the tunnel's inner wall's magnetic field. In this mode the Speeder can strafe 360 degrees around the track still keeping its direction. The benefit is more control in curves and when tackling and overtaking opponents. The downside is that the magnetic field won't allow the booster to be used and thus the acceleration is limited.
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The second control system is enabled by hitting the detach switch on the dashboard and release from the magnetic field. This will enable free motion; loop, roll and turn. The free movement will allow the pilot to use the booster and gain some serious speeds. The downside of free movement is of course crashing at high speeds. The free movement is for pros - the longer you stay detached the faster you go.
Not only head to head play is at the players feet, but also several kinds of team play. When going against other players the different playing styles, part combinations, tackling and tricks of booster burn (overheating opponents with your engine flame) throw the racing genre a new bone - much needed.
To be able to stand the extreme g-force pilots are using gel filled lungs and pressure suits. The player is able to buy upgrades and modifications to both his speeder and himself.
Running different leagues and snatching winning positions will render cash. Between races this is used for purchase of new parts and for buying your way into better leagues.
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Pilots can be modified not only with new suits and gel systems, but also altered by the player by redesigning of skins and textures for both the pilot and Speeder chassis.
Parts for the speeders come in many different brands each with it's own good and bad features. The parts are grouped as follows:
- Chassis: This part is the look. As well as making room for chromed finish and decals this part set the amount of damage a Speeder can take before breaking down or exploding.
- Engines: A broad range of engines gives the pilots plenty of choice when it comes to horsepower and heat. Besides pulling all the weight of the gear the engine produces a lot of heat. Depending on the combination of parts heat will eventually melt or blow the Speeder to pieces. This is something every pilot has to consider; the balance between heat and acceleration. Too much heat will cause explosions you don't want to be near.
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- Coolers: Bulky but efficient, these units provide the pilot with help when on the verge of overheating. Working with either constant cooling or short bursts the pilot can fight heat levels and if skilled keep the acceleration at maximum through the race.
- Boosters: These are the gadgets used for attaining speeds beyond the sound barrier. Boosters gush out heat - massive power kick in and fires the speeder like a bullet in a Ballistics™ range. Pilots must time the use with the right racing technique and really know their way around the track or else - get peeled down like wallpaper!
