Need For Speed, The

Test drive ten of the best cars on ten varying tracks, from Monterey Raceway to a mall parking lot. Game setup is in the format of the Car & Driver magazine. Race solo or against multiple cars, computer-controlled or via modem. As with most racing games, includes replay with various camera angles.

The racing game has always been a tough nut to crack for developers. Those seeking success must choose between ultimate realism or all-out fun. Sony Interactive's Gran Tourismo on the Playstation doesn't have the greatest graphics in the world, yet the game's solid physics engine and accurate car models captured the hearts of racing enthusiasts throughout Japan, Europe and the US. Likewise the fiery explosions and massive jumps found in Midway's San Francisco Rush caused the title to leap onto several platforms, including the PC and Nintendo64. A compromise between the two leads to mediocrity. Even though they're English, the boys at Liverpool based Rage Software are no dummies. Their upcoming title, Midnight GT Racing, will feature accurate physics and car models. Rage has already acquired licenses for the BMW M-Roadster, the Toyota Supra Turbo, the Toyota MR-2 Turbo and the Acura NSX with more to come. Each car should handle like its real world counterpart. The number of tracks that will be available in the final version is currently unknown, however Rage has developed two solid road courses to date. The finished product should have varying times of day, despite the game's title, and variable weather effects as well. If Rage Software maintains their focus on the realism of Midnight GT Racing, then they can add another notch on their bedpost of successful PC titles.

This is as good as Need for Speed 2 only with some major 3D enhancements. Since the Voodoo 3D acceleration cards were dominant in 1997, this game has extended in that direction, and it supports 3Dfx. Now, if you have some of the Voodoo cards, you'll be able to test all the cars and tracks once again, just in a far better, smoother presentation then before. If you do not have 3Dfx card, you can still play this game as the original NFS II.

In the third major installment of Electronic Arts' Arcade racing series, there are several modes of play available. You have the standard race, with one big difference - now there are traffic cops out to ticket you for your excessive speed! Watch out! Or you can take your turn with the radar gun and attempt to pull over speeding computer or human racers. Need For Speed III also features an all new graphics engine that supports 3Dfx glide and Direct 3D.