Star Wars: Episode 1 Racer Sega Dreamcast $44.99
Having already made appearances on the N64 and the PC, Star Wars - Episode 1 Racer finally makes it to the Dreamcast. The theme of the game is based on the Podracer scenes from the film. These futuristic chariots travel at speeds up to 600 m.p.h. on over 21 tracks on eight unique Worlds.
You can have over 20 other competitors racing against you and you also have to avoid hazards such as meteor showers, methane lakes and Tusken Raiders.
You can choose to race as several characters from the film, including Anakin. Anakin's arch rival Sebulba is not available at first but when you do unlock it you'll be able to fire a flamejet at your opponents.
Each character has a Podracer with different attributes and if you're successful you can upgrade your Podracer by using your hard-won cash to buy new equipment from Watto's shop. If your budget is tight you can always go bargain hunting at the scrap yard for second-hand slightly damaged parts at discount prices.
Episode 1 Racer is a very enjoyable and an easily accessible racing game. This Dreamcast version though is a little disappointing in that it doesn't (as it should) look much better than its previous manifestations on the N64 or PC.
The Sony PlayStation 2 will not be released in Ireland or Europe on October 26th as was previously stated by Sony. Instead the release date has been pushed back to November 24th. Sony says the demand for these units is the reason for the delay. Since its launch in Japan in March the three million PlayStation 2 units have been sold and Sony now expects this figure to reach 10 million worldwide by the end of this year.
The PlayStation 2 will retail at £379.
Microsoft will be hoping to repeat the success of Microsoft Flight Simulator when it releases Microsoft Train Simulator. It will place the user in the role of engineer or passenger. It will come with six highly detailed routes from around the world recreating accurate elevation and terrain data. Featured railways include the Flying Scotsman, the Venice Simpion Orient Express, the Odakyu Electric Railway in Japan and Amtrak in the States.
The trains will be fully functional with working controls for you to manipulate. Microsoft Train Simulator is scheduled for release next spring.