Variety is the name of the game

GT64: Championship Edition

GT64: Championship Edition

Nintendo 64

GT, it has a ring about it. Fast, very fast, maybe. All those family cars sold on the back of a GT sticker. Dad trying to re-live his single days while, at the same time, having to be practical about the needs of the family. GT in the real world of buying cars that are affordable means little more than just that . . . GT.

However, in the world of motor racing it takes on a whole new meaning . . . Grand Touring. There must be 1,000 races around the world were GT is the main class and this game tries to bring this form of professional saloon car racing into the hands of the ordinary driver. That said, this is no Grand Tourismo. GT64: Championship Edition is a hybrid of sorts trying to cater for all those not particularly interested in the mechanics of motor racing but at the same time looking to experience the thrills. And if it's variety you are after GT64 could be right up your street. There are 12 high speed courses to choose from, 14 high performance cars and three modes of gameplay (Championship, Time Trial, Battle). Coupled with that is the fact than you can take your chosen vehicle across the globe, from Japan, through Europe and ultimately to the US. The only rule you must abide by is the one to win.

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For the more mechanically minded there are pit stops and options whereby you can change the settings on the suspensions, tyres, gear ratios, spoilers and transmission. GT64 dosen't, it must be said, break any new ground. All the features included have been seen before (replay, camera angles, etc). What it does do, however, is make racing accessible without all the peripherals. To use a golfing term it's par for the course, nothing more.

Graphics: 85%

Sound: 80%

Gameplay: 82%