3D Grand Prix - the latest release from Software Invasion

shrink-and-grow routines so beloved of its makers.

The screen display is similar to that of the arcade original, Pole Position, with the road weaving around in front of you. You can also see your spinning tyres, and a panel display of the ever-erratic rev counter, speedometer, temperature, gear selected and the steering wheel.

The other cars in the race make life as difficult as possible as a matter of course (sorry about the pun). Unlike its arcadian uncle, 3D Grand Prix requires you to finish in the first four in each race in order to compete in the next race at one of eight different tracks.

Fail to qualify and one could say that it's the end of the road...

The most difficult thing about the game is trying to overtake a car in front - you either seem to end up chewing a bill board or you pile into your rival.

If you wait patiently behind it will eventually move across and let you pass provided you are ready to go rather smartly. It's a fair game - better than most yet worse than some — with impressive graphics.

The lone car visible in front gets bigger and smaller in jerks, though the impression of movement is rather good. The mountains in the background move when you turn which is a nice touch.

The engine noise is OK but it seems a bit 'whizzy' instead of 'growly'. The real clanger is at high speeds though. A strange fluttering noise drifts from the speaker. No. it doesn't resemble a skid - it's a cross between that and the tyres saying their fond farewells to the wheels.

> The controls are well thought out, though pre-defined. Joysticks are optional and again easy to control.

To sum up, it would sell excellently with its graphics but its sound effects and fellow competitors spoil it for me.

Philip Tudor