Vanishing Point

 Dreamcast
  • Publisher: Acclaim
  • Release Date: Jan 3, 2001
Vanishing Point Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

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  • Summary: It's a driving simulation so advanced and authentic it'll drive you mad. Comprehensive vehicle dynamics based on collaboration with industry engineers. Authentically licensed cars from manufacturers like Lotus, Aston-Martin, BMW, Alfa Romeo and more... One of the most advanced 3D drivingIt's a driving simulation so advanced and authentic it'll drive you mad. Comprehensive vehicle dynamics based on collaboration with industry engineers. Authentically licensed cars from manufacturers like Lotus, Aston-Martin, BMW, Alfa Romeo and more... One of the most advanced 3D driving engines ever developed. Is your mind ready for this much reality?… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Dreamcast HQ
    90
    The biggest difference in this and other racers is the adaptive AI. The other cars do not run the same line all the time. They will cut corners, and will try to run you off the road if need be.
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Spank!
    90
    Like the Soup Nazi from "Seinfeld" - it demands perfection from itself, so how can it expect any less from it's customers? Tough, but rewardingly so.
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Daily Radar
    88
    Past the point of its strange gameplay philosophy, Acclaim's new racer holds some solid gameplay and excellent graphics.
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Core Magazine
    83
    Vanishing Point features excellent graphics, a good control scheme, and loads of unlockable goodies. However, VP has two attributes that will likely drive some people mad: you must unlock almost everything, and the learning curve is incredibly steep.
  5. CNET Gamecenter
    80
    Boasting some of the most impressive physics and visuals ever to find their way into a current-generation console racer, VP is another of those damnable "must-have" titles for anyone who appreciates a finely tuned driving experience mated to state-of-the-art graphics.
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Planet Dreamcast
    80
    Vanishing Point remains a blazing fast, satisfying and addictive racing game. Unfortunately, before you can really enjoy it, you'll need to find a way to work around the trash AI.
  7. Games Radar
    0
    Imagine taking a swig from a can of beer, only to find that, not only is it flat and warm, but some git's been using it as an ashtray. Prepare to experience Vanishing Point.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 2 out of 6
  1. VanishingBoy
    Dec 8, 2003
    10
    Dude, this game actually changed the very fabric of my soul...at least, the part of it that despised the entire genre of racing games for Dude, this game actually changed the very fabric of my soul...at least, the part of it that despised the entire genre of racing games for their repetiveness and sameness and just over-all boringness. It's ridiculously hard -- I mean, really, really really hard...but once you've gotten the hang of the physics, it's among the most exhilirating racing games -- or games period -- out there. You feel like an artist when you nail a turn at "uber-fast" speed. Every miniscule tap on the brake counts in your final time, and the AI is -- ahem -- occassionally cheap. So it can be very frustrating when you're rounding that last corner, having finally nailed three near-perfect laps and some SOB dinks your door, forcing you to brake slightly and lose a nine-second lead. In fact, I wouldn't suggest playing this game unless you're unemployed and pissed off (as was I when I discovered this little pearl) . Take the time to really tell those drivers how you feel...it's the epitome of video games as therapy. Each car is appropriately unique in feel and handling, and though it'll take you a good three years to unlock everything, the customization options are incredibly deep. Some of the best graphics on the Dreamcast, which still look good (at least to me, but I LOVE this game....) and at a slick 60 fps the sensation of speed is as exciting as anything out there. Straight up -- one of my top three games of all time...a must-have if you still have a Dreamcast and hate the world but are too shy to beat someone else up.… Expand
  2. CodyE.
    Nov 5, 2001
    9
    This game is awesome, it's hard at first but when you get going, unlock some cars and secrets its addictive. This is one of the best This game is awesome, it's hard at first but when you get going, unlock some cars and secrets its addictive. This is one of the best games I have.… Expand
  4. Keith
    Jun 29, 2003
    8
    This is a great arcade style racer, which actually has much more depth and gameplay than many other games in it's class. Very nice This is a great arcade style racer, which actually has much more depth and gameplay than many other games in it's class. Very nice graphics, though many of the car models are bit to glossy. The game itself is rather hard but rewarding. … Expand
  5. Yojimbo2015
    Jul 12, 2023
    7
    Nice looking arcade road racer that's decent in all departments, but not quite as good as the comparable MSR.
  6. Empyrea
    Jun 14, 2018
    4
    Very good graphics. The pity is that it was difficult and for me was impossible to advance in the game. So it wasn't worthy at all.
  7. Rodrigo
    Jan 18, 2007
    3
    Nice looks, cool sound, lots of cars, many tracks. Vanishing Point seems to have all that it takes to make a great racing game. All but one Nice looks, cool sound, lots of cars, many tracks. Vanishing Point seems to have all that it takes to make a great racing game. All but one thing: good controls. The handling is so floaty that it makes the game nearly unplayable. In comparison, even duds like Buggy Heat and SegaGT play quite well. With so many great racing games on the Dreamcast -- Daytona, MSR, Rush 2049, Le Mans -- there's little point in playing this junk.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best Dreamcast Game of 2001
15
#15 Most Discussed Dreamcast Game of 2001