Redline (video game)

Infobox VG
title = Redline


developer = Jonas Echterhoff and Ambrosia Software
publisher = Ambrosia Software
distributor = Ambrosia Software
designer = Jonas Echterhoff
engine =
version =
released = 2006-09-21
genre = Racing
modes = Single and multiplayer
ratings =
platforms = Mac OS X
media =
requirements =
input =
preceded by =
followed by =

"Redline" is a computer game for Mac OS X developed by Jonas Echterhoff and published by Ambrosia Software. The game's primary features are its ability to simulate actual racing physics, online play, and support for the addition of third party content via plug-ins. The combination of these features have attracted numerous players and led to the creation of a seasonal racing league. Redline also has several modes of gameplay for those who prefer arcade style physics commonly found in other racing games.

Gameplay

Players may race in one of four modes: Time Trial, Quick Race, Challenge, or Multiplayer. In all of these modes, except for Challenge, the player may choose the track, their car, the weather, forward or reverse orientation, and the physics mode to race under. The modes available are: Simulation, Strict, Arcade, and Turbo Arcade. In Simulation, every car handles differently based on weight, drivetrain, horsepower, suspension setup, and other variables. Strict is a derivative of the Simulation mode, that was added in a later update that adjusts how car-scenery collisions are handled to help reduce the effectiveness of the "wall riding" technique. Arcade sacrifices realism for playability. Cars in Arcade differ less in performance than they do in Simulation or Strict. Turbo Arcade has the same physics as Arcade, but all cars much faster than normal, resulting in the least realistic method of play.

The main modes of gameplay are Quick Race and Multiplayer, the former a single player race between the player and up to eleven A.I. opponents, the latter a race of up to twelve human or A.I. racers over the internet. The host of the game chooses the track, weather, physics mode, and number of laps to be raced. Any cars a player has unlocked in the Challenge mode can be used, even if other players in the game have not unlocked them. However, if the host chooses, they can force all players to use the same car. Additionally, only plug-in cars and tracks that are had by all players may be used. If a player chooses a car or track which other players do not have, an error message is displayed and the race can not be started.

In the Time Trial mode, the player attempts to get the fastest lap time possible. They are able to compete locally on the host machine with stored scores and world wide via an online time tracker. Times are submitted to the time tracker when a lap is completed and the rank, if any, of the time is returned. To simulate a rolling start, the player is placed some distance away from the starting line, allowing them to begin the first lap at the same speed as a normal race lap (versus Redline's usual standing start).

Challenge mode presents the player with specific car and track combinations, and a set of rules for completion. Some challenges require getting from start to finish under a certain time limit, and others call for avoiding obstacles that will disqualify the player if they are touched. Players are graded by how fast they complete the challenges with bronze, silver, or gold medals. Fast completion times can unlock new cars for use in any of the other modes. Additionally, like Time Trial, the player can compete for best times locally and world wide.

Redline Racing League

The Redline Racing League (RRL) is a multi-race Simulation tournament (the Summer 2007 season was 20 races) held over the course of about 3 months. Two seasons of RRL have been held so far, and the last one, in the summer of 2007, attracted more than 30 racers from all over the globe. cite web |url=http://www.insidemacgames.com/news/story.php?ID=15398 |title=Redline Racing League Featured In Ambrosia Times |accessdate=2007-11-05 |date=2007-07-17 |publisher=Inside Mac Games ] cite web |url=http://www.ambrosiasw.com/weblog/ambrosia/?month=7&year=2007 |title=Redline Racing League |accessdate=2007-11-05 |author= John Champlin |publisher=Ambrosia Software |date=2007-07-05 ]

Third Party Content

Redline has a community of dedicated third party developers constantly releasing new cars, tracks, and other plug-ins for the game. As of July 7th, 2007, there were over forty new cars and tracks available for download. However, these plug-ins cannot be used in an online game unless all participating players have the plug-in installed.cite web |url=http://www.insidemacgames.com/news/story.php?ID=15398 |title=Redline Racing League Featured In Ambrosia Times |accessdate=2007-11-05 |date=2007-07-17 |publisher=Inside Mac Games ] cite web |url=http://www.ambrosiasw.com/weblog/ambrosia/?month=7&year=2007 |title=Redline Racing League |accessdate=2007-11-05 |author= John Champlin |publisher=Ambrosia Software |date=2007-07-05 ]

Reception

Redline has received positive reviews from critics, including a 8/10 from Inside Mac Gamescite web |url=http://www.insidemacgames.com/reviews/view.php?ID=742 |title=Redline |accessdate=2007-11-06 |date=2006-10-05 |publisher=Inside Mac Games |author=Franklin Pride ] . The game was praised for its accurate simulation of realistic physics as well as including arcade style physics. Macworld noted its multiple game modes, open architecture, and multiplayer, among other thingscite web |url=http://www.macworld.com/2007/03/reviews/redline/index.php |title=Redline |accessdate=2007-11-06 |date=2007-03-16 |publisher=Macworld |author=Peter Cohen ] . Many reviewers stated that, "the graphics, while certainly not PGR3 or Gran Turismo 4 quality, are completely adequate" and "allow Redline to run on almost any Mac." [cite web |url=http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/11/05/212334.php |title=Mac Game Review: Redline |accessdate=2007-11-06 |date=2006-11-05 |publisher=Blog Critics |author=Cameron Graham ] However, reviewers almost universally disliked the lack of a damage model in the simulation mode. ATPM stated that the controls, when played with a keyboard, felt like the driver was slamming the pedals and suddenly jerking the wheel [cite web |url=http://www.atpm.com/13.07/redline.shtml |title=Redline 1.0.3 |accessdate=2007-11-06 |date=2007-07-13 |publisher=About This Particular Macintosh |author=Paul Fatula ] .

External links

* [http://www.ambrosiasw.com/games/redline/ "Redline" Homepage]
* [http://www.ambrosiasw.com/forums/index.php?showforum=114 Official "Redline" Web Board]

Notes