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Once more the screeching of cars and the smell of burning rubber bursts forth on the 64, this time courtesy of Mastertronic's Formula One Simulator.

There is a choice of eight different tracks: Zandvoort, Zalder, Manyza, Hockenheim, Paul Richard, Ostereichring, Silverstone and Kyalami. You can also partake in a grand slam of all eight tracks. Each track has its own record lap time, initially standing at 60 seconds. After choosing a track the scene switches to a show 3D 'first person view' of the chosen race track, complete with snow capped mountains in the background.

The screen is split between the actual race circuit and the control panel. This consists of a steering wheel which rotates according to your joystick movements, and an indication of your time, laps completed, and gear position.

You start each race with a certain amount of time, and are awarded more time on completing a lap. If the clock runs down before you complete a lap, then your game is terminated. Crashing isn't a problem, since no matter how many times you destroy your car it is always replaced, although this does cost time.

This is an ancient race game, but having said that it was quite fun for a couple of goes. The trouble is that it's terribly easy to finish the courses and get massive scores - after you've done that it gets a bit dull. The graphics are really poor, with no animation on the cars and there are glitches all over the screen. The sound is about the best thing, with a nice Hubbard ditty, the sound effects are poor though. If you're after a race game then buy Speed King, it's much better and costs the same.

Why Mastertronic have bothered to release this mediocre race game when you can buy Digital Integration's excellent Speed King for the same price, I don't know. The only good thing about Formula One Simulator is Rob Hubbard's version of Hard Times on the title screen. The graphics are simple and ineffective, and the game itself is tiresome and undemanding.

I must admit to not being a fan of racing games, although I have occasionally been known to indulge in Pitstop II. Unfortunately, Formula One is a somewhat old and tired game, the tracks bear little resemblance to those on which they are based, and the cars took like mutated spaceships. Although the game doesn't stand up to much, it's not that bad. Its saving grace is the excellent sound track. If you've never played a racing game and want to experiment, then Formula One may prove an interesting challenge.

Presentation 73%
Nice demo mode and eight tracks to choose from.

Graphics 42%
Simple scenery and cars.

Sound 82%
Very pleasant Rob Hubbard tune, but dull FX.

Hookability 60%
Straightforward gameplay with a clear objective.

Lastability 49%
It's too easy to finish the courses and consequently the game palls once you've done so.

Value For Money 59%
Cheap, but there is a better race game in the same range.

Overall 54%
An average racing game - look at others before you buy.