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Racing games fall into one of two categories - those that aim to simulate reality and those that are designed more for fun than authenticity. The Duel: Test Drive 2 is one of the latter.

The Duel offers you two top class cars in which to race across six different landscapes, either trying to better your own time or competing against an opponent controlled by your ST. Control is by joystick, which might sound awkward but actually works quite well.

You start with five lives and lose one every time you crash or gain a penalty. Once all your lives have gone, it's the end of the game. Luckily the skill level is adjustable on a scale from one to twelve, with the lower four levels using an automatic gear shift.

The effects are good on the whole. Scrolling isn't as smooth as, say, Team Suzuki, but everything moves convincingly enough. Graphics are nicely detailed, with each vehicle having a completely ndividual look. The dashboard is convincingly drawn as well. And bliss! There are some decent audio effects. Real engine revving during the race (Sounds as if it's sampled!), funky music and some speech. Indeed, the sound is a major factor in the game's authenticity and adds immensely to the atmosphere.

It's strange, really. Team Suzuki is a realistic simulation that reeks of authenticity - and it's as boring as hell after three or four races. The Duel doesn't pretend to be realistic and yet is great fun to play. Little touches like the police and petrol stations mean there's always something to keep you on your toes - and with a range of extra scenery and car disks available, you needn't get bored either. Forget the "serious" racing sims and buy this one - it's the best (and cleanest) fun you can have on four wheels.