MSR at Sports Reviewer (February 2001)

This is an interesting MSR review from the old 'Sports Reviewer' website.  While they gave the game 'top marks', they did raise some valid criticisms about the Kudos system and lack of night lighting.  It was written in February 2001. 

"While the Kudos system is innovative, it is slightly flawed, but not to the point of hampering the game. MSR heavily favors Style points (i.e. power sliding) over skill points. You can cheat and open up all the chapters, but I do not really see the point in cheating. Just because you cheat does not mean that MSR is any easier. Sure, you can prematurely open up all the chapters, but you will not be able to win very many races unless you complete each chapter and open up better cars.

In short, MSR’s developers made an excellent first attempt with the Kudos system. It is not perfect, but I really enjoy the concept. I hope that MSR’s sequel or another developer carries the promise to fruition. An easy adjustment would be to require Skill or Style in certain races. Another adjustment would allow players to tailor their driving style towards Skill or Style. This would allow simulation style players to rack up plenty of Skill points without relying on and abusing powerslides."

"If MSR has a real negative it is the lack of ample lighting during some of the night races. The races in Tokyo usually have enough light to navigate successfully. I found San Francisco hit or miss, but London is usually a total pain in the rump for me during night sessions.

I do not really know how to put my finger on the problem, but night races seem to have poor lighting and actual view distance is just not long enough to provide adequate reaction time for turns. London seems to be the worst offender, especially tracks that make use of parks and other low light areas.

The problem is not crippling, instead the "night light" issue is really just another opportunity (manager speak for a challenge). I have spoken to other MSR owners about this issue and the camp seems to be evenly divided between poor night lighting effects and sucky, whiny players. It should be obvious to Sports Reviewers’ readers that I actually fan into both camps!"

You can read the full review at the following archived weblink: Sports Reviewer's MSR Review (Archived Website)