MOTOR CITY ONLINE

Reviewed By: Chuck Bardsley
VOLUNTEER GUEST REVIEWER

GAME TECH INFO

Computer Platform: PC
Produced by: Electronic Arts
Price Range: $21-30
Learning curve time: 1-2 hrs.
Age level: 13+
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Patches / Upgrades: at site
System Requirements: PII 266 MHz or faster processor, Win 95,98,2000, 64 MB RAM, 150 MB hard disk space, 4x CD-ROM/DVD-ROM, 8 MB video card with DirectDraw-compatible driver, DirectSound-compatible sound card, Keyboard and mouse, 56K Internet connection for online play

Genre: Online/Racing
Christian Rating: 5 of 5
   (nothing offensive)
Gameplay: 4 of 5
   (good)
Violence: 4 of 5
   (barely present)
Adult Content: 5 of 5
   (none)

This is a great game that will test your knowledge of the automobile as a whole. Once the game is started you are required to purchase a car with the money you have in your account. You can then race your car or sponsored cars to win more money so that you can either upgrade your car or trade it in for a different one.

Screenshot from 'Motor City Online' LEVELS:
There are many levels to this game. You start off as a “newbee” and work your way up. My current status is level 5 and I am an “amateur” driver. You get weekly paychecks as well.

DOWNSIDES:
If you don't read the fine print you will be upset to find that this online game requires a monthly fee of $9.95 after your initial 30 days that come with your purchase. You will also need to be aware that this game is highly dependant on interaction thought chatting with other players. You can join car clubs to build up trust or meet players thought races. At times players will “Swap wins” in order to win money for their bank account. Be aware that there has been a misuse and not all people are honest. A few have raced for pink slips and cars have been stolen (perhaps due to a programming flaw).

If you don't have an Internet connection you will not be able to play this game.

GRAPHICS:
Graphics are not exceptional. I believe the reason for this is to keep the game play smooth over the Internet.

DIAL UPS:
The minimum dial up is 56k, however I dial up at 28.8 and the game runs fine. Others in the race however are not able to accurately see my position and at times are disappointed to find out my final standing once the race is over. This can be avoided with a high speed connection.

GARAGE:
In the garage you can install, repair, paint, and test the performance of your car. You are able to remove parts and upgrade with those you buy from the catalogue or from player auctions. The game will analyze your car and give you readings such as handling, horsepower, and aerodynamics.

OVERALL:
I totally recommend this game. It is very fun and tests your skills of not only racing, but car building as well.

Year of Release—2001

Negative—Yes, that's got to be the worst feature of the game. I had to return the game because of the monthly fee. They should at least lower the box price of the game if they are gonna charge almost 10 bucks a month, or rather, 120 bucks a year. To me that does seem like a bit of money. I used to be a beta tester for it too, but that's all gone now. My Ratings: [5/4]
—Jeff Kemp, age 13

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Christian Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Films for Christ or the Christian Answers Network.