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There are two types of racing game: the simulator, which MicroProse seems to have wrapped up with Grand Prix; and the arcade type which programming team Lankhor has chosen to attempt here.

Vroom has three main driving modes: arcade, racing and training. The arcade mode allows you to control the cars with either joystick or mouse and the aim is to get the overall highest score; the racing mode differs in that you can't use joystick control (which is easier by far) and the aim is simply to win the race. Finally, training mode allows you to choose any course and to practise with any amount of laps - to ease you into the control method.

If you get bored of thrashing the computer, you can link up your Amiga to your friend's and compete against each other - great fun!

What would a race be without the occasional crash? As you can see, the wheel goes flying if you happen to crash into a tree (not surprising really), then as quick as a flash it mysteriously comes back and you're fit to re-enter the race.

Road signs are a major hazard, especially if you're catapulted into them when you take a bend too quickly!

Other cars are also an obvious obstacle. If you drive at 300kph up the back of another car you're sure to end up as a pile of scrap (with a capital C - if you know what I mean).

What a pit-y (Groan!), you've run out of gas and you have to make a pit stop. When you manage to enter the pit (as slowing down in time tends to be slightly difficult when travelling at over 300kph), pressing 'T' tells the pit attendant to change your tyres and 'G' tells him to 'fill it up'. Then you have the task of getting out without being hit by another passing car.

The racing option puts you against fifteen opponents, all computer-controlled. You start in Japan on the Mont Fuji Circuit, followed by Austria, France, U.K., Sweden and finally U.S.A (although the manual refers to these in a different order!).

Apparently, the circuits are identical to the real thing apart from added slopes, trees and bushes. You can choose between manual or automatic gears: with manual allowing use of six gears.

In true Formula One style, a qualifying lap is required before each race. You're placed at the front and have to make a respectable fastest lap time if you want to qualify with a good grid position.

As with most car simulations, there's an overhead map to help you out. This is extremely accurate and proves to be a bit of a life saver since you can see the little black dot that represents your car approaching hairpin bends. Other cars aren't indicated, so a few glances in the side mirrors might prove to be a help.

As with every racing game, Vroom's computer-controlled opponents are all skilled drivers and able to take the sharpest of corners with ease. Although this is frustrating, it also adds a sense of competition and makes you more determined to catch up with them and to eventually overtake.

The first thing that will strike you about Vroom is the speed - it feels great when you zoom away from a crash and go through the gears at high speed. The surrounding graphics and cockpit are more than functional and convey a realistic feel; that, along with the sound effects, generates a sense of "being there".

The problem with the ST version was that you couldn't use the joystick control in the championships, and this took the overall mark right down. Luckily all Amiga owners are gifted with full joystick/mouse control. It's nice to see someone's listening out there. An easy-to-get-into type of game - great!