Far too many racing games have promised intuitive AI but this AI has always been focused on the driving alone and has never had a human feel. The main objective for TIR is to create a racing game that incorporates a true emotional and personal response from the computer controlled drivers. Each opponent has individual strengths and weakness for qualities such as stamina, judgement, composure and track knowledge. In addition to these the drivers also have an emotional reaction which as well as effecting the their other skills will also dictate how they react to you.

If you keep cutting them up or driving recklessly they start to get annoyed with you. Keep it up and they’ll really lose their temper, hold grudges and go out of their way to be a pain back.

The main hurdle to achieve the unique emotional responses within Total Immersion Racing was presenting them visually so the player would be aware of them. After much input from numerous experienced games journalists within the industry we’ve finally reached a graphical option that works (see attached pics). While playing the game gamers will be able to see how a competitor is feeling towards them via coloured arrow indicators on the oppositions cars. Green symbolises they are fine with you and don’t have a problem. Showing yellow and they’re a bit wary. Red and you know you’ve really wound them up – if you can see an exclamation mark – they have a grudge to bear – so watch yourself son.

Preview samples with the Emotional AI implemented will be sent out imminently for you to test for yourselves and hopefully you’ll be as happy with it as us.

Platform: PlayStation® 2, PC CD-ROM, Xbox™
Release: NOV 1st 2002
Age Rating: ELSPA 3+ (TBC)
Developer: Razorworks