|
Scalextric is a one or two player racing simulation
based around the toy set of the same name.
The
screen is split into two halves, each half being a screen
in its own right which shows the view from one of the
cars. Therefore, if player two is behind player one,
then he'll see player one's car in front of him. If
he overtakes player one, then player one sees player
two overtake him and roar into the distance.
Underneath
the two main displays are two boxes which show each
player's status. Each box contains a map of the course
being raced, showing where the player is on the map,
as well as displaying the speed of the car, lap time
and lap number.
Every
time you load up the game you have to go through a number
of options before starting to race. First you are asked
to input your name and the second player's name. If
you don't have a fellow player, then the computer will
supply one (usually called Lauda, Tambay, Piquet or
Brundle)! You can then select the skill level of the
computer from three settings. This determines the speed
the computer car takes corners (on level three it's
just about impossible to keep up with it, since it takes
all corners at about 200mph!).
Once
you've decided who is racing, it's time to select a
venue. The computer asks whether you want to design
a track or load one you've designed previously. If you
don't want to race on a custom-made track, then the
computer displays a series of preset tracks (all models
of real life courses, such as Silverstone and Rio).
When you've selected one of these and decided the number
of laps to be run, then you can start racing.
If
you select the track designing option, the screen clears
and a box containing 16 different sections of track
appears above the main display. You are asked to locate
the start/finish section, which you do by moving a little
cursor to the required position and pressing the fire
button. Once you've done that then all you have to do
is select the different sections of track and the computer
assembles them for you. Some pretty neat courses can
be constructed since there are heaps of different corners,
chicanes and straights. The process of building a course
is a lot faster than with Racing Destruction Set,
and it's possible to construct a race-worthy course
within a few minutes.
The
actual racing is the best part of the game. Unlike Pitstop
II you don't have to worry about tyre wear, fuel
consumption or other cars -- all you've got to do is
stay on the track and get round it faster than the opposition.
The controls are pretty simple; push the joystick forward
to accelerate (to a max of 240mph), back to brake, and
left/right to steer the car round corners. If you take
a corner too fast then you'll skid to the opposite kerb
and slow right down until you can regain control of
the car again. The car is virtually indestructible,
so you don't have to worry about blowing up if you treat
it roughly, although if you do take things too fast
you'll lose precious seconds when you start to hit the
kerbs. Careful driving IS in order -- especially through
the chicanes!
|
