FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage
- Release Date:2008
- Genres:Racing
- Developer:Bugbear Entertainment
- Publisher:Empire Interactive
- Platforms:PC, PlayStation Portable (PSP), Xbox 360
- Series:FlatOut
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.
References
Recommended Files
Extended High Definition PackHalf-Life (1998)
Extended Half-Life High Definition Pack — a large HD pack of models and textures for Half-Life, including original files from the Gearbox High Definition Pack, as well as refined and new models and sprites from PS2, Dreamcast ports and community works. Improves the visual aspect of the game: more detailed characters, weapons, NPCs and environments.
Stronghold 2 HD Reworked ProjectStronghold 2 (2005)
Stronghold 2 HD Reworked Project is a mod that enhances the graphics by reworking models and textures, improving their quality while preserving the game's original artistic style.
Arena ModHeroes of Might and Magic III (1999)
Arena Mod for HoMM3 and the ERA (WoG) platform allows you to fight against various creatures and bosses from the Might & Magic world in different arenas, ranging in difficulty from easy to high.
Tiberian Sun: AftermathCommand & Conquer: Tiberian Sun (1999)
Tiberian Sun: Aftermath - a total conversion mod for Tiberian Sun, set immediately after the events of the Nod campaign. The mod continues the storyline where Nod achieves victory but faces new threats and challenges.
Diablo The AwakeningDiablo (1996)
Diablo The Awakening is an extensive mod for the original Diablo that expands the story after the destruction of Baal and the Worldstone. It adds entirely new monsters and bosses, additional spells, quests, as well as regular and unique items — all with updated affixes and increased difficulty.
Crystallized DoomCommand & Conquer: Tiberian Sun (1999)
Crystallized Doom is a mod for OpenRA based on a modification for Tiberian Sun. It significantly expands the combat system and adds research mechanics and subfactions depending on the chosen side. Among the planned factions are GDI, Nod, Cabal, Forgotten, Scrin, and Seraphs.
