FlatOut (video game)

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This article is about the first FlatOut video game. For the rest of the series, see FlatOut.

FlatOut

Developer(s)	Bugbear Entertainment
Publisher(s)	Empire Interactive (USA & Europe Retail) Konami (Japan Retail) Valve Corporation (Steam)
Distributor(s)	Vivendi Universal Games
Series	FlatOut
Version	1.1 (2004-12-10)
Platform(s)	Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox
Release date	November 5, 2004 December 02, 2004 May 12, 2005 July 12/July 19, 2005 October 13, 2005 Steam: February 2, 2006
Genre(s)	Semi-Simulation Racing
Mode(s)	Single-player, multiplayer
Rating(s)	ESRB: Teen (13+) PEGI: 12+ USK: 12+/18+ (Uncut) CERO: 12/B
Media	2 CDs (WIN) 1 DVD (PS2, Xbox)
System requirements	1.5 GHz CPU, 256 MB RAM, 64 MB video card RAM, DirectX 9.0c, 1.1 GB available hard disk space, Windows 98 or newer (WIN)
Input methods	Keyboard, mouse, steering wheel (optional)

FlatOut (a.k.a. FO or FO1) is a racing video game developed by Finnish Bugbear Entertainment and published by Empire Interactive and Vivendi Universal Games in 2004 and 2005. Gameplay in Flatout places emphasis on demolition derby-style races, and features a sophisticated physics engine. 16 different cars are included, each with 5 different skins for them.

Modes in FlatOut include standard lap races, in either open environments or stadium laps, and demolition derby deathmatches, in which the driver of the sole-surviving vehicle declared the winner; both modes pit players against 7 computer-controlled opponents. The game also includes special events which require the player to toss the driver off of his/her vehicle and meet certain requirements. In career mode, pick up your future top racer from the junkyard. Winnings come in the form of cash, which allows players to purchase vehicle upgrades and new vehicles.

FlatOut is noted for its extensive use of physics in vehicle damage and collisions; dents on vehicles may vary based on the type of accident, object and angle of impact (falling objects, for example, will damage mostly the upper areas of a car), while many roadside items react better to collisions from other vehicles.

Ragdoll physics is also present in the game, with drivers capable of being tossed out of their car after high-impact crashes. This feature is extensively used in several special events, when the player is required to "toss" a driver to a specific distance, height, or target. This game had been criticized for its poor ragdoll physics. For example, the driver will be flung out of the screen if the car that exceeds 40mp/h crashed into a barrier. Some players felt frustated for that, and because the gameplay requires the player to drive very skillfully since the tires don't have much grip on the track.

1 Sequels
2 Soundtrack
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Sequels

A sequel, FlatOut 2 was released first, in Europe, on June 30, 2006. A larger variety of vehicles (including contemporary cars and pickup trucks) are included. The North American version was launched on August 1.

Bugbear released FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage for Xbox 360, in 2007. ^[1]