Mean Machines
1st December 1990
Super Monaco GP
If you've ever wanted the chance to drive a Formula 1 car in a Grand Prix, here's your chance in this stunning conversion of the super Sega racing coin-op.
Not only does Super Monaco GP include a completely faithful conversion of the arcade game, there's an option that lets you challenge other top drivers in a complete Grand Prix season - but more of that later.
If you choose the arcade mode, you're given the choice of three cars - auto, 3-speed asnd 7-speed, which increase in power but are more difficult to drive respectively.
Once that's done it's time to race a qualifying lap - the faster you do it, the better your grid position. The race itself is set over three laps, and you've simply got to stay ahead of the opposition to keep in the race. There's a position limit on-screen, and if you fall below that at any time, the race ends. If you're one of the first three across the finishing line, you get the chance to race again in wet conditions!The World Circuit mode gives you the chance to race against other drivers over an entire Grand Prix season. All the world's most famous courses are included, and you've got to race around them all and out-perform other drivers to win the Grand Prix at the end of the season.
Challenge A Driver
At any time during a season, you can choose to challenge another top driver. There's a huge list of different, almost familiar-sounding names to choose from, and they range from poor to professional. See who you can beat!
Try A New Team
The benefits of this are top status amongst other drivers, plus you'll get a very powerful car with which to burn off the opposition.
The Cars
There are three different types of car to choose in Super Monaco GP. Each has a different transmission and power output.
1. Auto Has an automatic gearbox so you don't have to worry about changing gear. But it suffers from a lack of power compared with manually geared cars.2. 4-Speed Fairly easy to drive, with four gears to hassle you about while you zoom around. The car has medium power.
3. 7-Speed The fastest racing car available, but has an enormous seven gears. This one's for pro drivers only.
Super Licence
A good player should be able to score over 4,200 points! However, if you manage to score over 4,500 points, the Sega Super Licence is displayed on-screen to acknowledge your outstanding gamesmanship! See if you can get it!
Matt
Racing a Formula 1 car is a dream for all the Mean Machines' team (Jaz has driven a Formula III car, the lucky so-and-so) and this game lets us relieve our urges. I am amazed at this game every time I load it, the graphics are so good.
Luckily, it doesn't stop at just being visually resplendent: the playability is incredible, and the sprite update has to be seen to be believed. Atmosphere is what makes this so special, and the sweat really starts to pour as you view three cars approaching in your rear-view mirror - will you be able to keep them at bay?Easily the best racing game on any console, this game combines excitement and quality in a fun, cuddly package!
Julian
Racing games don't come any faster or slicker than this. The arcade mode is missing some of the big roadside features like the buildings that appeared in the coin-op, but it doesn't really matter since they're unnecessary to the actual game.
The action is amazingly fast, and the 3D is both smooth and completely convincing. The World Circuit option adds massive lasting appeal, with a full season to race and other drivers to challenge - and even if you win the Grand Prix, you can return to the game to see if you can break all your lap records.Super Monaco GP is an utterly superb racing game which is a must for your collection - start saving now and you should be able to afford it when it's released at the end of January.
Verdict
Presentation 92%
Superb presentation screens, and a wealth of options.
Fast and thoroughly convincing 3D makes this one of the most realistic driving games around.
Sound 85%
Good tunes and atmospheric stereo spot effects - wear your headphones when you play!
Playability 95%
Easy to get into, and once you start racing it's very difficult to stop.
Lastability 90%
Multiple cars and skill levels maintain the challenge - and the World Circuit will keep you coming back for more.
Overall 93%
A fast and utterly thrilling race game - one of the best you'll play on any home machine.
