For all you video gamers out there - IndyCar Series 2005!

[Down F0rce]

This is probably better off in AE, but if my fellow mods don't have a problem with this I'd like to keep it here for a few days

New York, NY – March 15, 2004 – Codemasters, a global interactive entertainment software publisher and premier developer of racing video games, today announced the return of the fastest race on earth with IndyCar® Series 2005. Shipping this summer for the next generation console systems, IndyCar Series 2005 is officially licensed by the Indy Racing League® and gets a boost with a host of all-new features, including head-to-head online play, improved graphics and more.

High-Speed Oval Racing Goes Online In IndyCar Series 2005

New York, NY – March 15, 2004 – Codemasters, a global interactive entertainment software publisher and premier developer of racing video games, today announced the return of the fastest race on earth with IndyCar® Series 2005. Shipping this summer for the next generation console systems, IndyCar Series 2005 is officially licensed by the Indy Racing League® and gets a boost with a host of all-new features, including head-to-head online play, improved graphics and more.

“Now racing fans everywhere can compete online against their friends and real drivers from their own living rooms,” said Steven Lux, senior vice president of U.S. marketing for Codemasters. “Imagine meeting up online with Dan Wheldon or Sam Hornish Jr. and racing against them at the Indianapolis 500®. We’ve made that all possible in IndyCar Series 2005.”

It is the only game to feature the full IndyCar Series season including the Indianapolis 500, allowing drivers to compete from Pole Day to Bump Day to race day as one of the 33 drivers in The Greatest Spectacle in Racing®. Racing action is realistic, accessible and authentic down to the very last detail, including TV-style presentation with race introductions by ABC Sports broadcasters.

A completely authentic and realistic IRL® racing experience, IndyCar Series 2005 features:


-Head-to-head online play with up to 12 players simultaneously
-15 IndyCar Series tracks, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway®, Texas Motor Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway, Pikes Peak International Raceway and the newly featured Twin Ring Motegi Speedway in Japan
-All-new steering wheel support
-Realistically functioning rear-view mirrors so drivers can watch their back
-Official drivers, tracks, rules and sponsors of the IndyCar Series
-Ability to re-create a full season competing as a favorite driver, including Sam Hornish Jr., Gil de Ferran, Al Unser Jr., Scott Dixon, Helio Castroneves, Sarah Fisher and more
-Up to 33 cars on the track simultaneously
-Updated Masterclass training mode narrated by 2003 IndyCar Series Bombardier and Autosport Rookie of the Year Dan Wheldon

IndyCar Series 2005 features an advanced and updated genetic “AI” system that renders each race as a unique experience. The “AI” drivers actually race and make dynamic strategic decisions, defend their position, draft to pass other drivers and even make mistakes.

ABOUT CODEMASTERS

Codemasters is a global interactive entertainment company with offices in New York City, England, France, Spain, Holland and Germany. Founded in the UK in 1986, Codemasters publishes award-winning software for the PC, next generation video game consoles and online gaming. Codemasters develops original titles such as Operation Flashpoint (PC Game-of-the-Year) and ToCA Race Driver, as well as games based on top licensed properties including American Idol, MTV Music Generator and IndyCar Series. Additional information about Codemasters and its products can be found at www.codemasters.com


This is great news. Not only is this great for fans, it's fantastic promotion for the League, and can introduce a countless amount of new fans to the series. I'll certinly be getting a copy. The first game was great!

Scott Dixon at IMS...

[GP Racer]

I agree DF, the first game was great, and I have to say, it gave me a whole new appreciation for high speed, open wheel, oval racing.

And your right, it is a great marketing tool, because it worked on me! I went from being a casual IRL fan, to being a real IRL enthusiast, and that game played a part in that. Good stuff!

[Hazza]

Looking good, but they should've got Papyrus to do it, as I'm fairly sure they are just sitting on their butts (As they deserve to do), after making the worlds best Stockcar Series.

[Mackmot]

and the worlds best simulator, Grand Prix Legends

[Patrick B]

If its a 2005 version is it going to have Road America, Long beach etc...

[Testure]

Originally posted by Patrick B
If its a 2005 version is it going to have Road America, Long beach etc...

The first version was a very impressive simulation and I've read that the next will support Xbox Live, which would make it really interesting. Possibly even worth buying Think I mentioned before that the game was originally gonna be a Ferrari F-355 racer, so just remember - "IndyCar Series - Powered by Ferrari"

[racer69]

Or if it is a 2005 version, why is Gil De Ferran in it?

[Down F0rce]

It's based on 2003. No idea why it's called "2005".

[Tenoch]

Do you what platforms it will be released on?

[wblh]

I have a demo of IRL at Texas which I did`nt deem quite good enough to warrent purchasing, Is this the same sim? I am almost tempted to resurrect my old ICR2 which worked bloody well. I sometimes wonder if the world of of racing sims has actually progressed in the last couple of years

[macdaddy]

That screenshot is totally impressive.
I'm still playing CPR. Or at least I was, until one of the kids broke my wheel (for the 2nd time - 2 diff wheels) about a month ago.
Off-topic, but since these tourneys have been televised, I've been playing alot of Texas Hold'em on the computer!

Shipping this summer for the next generation console systems

Am I to assume that it's not being made for the PC?

[Down F0rce]

wblh, that was the original IndyCar Series. This is the sequel.

Right now, Xbox & PS2 are the only confirmed formats - but I don't see why a PC version wouldn't follow.