Civilisation: Call To Power, PC CD-Rom, £34.99
Sid Meir, who designed Civilisation I and II is not involved, but this game is in effect Civilisation 3 - or is that what Alpha Centauri was? Well, Sid put his name to Alpha Centauri and Activision got the Civilisation name.
The aim (as in previous Civ games but not Alpha Centauri) is to conquer the Earth. There are three ways to win: Bloodlust requires bringing a brutal end to all other civilisations (around 40 to choose from including Irish); Alien Life Project involves developing technology to create an alien being; or getting the highest score when the clock reaches the year 3000.
Getting to any of these goals can involve fascinating strategies. For instance, a player who creates Hollywood gets two units of gold per citizen from all foreign cities. Players can create all sorts of military units to invade enemies, but an alternative is to send a lawyer to slow them down by filing lawsuits against them.
Alpha Centauri and Call to Power have a lot in common. They are essentially the same game, with subtle differences, and neither requires the latest PC to run. Call To Power might just edge in front because of its animated figures, but it would be impossible to like one game and not the other. They are so compelling that it makes one wonder who would have time to play both.
[Req: Pentium 133/32MB/Win 9x]
JogCon Controller, Sony PlayStation
The JogCon controller for the PlayStation comes bundled with the Ridge Racer Type 4 (at £59.99). It has the functionality of a standard PlayStation controller but at its centre is a device like a steering wheel. This feels extremely awkward to use at first, the recommended method being to turn it with the thumbs while the index and middle fingers cover the L1, L2, R1 and R2 buttons.
After initial frustration, however, it begins to feel like second nature. The wheel is motorised to provide a "force feedback" effect, so that screeching around a corner at high speed puts more tension on the wheel. Going airborne over a jump makes it go loose until the car hits the ground again.
No doubt some other racing games will in future support the JogCon and enthusiasts prepared to expend some patience mastering it should get more realism and fun from driving games.
Beetle Adventure Racing, Nintendo 64, £39.99
The Nintendo 64 does not have many good racing games, and Beetle Adventure Racing has, initially, a certain air of yet another failed attempt at creating a decent racer for the N64. In fact, racing a new Volkswagen Beetle against other Beetles (with various paint jobs and handling characteristics) turns out to be highly enjoyable. The graphics are excellent and the game's speed doesn't suffer much even when driving beside a gushing waterfall or when a plane swoops overhead. Players are encouraged to explore shortcuts on the tracks in the hope of seeing something new but the game is essentially about finishing first.
This may not be the greatest racing game ever, but Beetle Adventure Racing will have few peers on the N64.
SEGA'S Dreamcast console has sold over one million units in Japan in its first four months. Its European launch has been set for September 23rd and its price at £199 STG. Sega says 10 titles, including Virtua Fighter 3tb and Sonic Adventure will be available for the launch, with 20 more to follow by Christmas.
games@irish-times.ie