Hi-Octane (Bullfrog)
Available at a high quality games store near you, Hi-Octane bursts onto the scene as one of this summer's most exciting racing combat games. Bearing some similarity to Slip Stream 5000 (which can't be a bad thing), Hi-Octane is sure to shoot up the game charts in a sizzling summer frenzy.
Bulldog have applied their expertise to creating one of the peppiest chase games available for the PC to date.
If your PC has an 80486 DX processor installed, gameplay will be fast, butif you have access to an Intel Pentium processor, this game's full optimisation comes into play, and you will have a fast (very fast) and furious game indeed.
Obviously a Double speed CD-ROM disc drive will be handy here (Quad speed preferred) and as much memory as your machine can muster.
Colour utilisation conforms to VESA SVGA, so you can be sure of a visual treat.
Scenario wise, Hi-Octane is set on the bleak streets of the 21st century, where street racers drive you to death (literally).
Hi-Octane puts you behind the controls of an armour-plated Hov-Car capable of 400+ mph. Use it to race through city streets, open wastelands or deserts as fast as you can, certainly much faster than a Ferrari! By the way the accessories you find on the Hova Chain Gun - marvellous!
This game is action packed and you will find types of futuristic road cruiser in 8 different colours. You will be able to select from a range of weapons and customise your car accordingly. This game features a practise mode too, you will definitely need it!
Full Network compatibility is a feature here to eight players on a network can compete against each other - great stuff!
You really need a good sound card to appreciate the sounds produced here and I would recommend the very minimum of a 16-bit design, so if you are still managing with an 8-bit oldie, now should be the time to upgrade!
Are you Man/Woman enough to face a race with teams such as Mad Medicine, Storm Riders, DethFest, Foo Fighters and Gorehounds? These are experienced computer generated players, and they are tough!
If you think you are, get out and buy this summer sensation now - you won't be disappointed. If only such performance could be experienced on a 386 based PC, as it stands this game requires the very minimum of an 80486 running at 66Mhz. It looks as if 386-based games PC are Death City from now on - Cool!