Burnout: PCE is not a sequal of the previous drag racing simulation, Burnout, released by Bethesda earlier this year. PCE is based on the "player's requests or suggestions" on topics they wanted to be in the next sim of Burnout. PCE includes refinements to the physics engine, added tuning options, more cars and sounds. And did I mention a "paintshop"?

Burnout PCE surpasses Burnout in some ways and not. I would like to point out that there are no "nitro burning" engines available, but there are still the other fuels available. PCE is primarily based towards "sportsman and bracket racing".

Now on to the review!


PHYSICS

As noted before, the physics have been "refined or tweaked". There is now a "waterbox" situated where one is suppose to do a burnout. The new car tuning options greatly add more realism to the sim. For example, under suspension tweaks, there are now left and right sides and another weight bias adjustment.

PCE's engine development includes some new items also, such as "nitrous oxide". In the same menu, one decide on what engine sound to use for his/her engine. And you can still import your "Desktop Dyno" into the sim. As for the electronic addons, you know have a throttle stop. and a "customizable" Two-Step rev box. The chassis weights can now be adjusted. Which I might add, is really important to set the car to it's "allowable" weight for a drag racing class. More on the class racing in abit. The damage model is also tweaked. It's fun for everyone now and then to hit the wall or roll the car! The weight distribution model is perfect. Now you can really do some "wheelies". This is a nice fix.


GAMEPLAY

In PCE, you can race in a single, event or season. Just like Burnout provided. Also in PCE, there is added flavor, you can be a league administrator and set certain variables for any particular class you would like to create. In other words, you can pick certain chassis that are allowable, set the weight, put limits on the engine and drivetrain, what tree to use, ET Bracket.. etc. Heck, you can even set the length of the race down to an eighth mile! Talk about being creative! By the way, the other purpose of these "Class" restriction files, were for online drag racing associations that are on the internet. That's pretty "snazzy", I great add! If you do decide to race offline, you can create a season and set the variables such as AI strength, amount of racers and weather. Though for added realism it would be best that you left the weather to "random".


ARITIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The AI in PCE are improved. And they are more stout as you progress the slide for their strength. They are pretty consistant. I might add, that I didn't see allot of breakdowns happening to the AI.


CONTROLS

Just like Burnout, PCE accepts control devices from keyboard, gamepads, joysticks and steering wheel systems. Don't forgot to set the nitrous button!


GRAPHICS

PCE is still using the XEngine created by Bethsoft many years back. In my opinion, this sim has one of the best smoke interpretations out there!! This graphics engine supports 3DFx Voodoo1 and Voodoo2 cards. And there is a software version of the game that supports VESA 2.0. The new paintshop gives you all the necessary tools to paint your car. There are several levels to paint; exterior, damage, interior, etc.. You can literally paint the parachute and dash! There are more cars! Tweleve more to be exact. Some of the cars are gorgeous!! The Pontiac Trans Am WS6 is the best looking car of the bunch in my opinion. Some of the new cars in PCE were photorealistically scanned into the sim. The biggest addon was the addition of the "in car view"!!


SOUND

Using the 3DFx version of the game, once in awhile, the engine sounds would be broken up. But, I can live with it, as it only happened once in awhile


BOTTOMLINE

Being the most popular drag racing simulator that is out there, and for the fan of drag racing, I highly recommend it. Since there are numerous online drag racing association for you to compete. Things are starting to look promising in the direction of online drag racing taking it's place for multiplayer gaming.

I like PCE more than I did Burnout. As there are so many variables to tweak onto. Just remember to download the latest patches and cars from Bethsoft's web site.