SCARS stands for Super Computer Animal Racing Simulator. While it does seem like a random assortment of words to spell a “cool” word, the game is built around the concept of a computer simulation (the tracks load in a wireframe before loading textures) and the cars are all based on animals. It’s a silly concept, but it captures what the game is about: fun.

As a kart-like racing game, SCARS has really good handling, drifting is simple to pull off, letting you slide around corners with ease. Driving in SCARS is a ton of fun, as is zipping around all of the levels.

The levels themselves have some neat ideas, such as an island with a volcano, a level that takes place during UFOs attacking in the 1950s and an underwater level. Due to the “simulation” nature, they were free with picking odd and wonderful designs.

The weapons are quite interesting, too. You can send weapons forwards or backwards, and hold down the fire button to apply extra power. They mainly hinder people for a short time, however the cars can jump to dodge them. The icons are also quite clear, so you can plan what to collect from the upcoming set to get ahead or to defend your position.

This is a game I vaguely saw in N64 magazine and haven’t heard people talked about, so I was pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoyed it. It’s good, clean fun.

Fun

SCARS is a game with a dual personality. On the one hand it’s a brash, arrogant power, the coolest guy in town, cruising around in a convertible Marc with the stereo pumping, gold medallions gleaming in the son. On the other hand, if you look a little closer, you’ll see that those gold medallions are just chocolate coins, tied on with tinsel. Listen harder, and beneath the thumping beats of Fatboy Slim and the Propellerheads, you might just be able to make out the faint strains of Barbie Girl.

Martin Kitts, N64 Magazine #23. Review Score: 79%

Remake or remaster?

A remaster – with some enhancements and widescreen support – would be great.

Official Ways to get the game

There is no official way to get SCARS