Amstrad Computer User


Toyota Celica GT Rally

Author: John Taylor
Publisher: Gremlin
Machine: Amstrad CPC464

 
Published in Amstrad Computer User #80

Rough and ready rally action in the top of the range Toyota.

Toyota Celica

Slip the gearstick into first, bring the revs up to a healthy count an wait for the timer before hitting the accelerator on your way to the big time.

As the name of the game suggests, you're in a super sleek Toyota and the task in question is to take the challenge to the opposition in some very tricky time trials.

If you like a bit of race simulation, then Toyota Celica's going to be right up your street. However, if you don't you might be in for a bit of a disappointment.

Toyota Celica GT Rally

Getting control of your car on the straights is a doddle but, once you start hitting the corners, any sign of oversteering can send you careering of the track and into the trees and rocks all around you.

Unfortunately, and unlike the 16-bit version, you don't get the sensitivity option to make steering that little bit easier, so it's a hard struggle from the word go.

Admittedly, the chance to bring in a co-driver will give you much needed information about what's on the road ahead of you, and the in-car screen view is highly realistic but, a little more colour on the screen wouldn't have gone amiss.

Toyota Celica GT Rally

Once you've mastered the course, there is a very nifty reverse steering option which will have you all over the place, as the car starts going in the opposite direction to the way you steer, though much of the same happens on the initial course if you're not too adept at the controls.

To be fair, some of the tracks you race over are impressive and, if you like a real challenge, you've come to the right place. Without a co-driver, it really is up to you and your skills to handle the slippery conditions and tight curves.

There is a built-in co-driver to help you out at the more difficult stages but, he's only human and, if you want to be sure of success, it's well worth sorting out your own partner and taking him over every inch of the course to get him acquainted with it.

That way, you're guaranteed to get plenty of warning in advance of any hazards, enabling you to have a fair shot at them in your bid to break the time barriers.

Try changing around the gear and steering options for a bit of variety because, after all, it is the spice of life! When all is said and done, Toyota Celica does feature some smart options and, for the hardened racer, it's guaranteed to provide some stiff action though, without the bright lights, it may be a little too much for the novice, while the soundtrack, though good, may get just a little too much after a while.

John Taylor

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