Games

Hands-on: Scalextric RCS Race Control System

Hands-on: Scalextric RCS Race Control System
Scalextric RCS Race Control System uses a wirelessly-connected smart device to display race information
Scalextric RCS Race Control System uses a wirelessly-connected smart device to display race information
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Scalextric RCS Air and Scalextric RCS Pro will come with new wireless hand throttles
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Scalextric RCS Air and Scalextric RCS Pro will come with new wireless hand throttles
Scalextric RCS Race Control System uses a wirelessly-connected smart device to display race information
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Scalextric RCS Race Control System uses a wirelessly-connected smart device to display race information
Racers using Scalextric RCS Race Control Systemcan see their top speed, lap times and live race positions
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Racers using Scalextric RCS Race Control Systemcan see their top speed, lap times and live race positions
Race modes which can be selected on Scalextric RCS include quick race, practice, Grand Prix, endurance, tournament, drag race, arcade and pursuit
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Race modes which can be selected on Scalextric RCS include quick race, practice, Grand Prix, endurance, tournament, drag race, arcade and pursuit
Scalextric RCS Race Control System users can customize their names and images along with car handling and fuel load
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Scalextric RCS Race Control System users can customize their names and images along with car handling and fuel load
Three versions of Scalextric RCS will be available; RCS One, RCS Air and RCS Pro
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Three versions of Scalextric RCS will be available; RCS One, RCS Air and RCS Pro
Scalextric RCS gives the slot car racing game a much-needed upgrade to satisfy kids (little and big alike) of 2014, who expect a bit more tech in their toys
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Scalextric RCS gives the slot car racing game a much-needed upgrade to satisfy kids (little and big alike) of 2014, who expect a bit more tech in their toys
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Many people of a certain vintage will have fond memories of playing with Scalextric, pulling a trigger and seeing your slot car fly around, or all-too-often off, the track. But disappointingly, the game hasn't exactly kept up with the latest high-tech toys. However, that could change with Scalextric RCS, an update which adds smartphone and tablet game management, along with displaying live race information.

Making my inner 12-year-old very happy, I was lucky enough to get a bit of hands-on time with the new-look Scalextric RCS at the London Toy Fair 2014. And after putting in a few quick laps (along with plenty of not-so-quick ones), I'm happy to say the update makes for a considerably more interactive and complete gaming experience. It's also now more likely to satisfy kids (little and big alike) of 2014, who expect a bit more tech in their toys.

After slotting one of the new RCS powerbases into an existing track, Scalextric users get access to a new level of race management and features, which makes it feel more like playing a console racing game, than a basic slot car offering. A Bluetooth 4.0-connected smartphone or tablet can be used to change game and race settings, with live race information and stats then displayed on-screen.

Users add their names and images before selecting their cars and getting ready to race. They can even choose from different throttle curves to alter how their car will drive, and with higher-end RCS powerbases (three levels will be available) set a maximum power. I'm told this could be used either for handicapping one driver, or to help younger racers (who have a tendency to always go for full power) to stay on the track.

Racers using Scalextric RCS Race Control Systemcan see their top speed, lap times and live race positions
Racers using Scalextric RCS Race Control Systemcan see their top speed, lap times and live race positions

Race modes which can then be selected include quick race, practice, Grand Prix, endurance, tournament, drag race, arcade and pursuit. I opted for a simple 20-lap race, with in-race gameplay settings meaning I had to keep an eye on decreasing fuel levels, tire degradation, and weather conditions, judging when to come into the pits – stopping on the bit of track attached to the RCS powerbase.

This information was all clearly displayed on the wirelessly-connected iPad screen (iOS and Android versions of the free app will be available) and I could also check out live information about top speeds, lap times and the leader-board. This should mean no more arguments with fellow racers about how many laps you've each done. Multi-device display means additional slave devices can also be used, so that each driver has their own screen with live stats about their car.

Other nice touches included the ability to set the power to drop on the track if one car comes off, again reducing the chances of arguments between racers who are scrambling over the track to retrieve their cars. Scalextric RCS also sees the introduction of new wireless hand throttles, though unfortunately only non-working dummy models were on the stand at Toy Fair.

Scalextric RCS Air and Scalextric RCS Pro will come with new wireless hand throttles
Scalextric RCS Air and Scalextric RCS Pro will come with new wireless hand throttles

All in all, Scalextric RCS feels like a massive step forward for the slot car racing game. And while some of its modes and features were already available with Scalextric Digital, RCS brings them to any Scalextric set, and does so in a much more compelling and user-friendly manner thanks to the smart device integration.

RCS will be sold as an upgrade accessory to existing Scalextric sets with the three previously-mentioned options, each including a base and section of straight track. RCS One is the basic entry point and consists of the Bluetooth-enabled powerbase and two wired controllers. It gives racers access to core racing modes and in-race gameplay such as fuel levels and pit stops, along with live stats.

RCS Air works in much the same way, but can use the new wireless hand throttles, two of which are included. It adds robot pursuit and pursuit modes, along with in-race options for tire wear, car damage, and weather conditions. It also gives access to the handicap system, throttle mapping, and car mapping. The top-of-the-line RCS Pro can also use the wireless hand throttles (and includes two), but being for use with Scalextric Digital, it supports up to 6-car racing with lane changing.

Scalextric RCS is due to go on sale in August. RCS One will cost £40 (that's roughly US$66), RCS Air will sell for £60 ($99), while Scalextric RCS Pro will set you back £100 ($165). The RCS powerbases will also be available in upcoming full Scalextric sets.

Source: Scalextric

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5 comments
5 comments
Dan Lewis
Yeah, but where's the miniature camera allowing the user a driver's eye view??? The 'inventors' need to take a step back and think about what's still missing.
The Skud
I agree with Dan - A live camera together with a virtual dashboard for your instrumentation on your display (or a set of VR goggles) would really make it feel real.
bergamot69
Agree with Dan Lewis and The Skud- model railway enthusiasts have already began using cameras installed in the front of their trains (or elsewhere) so the technology is available.
Mark A
Very fond memories of building my own chassis, selecting a body, motor, tires, etc and that was just the start. The skill of "driving" that car and winning a race was the payoff with a great deal of satisfaction. GTA can't compare.
Greg Gaub
Clearly, Dan, The Skid, and Lord Bergamot have not ever seen in-car footage of slot cars at RACE speed. You can't possibly watch it while driving, or even enjoy it as a video. For in-car video to look remotely realistic, the cars have to be driven PAINFULLY slowly. It would have been a ridiculous waste of time and money for them to do such a thing. If they had, they'd be blasted for how useless it is once people actually used it.
The RCS system is really promising. I look forward to picking up a set, and that's from a guy who's been into digital slot cars (Scalextric) for several years, and has pretty much all the latest OEM and third party kit.