DRIVE to survive! After the ii deadly effects of Red Friday, when an atmospheric temperature inversion caused the total toxification of the Earth's atmosphere, the majority of the human race was left, zombie-like, roaming the streets. Unable to control these monsters, the government looks to a small band of motor racing enthusiasts to solve the problem.
These racers had been racing at selected sites around the world in modified vehicles which protected them from the harsh environments and such is the sport that they had numerous unintentional collisions with the living dead.
The government seized on this solution to the zombie problem, becoming the main sponsors of this championship and rewarding the champion with relocation to the only place on Earth unaffected by Red Friday. It was no longer a race against time, it was a free for all.
Not unlike Destruction Derby, Carmageddon doesn't have any pit lanes and you can repair any damage sustained on the move. Of course, this costs you credits which you will want to save up so you can improve your car.
Power-ups are also a big feature and there are more than 40 of these, ranging from bonus points (for particularly reckless driving) to the ability to drive easily under-water! Some of these are given automatically but most are hidden, off the beaten track. There are 36 race circuits, with names like Maim Street, but initially there is only one car to select.
To give you a wider choice of transport you will have to steal a car or two. When you have successfully achieved this they will then be placed in the Choose Car option. This is an integral part of the game (if you want to win!) but you will not be able to steal cars unless you are ranked 89 or above.
Carmageddon is a mish-mash of gaming styles blended together quite successfully but its greatest asset - freedom to do as you please - may well be its downfall. Sometimes it just seems too much is happening at the same time. Racing, collecting power-ups, smashing up opponents, stealing cars, knocking down zombies may sound like a lot of fun, but it's fairly difficult to establish priorities.
Graphics: 89%
Sound: 82%
Gameplay: 81%