FlatOut (video game)

FlatOut is a series of demolition derby-themed racing video games developed primarily by Bugbear Entertainment and published by various companies including Empire Interactive, Vivendi Games, and Strategy First. The core gameplay revolves around vehicular combat and physics-based destruction, allowing players to smash into opponents and environmental objects to gain advantages.

The original FlatOut, released in 2004, established the franchise's signature features: realistic vehicle damage, destructible environments, and the ragdoll ejection of drivers, used in mini-games and as a form of spectacle during crashes. Subsequent entries built upon these features, introducing new vehicles, tracks, and game modes.

Key aspects of the FlatOut series include:

• Demolition Derby Racing: Races are not simply about speed but also about aggressive driving and damaging opponents.
• Physics-Based Destruction: The game emphasizes realistic physics, with vehicles and environments reacting dynamically to collisions.
• Driver Ejection: A recurring element where drivers are ejected from their cars in dramatic crashes or intentionally launched for mini-games.
• Stunt Mini-Games: Between races, players can participate in mini-games where the goal is to launch the driver as far as possible, or to hit specific targets, using various stunts.
• Variety of Vehicles: The games typically feature a diverse selection of vehicles, ranging from muscle cars and pickups to race cars and special vehicles, each with different handling characteristics and damage resistance.

Notable games in the series include:

• FlatOut (2004)
• FlatOut 2 (2006)
• FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage (2007) - an enhanced remake of FlatOut 2
• FlatOut 3: Chaos & Destruction (2011) - developed by Team6 Game Studios, and widely considered a critical failure.
• FlatOut 4: Total Insanity (2017) - developed by Kylotonn Games.

The FlatOut series is recognized for its chaotic and over-the-top gameplay, providing an arcade-style racing experience focused on destruction and entertainment. While the earlier titles are generally well-regarded, later installments received mixed to negative reviews, particularly FlatOut 3: Chaos & Destruction, which is considered a low point in the franchise. The series' emphasis on physics-based destruction set it apart from other racing games and contributed to its initial popularity.