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Rating: The year was 1995: Reflections, the same production house behind the legendary "Driver," released "Destruction Derby," a game that would forever change the history of video games and inspire the creation of many other games, including the phenomenal "Burnout." Simple and straightforward, the game achieved tremendous success, as evidenced by the presence of 3 sequels just for PlayStation 1.
2004: The video game in question was released, which turned out to be the only installment of the series for PlayStation 2. The development was entrusted to the authors of the last 2 chapters: Team 33. Given the team designated, it was reasonable to expect a grand comeback that would sweep away the competition, "Burnout" foremost, and return the crown of king of demolition derby to the now-fallen series. Mission accomplished?
PROS
Characters: There are 20 in total, well distinguished from each other, each with their own storyline.
Vehicles: Each driver has a customized car, rarely to be confused with others. Of course, they are all upgradable, unfortunately with predefined parts. In reality, the performance offered by the cars unfortunately tend to resemble each other, so the difference is not very noticeable. Furthermore, the destructible parts, both of the circuits and the vehicles, are not that many, but definitely sufficient.
Driving Style: Arcade, perfect for having fun with friends or alone.
Graphics: Average. Slowdowns are rare.
Physics: Not very credible, but suitable for the game.
Collisions: Exaggerated but quite thrilling: somersaults, flying pieces, explosions, and much more.
Action: Frenzied and spectacular, perfect for the genre.
Difficulty: Initially easy, advancing in the championship offers a fairly tough challenge.
CONS
Game Modes: It might seem strange, but that's exactly it: only 3 modes. They are more or less the same modes as the second, but it was 1996. The "Championship" is the main mode, while the others, "Demolition Race" and "Destruction Circuit," i.e., the circuit and the arena, are a sort of free driving, a demolition in peace, but they allow unlocking the 2 secret tracks by winning all competitions. However, it's unacceptable that in 2004 there was such a poor selection, considering that "Destruction Derby: Raw" was more varied.
Plot: While it's true that storylines are well differentiated, it's also true that they are poorly developed: no ending video, no twist. Just a miserable screen detailing the fate of the driver after winning the championship. Way too little.
Sound: Terrible. Only instrumental rock that is barely perceptible in the hellish chaos of the competition. Unacceptable.
Circuits: There are 18 in total. It's not such a small number, but unfortunately, they all tend to resemble each other: they usually have a figure-eight shape. As for the settings, they are differentiated even though some circuits are used again for a part 2. Why? I don't know, how hard could it have been to invent 2 more locations without recycling the previous ones?
Longevity: Too short. The championship can be finished in an hour: it's true that it must be completed with all 20 characters, but the length still remains insufficient.
IN CONCLUSION
The typical game that leaves a bitter taste, making you aware that much more could have been done. Enjoyable, fun at first, but it struggles to take off due to the highlighted flaws. Recommended to series enthusiasts, but I warn you: there are better options out there, primarily "Flatout" and "Burnout".
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