Bravo Air Race

Description

Developed by Taito and released for PlayStation in 1997, Bravo Air Race is an ambitious attempt to bring the air racing experience to the home console. The game may have attempted to bring something fresh to the racing genre, but its execution and technical design leave mixed impressions.

The basic premise of Bravo Air Race is markedly different from traditional racing games. Instead of cars or motorbikes, players choose from a variety of aircraft that represent both historical models and modern machines. Each aircraft has its own specific characteristics, which adds a certain strategic element to the game as players choose the best aircraft for each individual track.

The track environments in the game are varied, ranging from a McDonald's drive-thru, which is a surprising, if not slightly inappropriate addition, to realistic cityscapes and mountain passes. Graphically, the game doesn't lag behind other titles of its era, though it may look dated today. The aircraft models are detailed and the environments are generally colourful and vibrant.

Unfortunately, Bravo Air Race suffers from a few major flaws. The most significant is the unbalanced gameplay. While some tracks are well designed and fun, others are frustrating due to convoluted and overly technical sections that often lead to unrealistic accidents. The camera and controls can also be mediocre; while maintaining control of the aircraft during quick maneuvers should be thrilling, it often turns into a struggle against the clumsily implemented physical model.

The game's audio is mediocre. The soundtrack nicely complements the action, though it doesn't get into the realm of memorability. The aircraft sound effects are adequate, but fail to convey the true power and dynamics of air racing. The mono sound may seem slightly archaic to some, but still manages to contribute in some way to the retro feel of the overall experience.

The multiplayer component of the game, featuring a two-player splitscreen, adds to the overall value of the title by allowing players to compete against friends on a single screen. However, even here we run into control and camera issues that can detract from the long-term fun.

Bravo Air Race is a title worth checking out, mainly due to its uniqueness within 90s racing games. Although a number of technical flaws prevent the game from standing out, its imaginative concept and attempt at innovation deserves a certain amount of credit. Players who can overlook its shortcomings may find a certain charm in this title. For those looking for a purely quality racing experience, however, Bravo Air Race may not live up to expectations.

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