Demolition Racer (video game)

Infobox VG
title = Demolition Racer


developer = Pitbull Syndicate
publisher = Infogrames
distributor =
designer =
engine =
version =
released = 1999
genre = Racing
modes = Single player, Multiplayer
ratings = ESRB: Everyone (E)
platforms = PlayStation PC
media =
requirements =
input =

"Demolition Racer" was a game developed by Pitbull Syndicate and published by Infogrames. It is a racing game that combines destruction and driving tactics in a fast paced racing environment. It is in a sense the successor to the Destruction Derby series with a much stronger basis on destruction and of Demolition Derby racing.

The game's soundtrack features music from bands such as Cirrus (band), Empirion and Fear Factory.

Gameplay

Players were prompted to select an eight-letter profile name and then to select a game mode, race track and vehicle before playing. The rules of play would change depending on what game mode was selected.

Game modes

*"Demolition": The object of this mode is to complete the race in the given number of laps by earning damage points inflicted on contestants and reaching the highest rank possible while simultaneously surviving the race. Points were earned by generally smashing against and ramming other contestants and the player's points were multiplied by a certain number based on the player's rank in the final lap at the end of the race. The players could increase their points by inflicting more damage on other contestants, including damaging their contestant's radiator, destroying the contestant's car completely and even by landing on another car, destroying it instantly.

*"The Chase": A standard race where the player is awarded for their placement in the final lap and points are not awarded for aggressiveness.

*"Chicken": The same principle as in The Chase, only the player is the only contestant set on the right side of the race track; every other contestant is set driving in the opposite direction.

*"Last Man Standing": Set an any of the three arenas, players are awarded for causing as much damage amongst contestants as they can as well as surviving the round. The points follow here as they do in Demolition mode.

*"Suicide": Set in an arena, players are awarded for being the first to demolish their car.

Leagues

In order to unlock more tracks and vehicles, players had the option of competing in various race leagues including the following:
*Rookie League

*Semi-Pro League

*Pro League

*Endurance League

*Arena League

Vehicles

Marauder - A '70's muscle car resembling a Ford Maverick, the Marauder keeps strength, acceleration, top speed and handling at a medium level, resulting in a car that is fast and strong enough to compete in any race. The handling even contributes to destruction as players can use its average speed to target their next victim.

Bobcat - A zippy little '90's hatchback that is is agile and good in avoiding collisions, but its minimal strength keeps it from getting too rough. Players could use its handling to get around tight corners with ease as well as finding vantage points in the track.

Cruiser - A bulky 50s luxury car that is the slowest vehicle among the line, but also one of the strongest. Its greatest advantage is its strength which enables it to inflict more damage than it receives.

Predator - A fast 80s style sports car that is the fastest vehicle in the lineup, almost to the point where it takes special skills in handling the vehicle's sensitive turning and quick start-up. Its strength is fairly moderate, being on par with the Marauder's, but its speed can cause it more damage than the competitors, depending on how well the vehicle is handled.

Renegade - A fast and aggressive everyday car resembling a 1980 Bentley Mulsanne, the vehicle is fast enough to avoid collisions, but strong enough to inflict damage if necessary. It is considered a step-up above the Marauder.

Mantis - A fast and agile sports car resembling a Fiat, this car excels mostly in its handling and top speed, though it is one of the weakest vehicles in the line up.

*Special vehicles: These locked vehicles were mostly designed for kicks with their great strength, but unrealistically fast speed: Vandal - A sleek mini-van.

Widowmaker - A long hearse.

Trivia

*All of the tracks featured by Cirrus on the soundtrack were lifted from their album Back on a Mission.
*The game saw an immediate sequel which served as an updated version on the Dreamcast entitled .