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Racing Destruction Set, to put it at its simplest, is Scalextric on a computer.

You drive a red vehicle along a slotted track in competition with a yellow vehicle controlled by the computer or another player.

The reduced screen is split horizontally with your view of the action in the top window, your opponent's (computer or human) in the lower. The basic idea is to belt round the track (straights, bends, ramps, crossovers) an appropriate number of times and finish ahead of your opponent.

The graphics are nothing extraordinary - simple but adequate about sums them up. Sound effects include engine noises, crashes and skids.

You can change nearly all the parameters in the game. The gravity can range from one sixth of Earth's so when you go over a ramp, you really fly! There are no less than 14 settings to experiment with.

The number of laps can be anything from one to nine and there are four types of background scenery - racetrack, motocross, lunar and abstract.

And there's more. You can choose your own and your opponent's vehicle from any of ten different types - grand prix racer, baja buggy, dirt bike, lunar rover, stock car and jeep, to name but a few.

You can customise any basic vehicle since each has its own set of engine sizes and tyre types. For destruction play you can also add up to five layers of armour, seven layers of crusher power (useful when ramming the opponent), nine gallons of oil (for dropping slicks) and, would you believe, four landmines (destruction is the right word!).

There is a choice of an incredible 50 different laid-out tracks to race on. The names are evocative - killer, snake, jumps and tiger, for example, are as tough as they sound. Many are modelled on famous racing tracks and roadrace courses.

You can also design your own tracks or modify existing ones using a large selection of pieces.

The facility is simple to use and any tracks designed can be saved to disc.

Given all these features, the game is really something special. The graphics may be a trifle lacklustre but that's a small point when set beside the wealth of options.

There are thrills and spills galore and for sheer versatility the program is unbeatable. Pass me the chequered flag - Racing Destruction Set is a winner.