Game Review: Le Mans 24 Hours

Game: Le Mans 24 Hours
Console: Sony Playstation
Developer: Eutechnyx
Release Date: 24th May 2002

As a fan of racing games which feature real tracks and race series, Le Mans 24 Hours is an interesting game for me. With a version of Circuit de la Sarthe, Donington Park, Suzuka Circuit and Circuit de Catalunya as well as smaller circuits based on sections of the Sarthe circuit, there's a lot of real world references. The teams featured in the game are also real life teams which competed in the 1990s Le Mans 24 Hour races. One of the most interesting aspects of the game is the option to play a literal 24 hour race, with saving available in the pits. Of course there are 2 hour, 24 minute and 12 minute options available for those who lack spare time.

Arcade and Championship modes provide additional excitement with good performance unlocking cars and harder series. There's quite a lot of content in the game for such a focused initial concept. The racing action feels surprisingly tight for a Playstation release; there's the possibility of spinning out if things get too crazy, but on the whole the cars grip the track nicely and the game straddles the line between simulation and arcade racing. Sometimes unintentional collisions with AI cars can ruin races, but this doesn't happen so often that it impacts the fun of the game.

Graphically the game is somewhat basic; whilst racing the scenery appears to be somewhat of a blur, and it can be a little confusing on turn-heavy tracks, to figure out where corners are heading. Overall though, the visuals are acceptable for the original Playstation, despite being a very late game for the console. Musically there's very little going on behind races, usually all that can be heard above the engine roar is some drumming. Tiff Needell provides commentary on the race, which is fun until you've heard his lines 10 times each.

Overall Le Mans 24 Hours is a very competent game which features the best of the Le Mans 24 hour race, it's teams and cars. The additional tracks and series compliment the game nicely and give players more to explore than just "the big race". This is definitely a title that's worth a try if you're a racing fan, and if you've got a spare 24 hours, then why not go the whole way and claim the ultimate victory?

Watch Nay and Adam from Team Bombersports take on the Le Mans 2.4 hour race!

Rating: 74/100
Grade: B