If you recall Race 07, the game by SimBin for the PC that features the MINI Cooper Challenge is one of the most realistic PC racing sims that I have seen to date. Well the good folks at SimBin are releasing a new game, called Race Pro, exclusively for the Xbox 360 that will also be a racing sim and feature the MINI Cooper Challenge. Since I don’t own an Xbox 360, I will have to rely on some of you to provide some feedback on this game. If Race 07 is any indication on the quality, I would say this will be a sweet game. Of course, I don’t think it will come close to GT 5 on the Playstation 3. Now THAT is a slick game .
Boy those guys at ThinkGeek have some COOL stuff!!! Not only can you get the Flux Capacitor from them, but they also have a set of RC MINIs!! Check this out:
Back to the Future is one of my all-time favorite movies. I remember watching in awe as a child, trying to think if the theories presented in the movie could actually work. Ok - so there were some “flaws” in some of the logic presented, but hey - the movie ROCKED! And who wouldn’t want a flux capacitor in their ride?? Well now you can have one installed in your MINI! The brainiacs over at ThinkGeek.com are now selling 1,000 flux capacitors. Check this video out for a demonstration (note - MINI not used in demo video, but still pretty darn cool):
Brando Workshop has released some cool remote control cars featuring 2 versions of the R52 MINI convertible. What a great way to pay tribute to the end of the production of such a wonderfully designed vehicle!! Yes - you heard me right - the R52 convertible will be ending production later this summer to make way for the new 2009 convertible. If you have been procrastinating on getting one, now is your last chance to get a new one. Once their gone, you will be stuck with this tiny RC version (which is very cool too!) .
Here is a pretty cool pinball game based on the new MINI Clubman - “Clubmania Pinball”. Targeting online gamers and users of the Nintendo Wii, MINI USA’s advertising agency, BSSP, is using this game as an opportunity to showcase the uniqueness in the Clubman design. MediaPost.com has a full write-up on the background of the game’s marketing strategy. Enjoy!
I don’t consider myself to be much of a gamer. However, I do love my driving simulators! As I hoped, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will once again feature the MINI Cooper S in its vehicle line up. If you have not had the chance to play around with the Gran Turismo HD demo on the PS3, I STRONGLY encourage you to check it out. The graphics are just AMAZING!!! At first I did not realize the footage I was watching was part of the game. It looked THAT real! Game is scheduled to be out mid-April, and from what I can see Costco.com has the cheapest pre-order price on it for about $35.
Well I have been spending some time getting used to the road course at Daytona International Speedway via my new favorite racing sim - Race 07 - in hopes of learning the line in preparation for December’s track weekend. So far I have shaved 7 seconds off my lap times and I feel I am getting familiar enough with the line to try some new things. It will be very interesting to see how the virtual world of Race 07 translates to the real world of “Daytona 07″. The car physics seem pretty good in the game so who knows - it may help alot.
In this video, I have set the artificial intelligence (AI) of the other cars to 95% and I started the race in last place (I am driving the Red Nose Day MINI). Through the course of the short 4 lap race, I manage to drive through the field to finish in fourth place. I am still getting used to the AI and need to work on my braking around other cars (as you will see me slam a few lol). Hey - as long as I don’t do THAT in real life I should be fine! Hope you enjoy the video. Eventually I think it would be cool to record actual online races with real online players. I think it would make for some interesting entertainment to watch. Let me know what you think!
It sure seems that there has been a lot of MINIs showing up in video games lately. I know I personally have been hooked on Race 07 which features the MINI Challenge (and as I reported earlier - I am using to practice for the upcoming Daytona track weekend). This game, however, is a bit different. MINI #37 is strictly MINIs. You may recall me drooling over this back in May. You will be able to drive any MINI for sale in showrooms and various “episodes” will be released over time. Well according to MINI2.co.za, Episode 1 is finally live and ready for download. Enjoy!
Here is yet another Mini-related video game being released. Now this game has been out for quite some time for the PC, but it is now finally being released for the Nintendo Wii. I have played this game on the PC before and it is important to note that this game is completely different than the other game we talked about a few days ago, Race 07. Instead of being a racing simulator, this is more of an arcade game that allows you to race Classic Minis around your desk. Honestly, this game gives me a headache every time I play it. Not sure what it is, but I just feel a bit woozy after trying to keep my Mini on track. The concept is “cute”, but I think I may spend my game time sharpening my skills on Race 07’s MINI Cooper Challenge (which by the way, should arrive at my office tomorrow!). Check out this video clip of Mini Desktop Racing for an idea of what it is like:
Franklin Nichols from Slot Car News posted up a cool review of the limited edition Franklin Mint diecast of a 1967 Morris Mini Cooper.
…this die-cast represents a factory-production Morris Mini for the home market, done up in British Racing Green with offsetting cream roof and wheels. The twin fender mirrors and extra chrome are Cooper-correct. In keeping with Franklin Mint practice, the model’s hood, doors, and deck lid all open, revealing solid interior detail and an excellent representation of the 1,275 cc Mini-Cooper engine…
…Franklin Mint is known for their fine attention to detail under the bonnet this car is no different. The motor is wired and in high detail. The interior is also of fine quality, although the instrument cluster is a little hard to read with the warning lights almost illegible…
For the full review, including more photos, make sure you check out the link below!
Monday, July 14th, 2008
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Posted by Pedro in Modern MINI, Toys & Games 
