World Racing

Overall, except for a few different characteristics, the gameplay of World Racing is reasonably typical of a car simulator and comparable to games such as Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed, which is also notable for making use of only one real-world car manufacturer. One particular feature is the adjustable difficulty setting: by moving a slider on a scale from 'arcade' to 'simulation', the player selects the best option for themselves. This option affects both the vehicle's behaviour model, as well as its damageability and the artificial intelligence of the opponents.

Completing 'championships' (stages with a defined number of tracks, into which the game is divided), the user unlocks previously unavailable cars that can be raced. New championships and races are also available as the game progresses. There are 16 championships, with a total of 117 tracks and 48 different missions. The simulated tracks represent real-world terrain from various countries, such as Japan, Mexico, Australia, the Nevada desert, the Alps, and race tracks in Germany.

Initially, it was announced that the game was being developed exclusively for the Xbox console. In December 2002, the developers clarified that, with a slight delay regarding the Xbox version, World Racing would be released on other platforms, including Microsoft Windows and the PlayStation 2 and GameCube game consoles.

In 2003, after the game's release on the Xbox, the developers posted several trailers on the Internet that showed off various gameplay aspects. These included showing some of the locations and vehicles and demonstrating the ability to freely explore the map by "driving off" the race track right during the competition.

When the game was first released on Xbox, it received mixed reviews. They were similar or worse reviews to other platforms.

Reviewing for the Xbox, GameSpot's reviewer Matthew Gallant said "It's not a stunningly accurate sim, it doesn't provide the sort of overview of Mercedes-Benz cars that you'd expect, and its graphical presentation has more than a few flaws." IGN's reviewer Justin Thompson said "The ability to leave the game's tracks and explore its massive environments, however, gives it a relaxing quality that's surprisingly refreshing." Official Xbox Magazine said "With 110 cars, seven stupidly gigantic courses, amazing (if arcadey) graphics, and staggering freedom of movement (once you unlock free roam modes), it's hard not to recommend this."