| Spirit of Speed 1937 | |
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Cover art of Spirit of Speed 1937 (North American version) |
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| Developer(s) | Broadsword Interactive[1] |
| Publisher(s) | Acclaim Entertainment[1] LJN[1] |
| Platform(s) | Dreamcast[1] PC |
| Release date(s) | [1] |
| Genre(s) | Formula One racing[1] |
| Mode(s) | Single-player Multiplayer |
| Rating(s) |
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| Media/distribution | CD-ROM |
Spirit of Speed 1937 is a racing video game developed by Broadsword Interactive and published by both Acclaim Entertainment for the Dreamcast and by Microprose for PC. The game was released in North America on June 29, 2000. Spirit of Speed 1937 takes gamers back to the 1930s when motor sports was just getting started and drivers raced for the thrill of speed, the danger, and the glamour that came with it. Some of the greatest automobiles, drivers, and engineers throughout the history of racing hail from this era.
Spirit of Speed 1937 features 13 classic vehicles, including the first twin-supercharged single-seat racer, the Alfa Romeo P3. Also featured are the twin V8 Alfa Romeo Bimotore designed by none other than Scuderia Ferrari, the Alfa Romeo 12C, the Auto Union Type C that was designed by the legendary Ferdinand Porsche, and the Auto Union Type D, a model that conformed to the Formula 1 standard of 3.0 liter supercharged or 4.5 liter non-supercharged engines.
Other cars include the Bugatti 35, Bugatti 59, Duesenberg, ERA Remus - which sported a 1500cc supercharged motor that accelerated to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in a little under five seconds, Mercedes Benz 125, Mercedes Benz 154, Miller, and the 24-litre Napier-Railton that hits its top speed at a terrifying 168 miles per hour (270 km/h) despite its rather hefty weight for a one-seater. Players race around nine legendary courses located in Melhalla (Libya), AVUS (Germany), Montana (U.S.A.), Roosevelt (U.S.A.), Montlhéry (France), Pau (France), Donington (England), Brooklands (England), and Monza (Italy).
Spirit of Speed 1937's modes of play are Single Race, Championship Season, and Scenario. Single Race allows players to select a car and course to race on. Championship Season is where users take part in a series of races in an attempt to win the title. Scenario is a mode that sets up a historic racing moment for the gameplayer to experience. Each mode is broken into three separate difficulties but none of them include a two-player feature. Along with the standard controller, the game also supports arcade sticks and steering wheels.
The game received overwhelmingly negative reception from critics; it received a 39.33% from GameRankings based on nine reviews.[2] IGN's Jeremy Dunham called it "the poorest excuse for a Dreamcast game I have ever laid eyes on.", harshly criticizing nearly every aspect of the game, including the load times, course designs, control, and graphics.[3] GameSpot's Frank Provo criticized the sound effects and the visuals of the game. Giving the game a score of 1.9/10, the site named it the Worst Video Game of 2000 - the first year the award was given for console games. [4]