Just came across Flatout 4 by accident on Steam. Ignore the sorry pretender that is Wreckfest and check this out -
http://store.steampowered.com/app/402130/
Reading the reviews seems to be like Flatout 2 on steroids.
I've copied and pasted GamerAlex's review below which basically says it all from the reviews section.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/402130/
Reading the reviews seems to be like Flatout 2 on steroids.
I've copied and pasted GamerAlex's review below which basically says it all from the reviews section.
Back Story
2008: Bugbear released their FlatOut game called FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage for PC. It was a remastered verison of FlatOut 2, with some new modes, different soundtrack, and new cars. Bugbear just unknowning released their last FlatOut game.
2009: The publisher, Empire Interactive, filed for backrupty, and shutdown. Bugbear lost the Flatout IP, where it then went to another publisher, Strategy First. This publisher then hired Team 6 to work on a new Flatout game.
2011: Team 6 released Flatout 3: Chaos & Destruction for PC. The game was recieved horribly, with bad AI, bad physics, horrible optimization, lacklust map design, boring gamemodes, and awful car damage. The game was nothing like the original Flatout games, and became one of the worst games on Steam.
2014: Bugbear released an early access game called Next Car Game (Now known as Wreckfest) to Steam. They said they wanted to go "back to their roots" with a "core Flatout racing experience" and a "tactical damage system" inspired from the Destruction Derby games. Instead of being the fun game they hoped, it turned into a simulator years later. This means that any "roots" they wanted from Flatout were gone. Fans lost hope that there would ever be a new Flatout game.
2015: A new game called Flatout 4: Total Insanity was announced, being made by two new developers, Kylotonn Entertainment and Tiny Rebel Games. They went very silent on the game, and didn't not talk about the details, causes fans to be excited, but scared at the same time.
2016: Since Wreckfest was not the Flatout experience that Bugbear hoped for, they release another early access game called Stuntfest. This game is based off the stunt ragdoll mode in Flatout. Instead of making the comsumers happy, it made them mad since Wreckfest is still in early access, and they thought the stunt mode was going to be included in Wreckfest.
Now it's 2017. Wreckfest now has went from a positive rating to a mixed rating on Steam, and it is still in early access. We finally got gameplay, and a release date for the new Flatout game. Then, Flatout 4: Total Instanity released for PC unexpectly, a bit after the console release. Does it live up to it's predecessors?
FlatOut 4: Total Insanity Review
FlatOut 4 isn't the Bugbear style FlatOut we wanted, but I will say that the game is good, but not great.
Optimization/PC Settings:
I was a bit disappointed at the lack of settings for graphical changes. I have everything on the highest setting, and the game looks good, but lack luster in some departments. Pop in of props, and shadows are very noticeable. Textures, and particle effects look amazing, although the sparks are too bright, and overexagerated. Some of the images, like with loading screens, are a bit blurry, and pixelated. The game can run over 60 fps, usually with my higher end system I was getting over 120+. The optimization could be better, as like I said before, the pop in is bad, so I wonder if they did that intentionally to make game run better, without actually optimizating it properly.
Optimization/PC Settings: 7/10
Menu Design:
The menus look great, much like Bugbear's menus, but they are too cluttered with items that can confuse the player.
Menu Design: 9/10
Controls:
(I only used a controller) The handling is arcady. It's an improvement over the horrible unsteer seen in FlatOut Ultimate Carnage. Using the e-brake is also much more improved, but you can still spin out.
Controls: (For controllers) 10/10
Camera:
What a god awful camera. It sticks too close to the car, violatly jerks around when spinning the camera, jumping of a ramp, or getting hit by a player. Boosting is even worst, as the camera shakes so erratically my eyes started to hurt.
Camera: 2/10
Gamemodes:
The gamemodes are very interesting and fun. The races are filled with destruction, cars crunching, grind, etc. The The demolition derbies are totally different, as they aren't as realistic as previous titles, but still as fun. The new assault mode uses powerups to slow down,and wreck the enemies. It's like Mario cart on steriods, it is crazily fun. The stunt arena is back, with new challenges, and previous challenges making a comeback, like the Rings of Fire. These gamemodes are fun, and will have great replayabilty.
Gamemodes: 9/10
Vehicles:
I was hoping for the return of cars from previous titles, but was disappointed to see nothing. However, the cars in the game are good, and have their own unique personality.
Vehicles: 9/10
Customization:
Just like FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, the customization is not very extensive, with limited color changes, and no really visual changes, other than the exhaust color. They do still have the useful upgrades with engines, chasis, wheels, etc.
Customization: 5/10
Track Design:
The tracks are full of props, scenery, and plants to destroy. The tracks aren't nothing special, but they set the mood for FlatOut 4 very nicely.
Track Design: 9/10
Characters:
One of the big things with FlatOut Ultimate Carnages was the characters you raced against. They had this personality, some were more aggressive, others were more tactical. FlatOut 4's characters feel unspired, and empty. They don't feel different, and sometimes it can be hard to tell who drives what car. In FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, you knew who that b*tch was coming behind you to take you out.
Characters: 3/10
Physics:
The physics have been improved for props, but worse for cars. In FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, props would be your worst nightmare. Not only would they slow you down, they usually would flip your car, and spin you right around, messing up your race. Here, the props still have an impact on speed, but they don't flip, or spin the car. Now when it comes to vehicle physics, it's a different story. Coupled with the bad camera, may times the vehicles physics will screw up when hitting jumps, getting knocked over, and hitting other player vehicles. They don't feel natural, as the cars seem extremely heavy. In FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, the cars felt more appropiate when it came to weight, and the physics didn't freak out like they do in this game.
Physics: 7/10
Props:
Like I mentioned before, the props physics are improved, but I wanted to add something that didn't fit in with the physics. I noticed that when a prop was stuck on my vehicle after awhile, rather than flying off, it would simple disappear. That really is my only complain with props.
Props: 9/10
Damage:
The vehicle damage is very interesting. They deform way more than the other games, but in a very unrealistic way. Many times the bumpers don't fall off, and the doors clip through objects when opening. It just doesn't look right.
Damage: 6/10
AI:
The vehicle AI isn't the smartest. They tend to crash themselves. However, they can be aggressive. I have gotten spun out many times by drivers, and they love grinding with other cars. The AI is easier than FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, but they can still put up a fight.
AI: 8/10
Ragdolls:
Compared to FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, the ragdoll physics are horrible. They don't look natural at all, as they look very stiff, and can clip through objects easily.
Radgolls: 3/10
Soundtrack:
The soundtrack consists mostly of rock, heavy metal, punk rock and rock 'n' roll. I personly don't find the soundtrack that interesting, as FlatOut 2 really nailed the soundtrack, while this game misses the mark in interesting, and enjoyable music.
Soundtrack: 6/10
FlatOut 4 sticks to some of it's Bugbear roots, while creating new ones. This game is fun, and you should try it out. Make sure if you are going to get this game, you play the others (except for FlatOut 3) so you can enjoy the masterpieces of gaming.
Back Story
2008: Bugbear released their FlatOut game called FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage for PC. It was a remastered verison of FlatOut 2, with some new modes, different soundtrack, and new cars. Bugbear just unknowning released their last FlatOut game.
2009: The publisher, Empire Interactive, filed for backrupty, and shutdown. Bugbear lost the Flatout IP, where it then went to another publisher, Strategy First. This publisher then hired Team 6 to work on a new Flatout game.
2011: Team 6 released Flatout 3: Chaos & Destruction for PC. The game was recieved horribly, with bad AI, bad physics, horrible optimization, lacklust map design, boring gamemodes, and awful car damage. The game was nothing like the original Flatout games, and became one of the worst games on Steam.
2014: Bugbear released an early access game called Next Car Game (Now known as Wreckfest) to Steam. They said they wanted to go "back to their roots" with a "core Flatout racing experience" and a "tactical damage system" inspired from the Destruction Derby games. Instead of being the fun game they hoped, it turned into a simulator years later. This means that any "roots" they wanted from Flatout were gone. Fans lost hope that there would ever be a new Flatout game.
2015: A new game called Flatout 4: Total Insanity was announced, being made by two new developers, Kylotonn Entertainment and Tiny Rebel Games. They went very silent on the game, and didn't not talk about the details, causes fans to be excited, but scared at the same time.
2016: Since Wreckfest was not the Flatout experience that Bugbear hoped for, they release another early access game called Stuntfest. This game is based off the stunt ragdoll mode in Flatout. Instead of making the comsumers happy, it made them mad since Wreckfest is still in early access, and they thought the stunt mode was going to be included in Wreckfest.
Now it's 2017. Wreckfest now has went from a positive rating to a mixed rating on Steam, and it is still in early access. We finally got gameplay, and a release date for the new Flatout game. Then, Flatout 4: Total Instanity released for PC unexpectly, a bit after the console release. Does it live up to it's predecessors?
FlatOut 4: Total Insanity Review
FlatOut 4 isn't the Bugbear style FlatOut we wanted, but I will say that the game is good, but not great.
Optimization/PC Settings:
I was a bit disappointed at the lack of settings for graphical changes. I have everything on the highest setting, and the game looks good, but lack luster in some departments. Pop in of props, and shadows are very noticeable. Textures, and particle effects look amazing, although the sparks are too bright, and overexagerated. Some of the images, like with loading screens, are a bit blurry, and pixelated. The game can run over 60 fps, usually with my higher end system I was getting over 120+. The optimization could be better, as like I said before, the pop in is bad, so I wonder if they did that intentionally to make game run better, without actually optimizating it properly.
Optimization/PC Settings: 7/10
Menu Design:
The menus look great, much like Bugbear's menus, but they are too cluttered with items that can confuse the player.
Menu Design: 9/10
Controls:
(I only used a controller) The handling is arcady. It's an improvement over the horrible unsteer seen in FlatOut Ultimate Carnage. Using the e-brake is also much more improved, but you can still spin out.
Controls: (For controllers) 10/10
Camera:
What a god awful camera. It sticks too close to the car, violatly jerks around when spinning the camera, jumping of a ramp, or getting hit by a player. Boosting is even worst, as the camera shakes so erratically my eyes started to hurt.
Camera: 2/10
Gamemodes:
The gamemodes are very interesting and fun. The races are filled with destruction, cars crunching, grind, etc. The The demolition derbies are totally different, as they aren't as realistic as previous titles, but still as fun. The new assault mode uses powerups to slow down,and wreck the enemies. It's like Mario cart on steriods, it is crazily fun. The stunt arena is back, with new challenges, and previous challenges making a comeback, like the Rings of Fire. These gamemodes are fun, and will have great replayabilty.
Gamemodes: 9/10
Vehicles:
I was hoping for the return of cars from previous titles, but was disappointed to see nothing. However, the cars in the game are good, and have their own unique personality.
Vehicles: 9/10
Customization:
Just like FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, the customization is not very extensive, with limited color changes, and no really visual changes, other than the exhaust color. They do still have the useful upgrades with engines, chasis, wheels, etc.
Customization: 5/10
Track Design:
The tracks are full of props, scenery, and plants to destroy. The tracks aren't nothing special, but they set the mood for FlatOut 4 very nicely.
Track Design: 9/10
Characters:
One of the big things with FlatOut Ultimate Carnages was the characters you raced against. They had this personality, some were more aggressive, others were more tactical. FlatOut 4's characters feel unspired, and empty. They don't feel different, and sometimes it can be hard to tell who drives what car. In FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, you knew who that b*tch was coming behind you to take you out.
Characters: 3/10
Physics:
The physics have been improved for props, but worse for cars. In FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, props would be your worst nightmare. Not only would they slow you down, they usually would flip your car, and spin you right around, messing up your race. Here, the props still have an impact on speed, but they don't flip, or spin the car. Now when it comes to vehicle physics, it's a different story. Coupled with the bad camera, may times the vehicles physics will screw up when hitting jumps, getting knocked over, and hitting other player vehicles. They don't feel natural, as the cars seem extremely heavy. In FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, the cars felt more appropiate when it came to weight, and the physics didn't freak out like they do in this game.
Physics: 7/10
Props:
Like I mentioned before, the props physics are improved, but I wanted to add something that didn't fit in with the physics. I noticed that when a prop was stuck on my vehicle after awhile, rather than flying off, it would simple disappear. That really is my only complain with props.
Props: 9/10
Damage:
The vehicle damage is very interesting. They deform way more than the other games, but in a very unrealistic way. Many times the bumpers don't fall off, and the doors clip through objects when opening. It just doesn't look right.
Damage: 6/10
AI:
The vehicle AI isn't the smartest. They tend to crash themselves. However, they can be aggressive. I have gotten spun out many times by drivers, and they love grinding with other cars. The AI is easier than FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, but they can still put up a fight.
AI: 8/10
Ragdolls:
Compared to FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, the ragdoll physics are horrible. They don't look natural at all, as they look very stiff, and can clip through objects easily.
Radgolls: 3/10
Soundtrack:
The soundtrack consists mostly of rock, heavy metal, punk rock and rock 'n' roll. I personly don't find the soundtrack that interesting, as FlatOut 2 really nailed the soundtrack, while this game misses the mark in interesting, and enjoyable music.
Soundtrack: 6/10
FlatOut 4 sticks to some of it's Bugbear roots, while creating new ones. This game is fun, and you should try it out. Make sure if you are going to get this game, you play the others (except for FlatOut 3) so you can enjoy the masterpieces of gaming.
2008: Bugbear released their FlatOut game called FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage for PC. It was a remastered verison of FlatOut 2, with some new modes, different soundtrack, and new cars. Bugbear just unknowning released their last FlatOut game.
2009: The publisher, Empire Interactive, filed for backrupty, and shutdown. Bugbear lost the Flatout IP, where it then went to another publisher, Strategy First. This publisher then hired Team 6 to work on a new Flatout game.
2011: Team 6 released Flatout 3: Chaos & Destruction for PC. The game was recieved horribly, with bad AI, bad physics, horrible optimization, lacklust map design, boring gamemodes, and awful car damage. The game was nothing like the original Flatout games, and became one of the worst games on Steam.
2014: Bugbear released an early access game called Next Car Game (Now known as Wreckfest) to Steam. They said they wanted to go "back to their roots" with a "core Flatout racing experience" and a "tactical damage system" inspired from the Destruction Derby games. Instead of being the fun game they hoped, it turned into a simulator years later. This means that any "roots" they wanted from Flatout were gone. Fans lost hope that there would ever be a new Flatout game.
2015: A new game called Flatout 4: Total Insanity was announced, being made by two new developers, Kylotonn Entertainment and Tiny Rebel Games. They went very silent on the game, and didn't not talk about the details, causes fans to be excited, but scared at the same time.
2016: Since Wreckfest was not the Flatout experience that Bugbear hoped for, they release another early access game called Stuntfest. This game is based off the stunt ragdoll mode in Flatout. Instead of making the comsumers happy, it made them mad since Wreckfest is still in early access, and they thought the stunt mode was going to be included in Wreckfest.
Now it's 2017. Wreckfest now has went from a positive rating to a mixed rating on Steam, and it is still in early access. We finally got gameplay, and a release date for the new Flatout game. Then, Flatout 4: Total Instanity released for PC unexpectly, a bit after the console release. Does it live up to it's predecessors?
FlatOut 4: Total Insanity Review
FlatOut 4 isn't the Bugbear style FlatOut we wanted, but I will say that the game is good, but not great.
Optimization/PC Settings:
I was a bit disappointed at the lack of settings for graphical changes. I have everything on the highest setting, and the game looks good, but lack luster in some departments. Pop in of props, and shadows are very noticeable. Textures, and particle effects look amazing, although the sparks are too bright, and overexagerated. Some of the images, like with loading screens, are a bit blurry, and pixelated. The game can run over 60 fps, usually with my higher end system I was getting over 120+. The optimization could be better, as like I said before, the pop in is bad, so I wonder if they did that intentionally to make game run better, without actually optimizating it properly.
Optimization/PC Settings: 7/10
Menu Design:
The menus look great, much like Bugbear's menus, but they are too cluttered with items that can confuse the player.
Menu Design: 9/10
Controls:
(I only used a controller) The handling is arcady. It's an improvement over the horrible unsteer seen in FlatOut Ultimate Carnage. Using the e-brake is also much more improved, but you can still spin out.
Controls: (For controllers) 10/10
Camera:
What a god awful camera. It sticks too close to the car, violatly jerks around when spinning the camera, jumping of a ramp, or getting hit by a player. Boosting is even worst, as the camera shakes so erratically my eyes started to hurt.
Camera: 2/10
Gamemodes:
The gamemodes are very interesting and fun. The races are filled with destruction, cars crunching, grind, etc. The The demolition derbies are totally different, as they aren't as realistic as previous titles, but still as fun. The new assault mode uses powerups to slow down,and wreck the enemies. It's like Mario cart on steriods, it is crazily fun. The stunt arena is back, with new challenges, and previous challenges making a comeback, like the Rings of Fire. These gamemodes are fun, and will have great replayabilty.
Gamemodes: 9/10
Vehicles:
I was hoping for the return of cars from previous titles, but was disappointed to see nothing. However, the cars in the game are good, and have their own unique personality.
Vehicles: 9/10
Customization:
Just like FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, the customization is not very extensive, with limited color changes, and no really visual changes, other than the exhaust color. They do still have the useful upgrades with engines, chasis, wheels, etc.
Customization: 5/10
Track Design:
The tracks are full of props, scenery, and plants to destroy. The tracks aren't nothing special, but they set the mood for FlatOut 4 very nicely.
Track Design: 9/10
Characters:
One of the big things with FlatOut Ultimate Carnages was the characters you raced against. They had this personality, some were more aggressive, others were more tactical. FlatOut 4's characters feel unspired, and empty. They don't feel different, and sometimes it can be hard to tell who drives what car. In FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, you knew who that b*tch was coming behind you to take you out.
Characters: 3/10
Physics:
The physics have been improved for props, but worse for cars. In FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, props would be your worst nightmare. Not only would they slow you down, they usually would flip your car, and spin you right around, messing up your race. Here, the props still have an impact on speed, but they don't flip, or spin the car. Now when it comes to vehicle physics, it's a different story. Coupled with the bad camera, may times the vehicles physics will screw up when hitting jumps, getting knocked over, and hitting other player vehicles. They don't feel natural, as the cars seem extremely heavy. In FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, the cars felt more appropiate when it came to weight, and the physics didn't freak out like they do in this game.
Physics: 7/10
Props:
Like I mentioned before, the props physics are improved, but I wanted to add something that didn't fit in with the physics. I noticed that when a prop was stuck on my vehicle after awhile, rather than flying off, it would simple disappear. That really is my only complain with props.
Props: 9/10
Damage:
The vehicle damage is very interesting. They deform way more than the other games, but in a very unrealistic way. Many times the bumpers don't fall off, and the doors clip through objects when opening. It just doesn't look right.
Damage: 6/10
AI:
The vehicle AI isn't the smartest. They tend to crash themselves. However, they can be aggressive. I have gotten spun out many times by drivers, and they love grinding with other cars. The AI is easier than FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, but they can still put up a fight.
AI: 8/10
Ragdolls:
Compared to FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, the ragdoll physics are horrible. They don't look natural at all, as they look very stiff, and can clip through objects easily.
Radgolls: 3/10
Soundtrack:
The soundtrack consists mostly of rock, heavy metal, punk rock and rock 'n' roll. I personly don't find the soundtrack that interesting, as FlatOut 2 really nailed the soundtrack, while this game misses the mark in interesting, and enjoyable music.
Soundtrack: 6/10
FlatOut 4 sticks to some of it's Bugbear roots, while creating new ones. This game is fun, and you should try it out. Make sure if you are going to get this game, you play the others (except for FlatOut 3) so you can enjoy the masterpieces of gaming.
Back Story
2008: Bugbear released their FlatOut game called FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage for PC. It was a remastered verison of FlatOut 2, with some new modes, different soundtrack, and new cars. Bugbear just unknowning released their last FlatOut game.
2009: The publisher, Empire Interactive, filed for backrupty, and shutdown. Bugbear lost the Flatout IP, where it then went to another publisher, Strategy First. This publisher then hired Team 6 to work on a new Flatout game.
2011: Team 6 released Flatout 3: Chaos & Destruction for PC. The game was recieved horribly, with bad AI, bad physics, horrible optimization, lacklust map design, boring gamemodes, and awful car damage. The game was nothing like the original Flatout games, and became one of the worst games on Steam.
2014: Bugbear released an early access game called Next Car Game (Now known as Wreckfest) to Steam. They said they wanted to go "back to their roots" with a "core Flatout racing experience" and a "tactical damage system" inspired from the Destruction Derby games. Instead of being the fun game they hoped, it turned into a simulator years later. This means that any "roots" they wanted from Flatout were gone. Fans lost hope that there would ever be a new Flatout game.
2015: A new game called Flatout 4: Total Insanity was announced, being made by two new developers, Kylotonn Entertainment and Tiny Rebel Games. They went very silent on the game, and didn't not talk about the details, causes fans to be excited, but scared at the same time.
2016: Since Wreckfest was not the Flatout experience that Bugbear hoped for, they release another early access game called Stuntfest. This game is based off the stunt ragdoll mode in Flatout. Instead of making the comsumers happy, it made them mad since Wreckfest is still in early access, and they thought the stunt mode was going to be included in Wreckfest.
Now it's 2017. Wreckfest now has went from a positive rating to a mixed rating on Steam, and it is still in early access. We finally got gameplay, and a release date for the new Flatout game. Then, Flatout 4: Total Instanity released for PC unexpectly, a bit after the console release. Does it live up to it's predecessors?
FlatOut 4: Total Insanity Review
FlatOut 4 isn't the Bugbear style FlatOut we wanted, but I will say that the game is good, but not great.
Optimization/PC Settings:
I was a bit disappointed at the lack of settings for graphical changes. I have everything on the highest setting, and the game looks good, but lack luster in some departments. Pop in of props, and shadows are very noticeable. Textures, and particle effects look amazing, although the sparks are too bright, and overexagerated. Some of the images, like with loading screens, are a bit blurry, and pixelated. The game can run over 60 fps, usually with my higher end system I was getting over 120+. The optimization could be better, as like I said before, the pop in is bad, so I wonder if they did that intentionally to make game run better, without actually optimizating it properly.
Optimization/PC Settings: 7/10
Menu Design:
The menus look great, much like Bugbear's menus, but they are too cluttered with items that can confuse the player.
Menu Design: 9/10
Controls:
(I only used a controller) The handling is arcady. It's an improvement over the horrible unsteer seen in FlatOut Ultimate Carnage. Using the e-brake is also much more improved, but you can still spin out.
Controls: (For controllers) 10/10
Camera:
What a god awful camera. It sticks too close to the car, violatly jerks around when spinning the camera, jumping of a ramp, or getting hit by a player. Boosting is even worst, as the camera shakes so erratically my eyes started to hurt.
Camera: 2/10
Gamemodes:
The gamemodes are very interesting and fun. The races are filled with destruction, cars crunching, grind, etc. The The demolition derbies are totally different, as they aren't as realistic as previous titles, but still as fun. The new assault mode uses powerups to slow down,and wreck the enemies. It's like Mario cart on steriods, it is crazily fun. The stunt arena is back, with new challenges, and previous challenges making a comeback, like the Rings of Fire. These gamemodes are fun, and will have great replayabilty.
Gamemodes: 9/10
Vehicles:
I was hoping for the return of cars from previous titles, but was disappointed to see nothing. However, the cars in the game are good, and have their own unique personality.
Vehicles: 9/10
Customization:
Just like FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, the customization is not very extensive, with limited color changes, and no really visual changes, other than the exhaust color. They do still have the useful upgrades with engines, chasis, wheels, etc.
Customization: 5/10
Track Design:
The tracks are full of props, scenery, and plants to destroy. The tracks aren't nothing special, but they set the mood for FlatOut 4 very nicely.
Track Design: 9/10
Characters:
One of the big things with FlatOut Ultimate Carnages was the characters you raced against. They had this personality, some were more aggressive, others were more tactical. FlatOut 4's characters feel unspired, and empty. They don't feel different, and sometimes it can be hard to tell who drives what car. In FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, you knew who that b*tch was coming behind you to take you out.
Characters: 3/10
Physics:
The physics have been improved for props, but worse for cars. In FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, props would be your worst nightmare. Not only would they slow you down, they usually would flip your car, and spin you right around, messing up your race. Here, the props still have an impact on speed, but they don't flip, or spin the car. Now when it comes to vehicle physics, it's a different story. Coupled with the bad camera, may times the vehicles physics will screw up when hitting jumps, getting knocked over, and hitting other player vehicles. They don't feel natural, as the cars seem extremely heavy. In FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, the cars felt more appropiate when it came to weight, and the physics didn't freak out like they do in this game.
Physics: 7/10
Props:
Like I mentioned before, the props physics are improved, but I wanted to add something that didn't fit in with the physics. I noticed that when a prop was stuck on my vehicle after awhile, rather than flying off, it would simple disappear. That really is my only complain with props.
Props: 9/10
Damage:
The vehicle damage is very interesting. They deform way more than the other games, but in a very unrealistic way. Many times the bumpers don't fall off, and the doors clip through objects when opening. It just doesn't look right.
Damage: 6/10
AI:
The vehicle AI isn't the smartest. They tend to crash themselves. However, they can be aggressive. I have gotten spun out many times by drivers, and they love grinding with other cars. The AI is easier than FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, but they can still put up a fight.
AI: 8/10
Ragdolls:
Compared to FlatOut Ultimate Carnage, the ragdoll physics are horrible. They don't look natural at all, as they look very stiff, and can clip through objects easily.
Radgolls: 3/10
Soundtrack:
The soundtrack consists mostly of rock, heavy metal, punk rock and rock 'n' roll. I personly don't find the soundtrack that interesting, as FlatOut 2 really nailed the soundtrack, while this game misses the mark in interesting, and enjoyable music.
Soundtrack: 6/10
FlatOut 4 sticks to some of it's Bugbear roots, while creating new ones. This game is fun, and you should try it out. Make sure if you are going to get this game, you play the others (except for FlatOut 3) so you can enjoy the masterpieces of gaming.