PC CD-ROM minimum system requirements: 486/DX 66mhz; 8MB RAM; 2MB hard disk space; DOS 5.0, Dual speed CD drive; SVGA, £32.99
MEGARACE, this game's predecessor, wasn't exactly the best driving-combat game. There were, however, some good ideas in it and it seemed that all it needed was some improvement in the gameplay department. So, despite the fact that it didn't set the world on fire, its successor was expected to be much improved.
Once again the suitably named Lance Boyle is your Megarace Megastar host. This is the Virtual World Broadcast Television's flagship programme. In a world where TV ratings are everything, viewers are treated to helter-skelter car racing where passing opponents' isn't down to just speed but the accuracy of the driver's firepower.
With $25,000 to spend you are allowed to choose from one of three cars (later up to 14) to purchase. There are six tracks in various environments, from the seedy Bronx to the mysterious Tibet. You begin however at the Foundry and your car is equipped with a small amount of weapons. Depending on how you perform, you qualify for the next round and so it goes until you qualify for the next track and ultimately the aim is to win the Megarace Championship.
The tracks are incredible to look at; they have multiple paths and their layout is anything but conventional. But, once the starter's flag has been raised, it all goes down hill.
Instead of feeling in control of your vehicle, it feels like you're avoiding the oncoming track. There are slightly varying camera angles but they are controlled by the game, not by you.
There is no sense of speed; there is also no feeling of getting ahead or chasing the leader, and in no time you can rush to the front or fall to last place for no obvious reason. As this isn't a true racing game, perhaps some of that can be forgiven. But even when it gets down to shooting rival cars, it's still a lottery except you aren't particularly keen to win.
With no two-player mode, difficulty level or time trial option. Megarace 2 can't even offer variety. It's a travesty really because those tracks are remarkable.
Graphics: 92%, Sound: 82%, Gameplay: 28%