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Don that helmet, stick empty fag packets, drink cans and oil canisters all over your shirt, making sure the brand names are clearly visible (sponsorship) and leap into that, er, armchair. Lotus Esprit is AA's second favourite drive-'em-up of all time, and here's why:

The beautifully-detailed mode 1 graphics are a joy to behold. The split-screen two player mode will have you and your opponent on the edge of the sofa, with gritty determination etched all your faces. Nine different tracks to hurtle round means a major league long term challenge.

What really sets Lotus Esprit apart, though, is the gameplay. Basically, you hit that accelerator and keep your eyes peeled for the arrows that indicate an upcoming corner. Sounds just like any other racing game, huh? Maybe, but when you meet that corner, skilful steering will see you through. The back of the car ahead of you comes into view, and it's time to chase.

All driving sims are not the same. The collision detection in this one is spot on, overtaking involves a real cat-and-mouse tussle, and everything from the steering to the narrow road view has realism stamped all over it. Vorsprung durch damn good game, as we like to say every now and then.