MRC: Multi-Racing Championship

Multi-Racing Championship (マルチレーシングチャンピオンシップ), or simply MRC, is a 1997 racing game developed by Genki which was published in North America and Europe by Ocean and in Japan by Imagineer for the Nintendo 64. The game is compatible with the Controller Pak and the Rumble Pak.

Gameplay

In Championship mode, the player competes against nine computer-controlled racers. Finishing first advances the game. In Time Trial mode, players try to finish a course in as short a time as possible. Ghost car is included so the player can compete against the best time recorded. Free Run mode lets the player drive freely without other opponents or time limit. The VS Race mode lets two players compete against each other. The unlockable Match Race option pits the player against a hidden computer opponent in a night-time race.^[1] Weather effects like rain, fog and snow are included.^[2]

MRC features ten cars, which are divided into two groups: road cars and off-road vehicles.^[2] There are seven different areas for car customization: tires, brakes, suspension, steering, transmission, gear ratio, and aerodynamics. MRC includes three tracks: Sea Side, Mountain, and Downtown. The courses have multiple paths and mirror images can be unlocked.^[3]

Reception

Multi-Racing Championship got a mild feedback from critics with an average score of 67% from GameRankings.^[4] GameSpot gave the game 4.1 out 10. The reviewer praised the music and the sound but noted that the game has average graphics and poor controls. He summarized that "The bottom line is that MRC doesn't move fast enough to give the illusion of speed, making gameplay dull."^[3] Gaming Age gave a more positive score of 78 out of 100, noting that "the off road vehicles have a decided advantage when in their element, which is a nice touch." Graphics were said to be "standard fare" and control "a little off". The reviewer concluded that "In the end, MRC manages to be average at best."^[5] IGN scored the game 6.7 out of 10. Positive aspects were found in graphics which were "good but not great" and controls, which was cited as "tight". Also the customization option was found the best element of the game. On the contrast the track selection were founded the weakest aspect. Ultimately the critic summarized that "Imagineer has succeeded in creating a perfectly average racer."^[2]

References