FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage

FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage was initially pitched as an expanded and improved version of FlatOut 2, but in reality it turned out to be a game radically different from its predecessor. For newcomers it might feel like a logical continuation, but for fans of FlatOut 2, the differences are immediately noticeable.

Pluses:

• Graphics were significantly enhanced — visually more impactful, with a darker, more cinematic palette, though it lost the brightness and cheerfulness characteristic of FlatOut 2.

• A new Carnage Mode was added — a dedicated mode including mini-games and challenges: bomb races, survival runs, derby arenas with power-ups, and other activities.

Minuses:

• Collision physics were completely overhauled. Cars began to spring and slide along walls, making track traversal easier and impacts less meaningful. Braking in corners became unnecessary — it’s faster and easier to slide along barriers. Pushing opponents became more difficult — they too feel "slippery."

• Handling physics changed as well: cars feel heavier and slower.

• The original soundtrack was replaced. While stylistically similar, the new selection failed to match the memorability and atmosphere of FlatOut 2.

• Additional problems were caused by the use of Games for Windows Live, which was soon shut down by Microsoft. Without unofficial patches, the game became nearly unplayable.
  

Ultimately, fans never received a polished version of their favorite — and over time, many prefer FlatOut 2. However, the modding scene continues attempts to fix this: various efforts aim to bring back the original FlatOut 2 physics to Ultimate Carnage and restore online multiplayer.