His name is IAM_Clawfford, and he’s back. His latest release, “Monster Mash” was designed to appeal to roughneck racers who like to bang and bump, and rumblers who may not be all that hot on traditional race tracks, but fancy building up a head of steam just so they can hit stuff (and really hard lol). Its design, much like its purpose, is simple and uncomplicated. Clawfford used MTM 2’s “Arena Rumble” as the setting, and given the premise it’s kinda fitting…as is the name! You put 5 or 6 players on this baby and there’s going to be as much hitting going on as there is racing, and that’s no joke.
The entire track consists of only four check points with a square outline while the actual racing area is recessed within the enclosed area. The course’s layout is one of an elaborate square whereby you circle around each checkpoint as you progress thru the track.
A word of caution: if traveling in a repetitive, circular motion tends to make you a little woozy in the stomach, you might want to avoid this one. Either that or keep a bucket handy.
The road texture is…well, it’s not stock that’s for sure, but it’s definitely suitable for what people will be doing on this track. Given “Monster Mash’s” physical characteristics and setting, I’m more inclined to think a dirt or mud texture would’ve been interesting, however, what he has does work, and quite well I might add.
Visually speaking it leans toward the conservative side, however I do like the color coordinated truck/checkpoint combination he’s got going. I liken this track to “Malfunxion Junxion” in the sense that the focus is on the track and the fun derived from it as opposed to attempts at emphasizing aspects that have nothing to do with its premise. At the same time by no means is “Monster Mash” an ugly track, either – not at all!
If there’s anything that stands out from a technical point of view it’s the number of seams in the texture work. For those of you who don’t already know, I don’t make tracks, hence I can’t say how hard or time consuming a task it is to ensure the texture is properly aligned, but I do know it’s possible. If nothing else if you’re new to the track making scene it’s something to be mindful of.
Still, it doesn’t detract from the fun racers and rumblers alike will have on this bad-boy. According to the “Copey Rating” scale, “Monster Mash” revved up a very respectable 8.5 out of 10 possible points. It’s lighthearted fun that will appeal to all levels of players, and since “fun” is the primary objective of this track, you better believe SLO will be featuring it in an upcoming
Fast Lane event! Great Job, Clawfford – innovative stuff once again, and that certainly seems to be your forte. Definitely keep doing what you’re doing, bud!
Edited (12-10-2002) by SLO_COPE