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Everyone was very excited about seeing Codemasters' Skidmarks. Right, that's the skidmark joke out of the way early. Codemasters' latest foray into driving games sees them attempt something in a similar fashion to Micro Machines, but this time with a bit more rough and tumble. The real difference here, however, is that the view is 3D/isometric. Developed using B-spline curve mathematics, so they tell us, the tracks are true 3D. Your aim is simple: finish first by all means necessary, albeit in a Mini or as a four-wheeled cow! Everything from skilled driving to violent 'get the hell outta my way' driving is fair game.

The game's title stems from the simple fact that you have to skid to win. That doesn't mean that you don't wipe your arse for a few days, then drop your strides to reveal all, but it does mean that the tracks duck, dive, dip and descend more times than the average Sega Power sales audit.

The number of track settings available to race starts at 4, with other tracks becoming available when passwords are discovered. Each of the four settings has six races, and when you have qualified in all of those, you'll be given part of a password, which takes you on to the super league of Skidmarks.

1. Rally Racing This stage takes place in the typical dirt tracks you might expect at banger racing with the tacky burger stalls lining the sides. Here, you drive a small Mini Coupee.

2. Surf Showdown As the name suggests, this level is situated beside the sea, with the waves lapping up against the shoreline. This time you drive a VW Beetle.

3. Cowboy Fever This isn't some sort of mysterious disease that you get from riding too many horses, but the name of the final setting in the game. You drive a Porsche here.

4. Winter Showdown This level takes place on the ice-capped peaks. Despite this, the course looks remarkably clean. Your automobile for these particular races is the 4x4 truck.

Once you decide you have had enough, or get too good at the normal clutch of vehicles, there are a couple of secret characters to be got at.

If you suddenly have the perverse desire to climb into a cow, then this is the game for you. The other secret vehicle is an F1 car for all you budding Mansells out there. Please note: monotone voice and caterpillar eyebrows are not supplied.

The four standard cars each have the same engine capacity: Fast. But as you progress, turbo engines become available to you. There is also a hidden code that lets you start with a turbo engine on the first race.

Amongst the plethora of other codes are the chance to race at zero gravity and one that makes your car disappear!

A possible follow-up to Micro Machines, played from an isometric viewpoint.

Skid your way around the tracks and beat everyone else.

Micro Machines was hailed as one of the all-time great racers, so Codies had a tough time trying to match or even better it. Thankfully, Super Skidmarks is a worthy follow-up. The control method is really tough to start with, which is one of my only gripes, but if you persevere it soon becomes easy to work.

The number of tracks and cars are varied and the secret options add to the lastability. The J-Cart feature is such a cool option, and I cannot stress how much of a good idea that is. But, despite its enormous multi-player appeal, it does tend to become a little tedious when you can't win the races, meaning you have to complete them all over again. Still a good game though.

Just like Micro Machines, this is a jolly racer. Unlike Micro Machines, it's not the sort of game you can just pick up and play. You need to invest serious hours before getting the hang of the control and the layout of the courses. The car is too wild, and the tracks too winding! Not to mention the opposition, which is extremely tough.

Of course, this all becomes part of the enjoyable challenge, but Super Skidmarks never has the variety and wackiness that makes Micro Machines the universal classic. The multi-player option is well done, but what it sorely lacks is an option to race with just your mates and no computer cars. But still a really enjoyable racer.

Graphics 83%
P. Despite being small, the cars are detailed. The trackside graphics are good as well.

Animation 87%
P. The cars look surprisingly realistic...
N. ...but the cows are useless, despite being funny.

Music 92%
P. The tunes are really excellent. Some of the best tunes heard on recent Megadrive games.

Effects 88%
P. The car sounds good, with a cute little horn.
N. The cows could moo for a horn!

Playability 85%
P. It can be addictive for the first few goes...
N. ...but it does tend to get a bit tedious.

Lastability 84%
P. Secret codes and cheats add to its long life.
N. Once you've reached Super league, there's no need to play.

Overall 85%
An enjoyable racer when with friends, but may not last as long in one player mode.