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Arcade
action explodes on your screen in this official copy
of Atari's top money earner. The Fuji Grand Prix is
the setting and it's up to you to burn round the track
overtaking other drivers and notch up record-breaking
lap times.
When
you start the race, you first have to complete a qualifying
round in an allotted time. The faster the lap time,
the better your grid placing.
A
lap faster than 58.50 seconds will give you the much-sought
pole position and a 4000 point bonus. Lower grid placing
means less of a bonus and a harder battle to fight your
way up front.
The
number of laps is optional, but if you complete the
race you are given a bonus for the number of cars passed
and time remaining. You start with 75 seconds and extra
time is given for a successfully executed lap.
The
game ends either when your time runs out or you finish
the race. Needless to say, speed is always of the essence.
Graphics
are similar to its arcade counterpart -- you're given
a driver's eye view. But they lack somewhat in detail
and crispness -- and according to the game, there are
now four Mount Fujis!
Taking
the bend at 195mph -- don't skid into
the sign post!
The
cars are quite convincing as you hurtle past them in
excellent 3D and the way the track scrolls from side
to side as you switch lanes is another nice feature.
Signboards on the side of the track whizz by as you
race, although they haven't anything written on them,
which is rather a shame.
Colours are nicely used, and several types of cars are
in evidence during the race. When you crash, your car
explodes in a crescendo of flame. There are some nice
tunes at the beginning of the qualifying lap, reminiscent
of the arcade game, while the actual race itself and
the sound of the cars as you zoom past them is quite
convincing. As you accelerate through the gears the
engine roars and if the car goes out of control, there
are the appropriate skidding noises.
On
a high lap race, the going gets rough and the other
drivers have almost kamikaze tendencies. There's plenty
in this to keep you going for that elusive chequered
flag.
JR
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