Flatout isn't the most beautiful racing game for the 360, especially when compared to last week's Project Gotham Racing 4. However, that's the point -- this is down and dirty racing. It isn't supposed to be a glossy ride. The visuals look just fine, with wide-open tracks that provide lots of opportunities to smash things up and plenty of ugly jalopies. The way cars and other objects break apart looks beautiful, along with the hysterical "rag doll" physics. Music is your routine alternative rock soundtrack, not bad but not spectacular and sound effects consist of roaring engines, the occasional smash-up sounds and lots of grinding parts.
Only two things get in the way of Ultimate Carnage's run to the finish line. First, if you love Flatout 2 and expect the next big evolution in the series, keep looking. This game sticks to most of what made the last one successful. Second, there are three classes of vehicles available -- Street, Derby and Race -- and they really don't differ that much.
In spite of these minor problems, Flatout: Ultimate Carnage is still a wild and wooly racing romp, exactly what its developers intended to make. The racing action and rag doll mini-games are incredibly addictive, online and off. If "fancy driving" has worn out on you, give this extreme racer a test drive.
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