User Reviews (1 - 11 of 16)

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No Wheel, No Fun

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: May 26, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Unless someone can figure out a way to use a PS2 steering wheel with this game, I would NOT recommend it at all. The graphics are ok (6 on a scale of 1 to 10), but without the use of a steering wheel this game is useless. You'd be better off playing F1 2002. The graphics are much better and you can use a steering wheel.

Lack of Steering Wheel Support A Huge Disappointment!

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: June 24, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I'm a native of Indianapolis and am a fan of Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and like PS2 racing games. I enjoy racing around IMS in my PS2 Nascar Thunder and Formula 1 games, so I was very excited about IndyCar Series when it came out and I could race the 230+ MPH vehicles I watched many times in person over the years on the track that I know so well.

But, as other reviewers have noted, there is no steering wheel support for this game (I have the Logitech wheel, which is essentailly the standard for PS2), but I don't think that you would know that from the information on the box for the game. I can imagine the look on my face when I plugged in my wheel and... nothing.

The game plays OK with the standard controller and the graphics and sound are decent, but it just isn't the same as driving with a well-calibrated wheel in your hand. I'll make sure I research my next racing-related product first.

My new favorite racing game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: May 23, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I've only had the chance to play for about 1 hour, but this game is really impressive! Most important, the feel of the driving is excellent. Steering is responsive, and yet stable on the straightaways. It's challenging to stay on the ideal line, but also forgiving enough that drifting wide doesn't put you in the wall. The suspension shows good movement over bumps. The graphics are solid. Finally, there's a "driving school" with lessons and commentary by Eddie Cheever, Jr. that seems challenging and useful.

I'm a hardcore IRL fan, so I would have bought it anyway, but I think this is my new favorite racing game, beating out Gran Turismo 3, my old favorite, and way ahead of F1 2002.

As others have pointed out, the game does not support USB wheels. I agree that this is kind of silly. However, it does support the Mad Catz MC2 Universal, which plugs into the game controller port, and is also compatible with X-Box and Game Cube. The wheel works well and is easy to set up.

THIS GAME ROCKS!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: June 19, 2003
Author: Amazon User

At first this game didn't look too exciting because I usually like Road Racing games like F1, Pro Race Driver, and Cart. But since this game was the first opened wheeled oval tracked car game I decided to buy it. When I did I was amazed. The car graphics were awsome and it was extremely realistic. There are caution flags, pace cars, and you even get to control the car during a yellow, and if you do pass someone you will get black flagged and will have to come for a stop and go or be disqualified. If you tap the wall you can end up damaging your suspension, ruining your electronics, and having to come in the pits because your car is misfiring on the straight going 225 mph. These are the exact same cars from the 2002 IRL series. There are about 8 training classes to do before entering the series so you can get prepared. Of course you don't have to do them if you don't want to. Also, when you go in the pits with some damage the pit team will actually look like they're trying to fix the problem. Overall, this game rocks!! The gameplay is smooth and crisp and there isn't any slow down. That's what I like about the game. So if you like any types of motorsports, then you should check this game out.

Buy this game!!!!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: October 27, 2003
Author: Amazon User

If you are a fan of racing sims, this game is for you. Even is you are not a fan of indycar, buy this game and you will soon be a fan. Wheel to wheel excitement and all the fun of the month of may at the Indy 500, you cant pass it up. Great driving engine also and realistic feel.

A Complete Failure...

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 2 / 5
Date: June 10, 2003
Author: Amazon User

DO NOT BUY THIS GAME!! You cannot use the Logitech steering wheel on this game. Why? I have absolutely no idea, but to me, it makes the game worthless. I own many racing games (Gran Turismo, Pro Race Driver, Formula One, etc.) and they ALL support the steering wheel. Why Codemasters would go through all the trouble to develop and market this game to people interested in racing and driving, but not have it support a steering wheel is beyond me.

A must buy for Indy fans, other racing fans rent first.

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: May 24, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Indy fans, this is the game you have been waiting for. I love Indy, and this is a cool game. The graphics look nice, although slightly lacking in some spots. The cars control well, and they corner nicely. There is multiplayer racing for 2 players, but no online support.

If you are an Indy fan, buy this game. It is the only Indycar game on next generation consoles, except for the upcoming Xbox port. Indy fans will love the complete collection of cars, tracks, and drivers.

If you are not an Indy fan, this might not be your favorite game, however. Unlike F1, the tracks don't have as many turns. And unlike NASCAR, you might not recognize all of the drivers. This isn't F1, CART, or NASCAR, but if you like Indycar, this game is a great buy. There is a fairly deep career mode, also.

Overall, if you like Indy, buy it. If you don't know what Indy is, pass on it. If you only have a mild interest in this kind of racing, Atari's Grand Prix Challenge is cheaper, and might be a better purchase.

WOW

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: May 25, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Codemasters have done an excellent job with their latest racing release for PS2. Indycar Series, released with backing from IRL features it all, the speed, the sound and the action that will make you sweet and leave you craving for more. In PRO mode, the cars are fully adjustable to better suit the different tracks and the handling is simply astonishing. Whether you wish to go through the whole IndyCar season or just compete in the Indy 500, you can do it all here and in amazing detail. The graphics are great, on the level of GT3 and the reality factor on the level on EA's F1 2002. Take the time to go through the MASTERCLASS lessons or you will find yourself frustrated after hitting that wall / getting that black flag / being launched into the air after slamming into your opponent for the 20th time. In PRO mode, the learning curve is steep but it's well worth it. For those seeking some arcade fun, there is the easy mode which eliminates all the damage modeling and lets the CPU control the gears and driver assists. All in all, one of the greatest racing games ever produced for any platform. Much recommended!

One of the best racing games out there.

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: June 07, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Indy Racing Series in my opionin is one of the best games out there. Ok this is the indy racing leage so u are missing the difficulty of road courses but thats ok. Graffics are good, not the best, to my knowledge all of the drivers are there from last season. Ok here are the problems, im a big racing fan but im not a mechanic so setting up the car to win is hard, it can be done but its pretty much all ajust anmd see what happens, it just takes a while to get the car just right. Also missing is a paint shop, i really wish i could creat my own car. The other problem is without a stearing wheel its kindof hard to keep the car straight so in traffic you will most likley by bumping wheels.
Ok now the good points, there is intense action, and realistic physics. Also i love that when a car crashes or spins on the track a caution comes out, unlike nascar 03 where it takes a car to damn near blow up on the track for a caution comes out. Over all anyone who likes open wheel racing will like this game, just to bad it isnt a cart game so we could have some road courses.

A pure sim

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: October 22, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This can be a very difficult game. The level of precision you need to drive at incredible high speeds around these ovals, where only a touch can finish a race, is amazing. And if you blink during a race you may be hosed.

Graphics and sound are just okay. A lot of anti-aliasing going on. But your spotter is dead on and the cockpit view is blinding with 22 other competitors around you. And the car set-up is very detailed. This is definitely a niche product and many will get frustrated. But that just increases the satisfaction when you succeed.

This is simply the best simulation racer on the PS2. I don't include GT3 as a sim because it offers no cockpit view, no damage modeling and horrible AI. You can't just plow into the leader at the last turn and come out with a win like in GT3. You will be out of the race in this game. This game requires a lot of work... and for that Codemasters should be applauded.

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