Enthusia Professional Racing PlayStation 2

Underappreciated and underrated

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Dec 30, 2005 | 1 out of 1 found this Enthusia Professional Racing review helpful

Pros: Most everything

Cons: Needs tune-ups on certain issues

After the week of reading reviews and listening to gamers talk about Enthusia, I felt compelled to write a proper review of the game. I have noticed that the reasons people have given this game a low score seem to revolve around the fact that there are very few actual die-hard racing game fanatics. There is nothing wrong with Enthusias graphics, game play, handling, sound, or any other aspect of the game. What is wrong is with the gamers and reviewers. Most of these people gave the game maybe 10 minutes of play time and decided it was too complex, too hard to learn, didn’t have enough lighting effects, or wasn’t as easy as GT4. I have studied everyone’s complaints and they are not legitimate. Not even one holds water to the scoring and grading this game has received. I have grown sick listening to everyone whine about how hard the game is, when it isn’t. Not even remotely is this game too hard. I played the game 4 hours, unlocked 20 courses and 40 cars. Learning how to drive without hitting objects is not as hard as everyone makes it out to be. Learning how to drive properly at high speed is not impossible. It just takes practice and a love for true racing experiences. No one complained of these issues when Metropolis Street Racer came out, so why are they complaining about Enthusia, which is far better in every category? Anyways, that will be enough rant, let us move on to the review.

Graphics (18/20)

Enthusias graphics run at a solid 60 FPS. The game has tremendous textures that get better and better as you unlock more courses. There is slight draw-in, but nothing more than Gran Turismo 4’s. The car models are well done and have some good effects to them; however, do not expect the sharp models of GT4. This is one area that Enthusia is slightly behind the current king of racers. The courses are mostly well done and there some very memorable ones at that. I have not quite unlocked every single course or car, but I have unlocked the majority and I can say that this game is definitely not short on creative and well-done circuits. The menus are ok, not anything to write home about. The car models on the stats screens are very detailed and revolve as they do in most other racers. The thing that really impressed me is that this game provides graphics in some areas that are comparable to GT4 and Burnout 3. This game does have quite a bit of polish.

Sound (17/20)

The music tracks in this game are a welcome mix of ambient orchestrations and electronic beats mixed with some edgy rock. There are no famous names, and there are few disappointments. The car sounds and tire squeals are nicely done. The menus have some simple relaxing tunes and noises; however, nothing particularly grabbing. Overall, the sounds are top-notch and fit in every situation.

Control (20/20)

Enthusia shines in this area. In fact, I will blatantly state that Enthusia’s control and handling kills GT4’s. Not only do the cars feel proper and move very well, but this game incorporates proper drifting and power sliding (rally courses). Getting used to the vehicles is what this game is all about. Each car you pick has handling that is true to life. Not only are the controls and steering well executed, but the acceleration and braking are spot on as well. Each different class and style of car has its own feel, and that is how racing games should be. Konami wasn’t lying when they stated real physics and handling…

Gameplay (19/20)

This is the area that today’s lazy gamers whine about. I find it repulsive that many gamers refuse to read the instruction booklet or take time to learn how to play a game that has a little bit of complexity to it. Yes, Enthusia Life is a bit more complex than a regular career mode in most racing games. In fact, think of Enthusia Life much akin to Metropololis Street Racers career mode. This mode revolves around skillful driving and not losing Enthusi points. It does help to win races, but overall it is more important not