Doing the circuit

Gordon Key, author of the best type-in games from The Micro User and now the greatest Archimedes games, has done it yet again with Powerband.

Designed from the start to be the fastest vector graphics game yet designed, this is a Formula 1 motor racing simulation of the highest quality. Though the details were unfinished in the version we saw, it was playable and it was impossible to see the individual frames - it is totally smooth.

The production version will allow you to drive on 16 of the world's professional racing circuits. Not only are the tracks the correct shape, but the objects that appear along their length - grandstands, trees, crash barriers and so on - are all exactly as they appear at the real location. The only additions are a little distant scenery for those circuits that have a boring real life background.

There will be four levels of play; Fun, Game, World Championship and Timed. In the first you can choose any track and your car is invulnerable to damage - a great way to get the feel of the car.

The Game option lets you race on any circuit, but the car will suffer damage and will eventually be rendered useless. World Championship has you competing in a series of races to get points to become world champion and Timed is a special mode where you are the only car on the track - vital to get the feel of each circuit.

You may be wondering where the name Powerband comes from. Well, these cars don't have instruments like rev counters or speedometers as they are merely distractions. Instead, you have to judge the gear changes simply from the sound of the engine as it whines up to maximum revs - as this game cannot be played with the sound turned off you may need to acquire headphones.

One of the options available from the main screen allows you to adjust car parameters such as engine power, gearbox type and aerofoil setting.

When actually racing other cars always pose a problem, and it Powerband they really are trouble as each one is racing against you and all the others.

This is another brilliant game from The 4th Dimension.

Lazarus