FlatOut 4: Total Insanity
- April 4, 2017
- Kylotonn Games
- 8h median play time
Car games boiled down to what I enjoy... destruction.
"FlatOut 4: Total Insanity" is a racing game that offers high speed action and destruction across various tracks and arenas. The Steam version includes exclusive features such as Big Picture Mode, Steam Achievements, and additional drivers, vehicles, and an arena. The game features a variety of modes, multiplayer options, and the ability to customize and share content through Steam Workshop.
Reviews
- The game features a fun and chaotic racing experience reminiscent of the earlier FlatOut titles.
- Graphics and environments are visually appealing, with a good variety of tracks and destructible objects.
- The addition of new game modes, such as Assault and FlatOut mode, adds variety and excitement to the gameplay.
- The physics are inconsistent, often leading to frustrating moments where small bumps can send cars flying.
- The AI can be overly aggressive and unbalanced, making races feel unfair at times.
- There is a lack of track variety and character depth, leading to a repetitive gameplay experience.
- graphics75 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the visuals as decent for a 2017 release, while others criticize them as outdated and poorly polished, particularly in terms of car models and track visibility. Many users note that while certain aspects like lighting and weather effects are appealing, the overall graphical fidelity does not meet expectations, especially compared to other titles from the same era. Overall, the graphics are seen as a highlight for some, but a significant drawback for others, particularly in relation to the game's physics and gameplay experience.
“The graphics are gorgeous; I think it's the best part that the game has.”
“Sounds are okay and graphics are beautiful, with a weather system and realistic looking rainy, muddy, sandy, and icy roads.”
“Graphics are flatout gorgeous on certain tracks, runs baby smooth on my 75hz monitor.”
“And the graphics... this does not look like a game that has been polished at all; in some levels, the 'reflection' makes it so difficult to see the racetrack and obstacles.”
“The graphics really don't hold up; the racer models are horrendous and aren't likable compared to their (again) FlatOut 2 counterparts.”
“This is a disgrace to the FlatOut series... the graphics look worse than PSP graphics.”
- music69 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising the energetic punk and rock soundtrack that fits the arcade racing theme, while others find it lacking in variety and depth compared to previous titles like FlatOut 2. Many users noted that the engine sounds often overshadow the music, leading to a less engaging experience during races. Overall, while some tracks are enjoyable, the soundtrack is seen as a step down from earlier games in the series, with calls for more variety and better integration into the gameplay.
“Good soundtrack.”
“The soundtrack is made up of what I figure are mostly lesser-known punk/rock bands, but the music was by no means unenjoyable. I thought it paired well and added to the overwhelming amount of action that was taking place in each race.”
“Awesome music, lovely graphics... it's a return to form for FlatOut.”
“I just wish they had gotten better music because 2 still tops that part.”
“Music is next, or should I say sound in general. I just did a race and wondered why I was so unengaged halfway through. Come to find out it was because the entire time I was listening to the same exact engine sound droning with a very noticeable lack of music.”
“The music, after FlatOut 2 which basically defined my tastes for the next 5 years, is uninspired and lame.”
- gameplay40 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing the driving mechanics and physics, describing them as unpolished and frustrating. While some appreciate the fast-paced action and varied game modes, others find the car handling to be poor and the overall experience repetitive due to limited track selection. Despite its shortcomings, a portion of the player base still enjoys the core gameplay and believes it has potential for improvement with future updates.
“Flatout 4 is a much improved Flatout game since Flatout 3; the devs have gone back to the Bugbear roots with a similar gamestyle and gameplay. Some more innovative ideas could be used to improve, but it's an overall enjoyable and good game.”
“With such a small number of tracks, the career may become repetitive for some; however, I believe the varied game modes and easy-to-learn, hard-to-master gameplay makes up for this shortcoming.”
“Great fast gameplay!”
“The worst part of the game overall would have to be the driving mechanics and physics.”
“Terrible driving mechanics (the car feels like it's on ice 24/7), the AI are so overly aggressive with no way to turn it down, and hitting them is like hitting a 10-foot brick wall with a blow-up toy, whereas them hitting you is like getting hit by a freight train.”
“The controls are terrible; it feels like I am driving a potato. The focus point of the game is the destruction and the collisions between cars, but they are terrible too. When someone hits your car, you completely get out of the road and totally lose your position, leading to frustration and boredom.”
- optimization21 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some players report stable performance and good graphics, many experience significant stuttering and inconsistent frame rates, especially during collisions. Users with older hardware may need to lower settings to achieve smoother gameplay, and overall, the game lacks the polish seen in earlier titles in the franchise. Despite these issues, some players still find enjoyment in the game, particularly when purchased at a discount.
“Despite the flaws, I have to give props for the game looking really good; performance seems really stable as well, bringing back the stunt events and having a good soundtrack.”
“Controls feel responsive, graphics and performance are pretty good, and all the classic game modes are there along with a few new ones.”
“If you have an older computer, you need to turn down the particles and shadows to make it run smoothly.”
“However, I faced constant stuttering and the frame rate was decimated if multiple cars collided with each other.”
“My computer is not good, but it is above the minimum requirements, so this should not happen when using the lowest possible settings, especially the stuttering.”
“The optimization could be better; as I said before, the pop-in is bad, so I wonder if they did that intentionally to make the game run better, without actually optimizing it properly.”
- stability7 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 86 % negative mentions
The game's stability is marred by numerous bugs and glitches, particularly in its physics, which detract from the overall experience and enjoyment. While some players report smooth performance on certain hardware without crashes, the prevalence of irritating issues and unbalanced features significantly impacts gameplay, especially in multiplayer settings. Overall, the game offers moments of fun but is hindered by its instability.
“Despite some complaints, I still have fun with the game, and it runs great on a GTX 1070 at 1440p, with no game crashes, just lots of car crashes.”
“I feel this game has been let down with poor buggy physics and irritating new features that could have been great, but ended up unbalanced and just not fun.”
“Let’s face it… this game is horrendously buggy, especially in terms of physics.”
“Currently we are playing a lot of local multiplayer and the game is so buggy it spoils the fun - see my screenshots :(”
- story7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The story in the game is criticized for being repetitive and lacking originality, with some reviewers expressing disappointment in its perceived low value despite the franchise's potential. Overall, the narrative seems to fall flat, overshadowed by the game's mechanics and execution.
“But that's another story while in game.”
“[h1]Back story[/h1]”
“But it's the same story all over again...”
“The company must have fractured their arms, jerking themselves off, suffocating on their own farts, telling themselves stories that this game has a 40 dollar value.”
“So if everything I said is false because they're all assets from Team6's idea of FlatOut, then I'm very, very sorry... that's a sad, sad story.”
- humor5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its wacky physics and the amusing destruction of cars and environments, which often leads to funny moments, such as debris hitting other racers. While some players find the experience enjoyable and laugh-inducing, others feel that the gameplay can become repetitive and less amusing over time. Overall, the game offers a lighthearted, comedic racing experience that can be entertaining, especially in short bursts.
“If you can overlook the wacky, sometimes hilarious physics, this can be a fun FlatOut-style racing game.”
“We only played for 2 hours with some race and derby games and have been laughing and smiling from ear to ear constantly.”
“The destruction shown on cars and the environments is accurate and adds a good amount of enjoyment - seeing a piece of a house fly all the way down the road and hit another racer is a funny thing to witness.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious and unfulfilling, as the rewards for long hours of effort are minimal and do not significantly enhance gameplay. Many express frustration with the grind required to unlock meaningful content, often feeling that the experience is marred by poor physics and unbalanced competition.
“The rewards are small and make grinding each derby tedious and boring just so you can buy a new car that doesn't fare any better than the last one because of the atrocious physics.”
“It requires grinding long hours to unlock real content.”
“Career can be grindy at times.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players highlight the replayability of the game through its score and time attack modes, which encourage repeated play to improve performance and achieve higher scores.
“The score and time attack modes add incredible replay value to the game.”
“The score and time attack features really enhance the replayability factor.”
“The score/time attack mode adds some replay value, but it quickly becomes repetitive.”
“While the score/time attack feature offers a bit of replay value, it doesn't keep me engaged for long.”
“The game has a score/time attack mode that provides some replay value, but it lacks depth.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many users advising against purchasing it unless one enjoys frustrating experiences. Despite its appealing advertisements, the overall sentiment reflects disappointment in its financial practices.
“A piece of crap cash grab; don't buy unless you are a masochist.”
“The monetization is aggressive and feels exploitative.”
- character development2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that character development in the game is notably criticized, particularly for its poor character design, which detracts from the overall experience. Users express frustration over the lack of quality and creativity in the character visuals.
“The only thing that frustrates me about this game, aside from the misleading claims about featuring assets from previous FlatOut games, is the terrible character designs.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its authentic vibe, enhanced by impressive graphics, a well-designed user interface, and a carefully curated selection of licensed music that evokes nostalgia and aligns perfectly with the original game's ambiance.
“They nailed the vibe just right with this one; the graphics, the UI, and the licensed music (not generic electronica) really take it back to the atmosphere that was flat-out right in the first place.”
Critic Reviews
FlatOut 4: Total Insanity Review - PS4
For fans of FlatOut your patience has been rewarded; the series has reached its zenith at a time when nobody expected it to resurge, let alone do so with such brutal conviction. For the rest of you, FlatOut 4 is the perfect antithesis of all those sensible racers out there; a real, rough around the edges prospect that demands your attention.
80%FlatOut 4: Total Insanity Review
With its weird physics issues and inept AI, FlatOut 4 is a frustrating game that simply disappoints on every level.
40%Flatout 4 Total Insanity PS4 Review
Car games boiled down to what I enjoy... destruction.
76%