I’ve always loved tracks, and working with SMP Creations, along with guys like Malibu350, Phineus, as well as my teammates, SLO_BRO_USA & SLO_Jumper has resulted in quite a learning experience. SMP Creations has redefined the way in which beta testing is done. Their approach may not be for everyone, but no one can dispute the fact that it's nothing short of extremely effective.
Mouse™ & OLD_Coach98, the two guys who comprise SMP Creations, recently completed RnR track no. three of a four track series. I’m going to go on record right now (not that anyone cares, but it sounds impressive) and say it’s without a doubt the best of the lot thus far. Once the fourth track is complete, SLO will host an RnR
The Fast Lane and feature the entire series. It should be a great time, so if you’re reading this, and RnRs are your “thing”, bookmark that url! My guess is we’ll be doing it sometime in mid to late November, so stay tuned. Oh and hey, let me add that RnRs aren’t dead; they’re just…resting right now lol.
If you look at the map of Regent National Racepark, it somewhat resembles a figure 8 with a disfigured heart jammed in the middle. I wasn’t really going anywhere with that, but it is kind of interesting lol. But hey, since I’m on the subject (sorta), I’m not sure what inspired SMP to come up with such a layout, but this one’s a beauty! Just remember, it was designed for race-rumbles, so simplicity was a must. Still it makes for a very nice racetrack for 2 or 3 ideally.
The texture is by Malibu350 as a result of his efforts converting EVO 1 & 2 tracks over to MTM 2. It’s an added bonus for track makers who care to use them, and my guess is you’ll see more track makers taking advantage of it. Another little detail I’d like to mention with respect to the texture work is the embedded stone look you’ll notice (I hope), particularly at the start of the race. It was a nice touch, and it definitely added to what I thought was already a visually impressive piece of work. The small body of water you’ll see at checkpoint 3 was also added during the latter stages of production. Notice its location, how they placed it at the lowest point of elevation. Smartly done.
During beta testing I got caught up in how much fun I was having and kind of forgot that the reason I was on the track was to test its playability and report my findings to SMP Creations. If I recall correctly, after 6 games it dawned on me I was supposed to be…well, working lol. I think this is the most evenly balanced RnR track I’ve run to date. Racers will fall in love with the smooth, perpetual motion-like flow with ample room for maneuvering. Blockers will relish the fact that they can easily transition from point to point, exploiting the 2 to 3 prime areas that require racers to employ speed control, enabling them to pounce on the opposition for a quick kill if they time their attack just right. Yeah, I know the “quick kill” thing is a tad heavy on the drama, but rumblers like that kind of talk lol.
I joked with Mouse™ during a conversation about the potential irony of being a beta tester for SMP, and also reviewing tracks here at MTMG. Basically, I could go thru the entire testing process, and then come in here and give it 6 (or less) out of 10 points. Needless to say he put my mind at ease by assuring me if ever such a situation were to arise that I should let him know before I submit the review. Then we could figure out how much $$ it would cost SMP Creations to bump the rating up to a 10 lol. All kidding aside, everything is scrutinized to the "nth" degree during testing, and it would take quite a sharp eye to find flaws of any significance on this track. Furthermore...it's a heck of a lot of fun, so keep your money for now, Mouse!!
They've done it again, and as I said when I started this review, this is the best of the three RnRs so far, and the other two (“Bolton Hill” & “Maple Grove”) are great! With that said, “Regent Nat’l Racepark” chalked up a rock-solid "
10" out of 10 possible points!!! If you fancy RnRs, this one is an absolute must have – take my word for it!
Hats off to SMP Creations for their professionalism, their creativity, and their dedication to this game. A truly outstanding effort here, guys – great stuff!
[This message has been edited by SLO_COPE (edited 24-09-2002).]
