IndyCar Series Review - PC Game Reviews

IndyCar Series Review

IndyCar Series is a 15 race U.S. championship that takes place on 14 speedways in 13 states including Texas, California, Chicagoland and the world-famous Indianapolis 500 which has about four hundred thousand spectators per year! General Motors and Nissan manufacture the 3.5 litre V8 engines that power these monster cars at speeds up to 220 mph!
The game features the normal Quick Race that puts you immediately in the thick of things and a separate option to compete directly in the Indianapolis 500 event, which is a testament to its popularity.

There is also the standard Season option which features all the fifteen races in the Indy Car Series. Naturally, each race has its own practice and qualifying laps before the actual race. The best mode is the MasterClass which is a series of courses taught by former Indy 500 champion Eddie Cheever Jr. These courses are highly recommended both for beginners and pros. Cheever runs through all the aspects a good driver must be familiar with including oversteer, tire pressure, downforce and even on-the-go changes to the car. Each lesson is followed by a test, which really sharpens driving skills. Expect to improve best times by at least a couple of seconds using this mode. This is one of the best tutorial options I have ever used.


The graphics look life-like and do a great job of recreating a petrifying sense of speed especially on the straights. The sound of the engines is pitch-perfect with all the highs, lows and mid-range effects any gamer could ever ask for. As with all advanced racing simulations, this game gives players complete control over their mean machine. Beginners can choose to leave these options on default, but gear-heads will happily spend racing-hours adjusting their car to perfection. The physics engine is marvellous with draft effects fully modelled. This is the real life tactic of racing directly behind a car to reduce wind resistance and increase power. The gauges on the Heads Up Display (HUD) themselves display all the pertinent information about the car’s condition including draft effect, tire strength, damage sustained and fuel level. A well executed pit stop strategy is as integral in this game as in real life.


Codemasters has a reputation for turning out realistic simulations and this is no exception. The computer-controlled opponents are as unforgiving as in real life; you really have to drive like the devil to achieve a podium finish. This is a serious simulation that has something for every racing fan, who will not find its better on the PC, PS2 or Xbox. The only option this title really lacks is a multiplayer mode. If you’re not much of an online person, then this is the ultimate in speed.

HIGHS: Accurate, Rewarding gameplay
LOWS: No multiplayer
NUTSHELL: Hardcore Racing
Christof Rating: 93%