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Back in the mists of time of your childhood you probably remember Reverend Christopher Audrey's stories of trains who had lives and feelings of their own. They'd get depressed, fancy the train in the next shed and generally have quite a social life in the sidings.

Well, Thomas and his friends - as well as the Fat Controller - have come to your ST in a burst of competitiveness to find out which is the fastest train. You take the part of whichever engine you have the most empathy for and if you have a willing friend you can get them to join in as well - decide whether you can cope with an easy or hard route and choose what scenery you'd like to race over - either the main line, postal run, waterway or through the wood glade and then get on with it. There are leaves on the line to contend with as well as other trains, signals and level crossings.

Irritatingly, you can't actually plan for obstacles until you've gone too far and lost precious seconds - although there is a small map on-screen all it effectively does is show you where you are compared to your opponent - it doesn't really enable you to see what line you should take when the line gives you an option somewhere along the course.

Really designed for children, Thomas The Tank Engine is going to appeal to everyone who's a closet train spotter - and those who have come out as well. It's a bit repetitive going on the same lines all the time, but it looks attractive with detailed graphics from the books although it does have an irritating tune bleeping along all the time. Great fun for a short while.

1. Big enough choice of options for the intended age group.
2. Appeals to adults as well.

1. Graphics too detailed for 4-8s.