GTR

With such an assortment of real-time strategy games available for the PC, it's easy to forget that the format is home to some excellent racing games. The latest of these is GTR from Simbin, a game touted as the most realistic in its genre.

It depicts the action of the FIA GT Championship and includes 10 tracks and a selection of over 70 cars. As with most simulations, GTR is initially difficult to get accustomed to, but players can start off in the Arcade mode to familiarise themselves with the mechanics of play.

The game has several difficulty levels, the easiest of which (Sunday Driver) will automatically apply the brakes, and even steer for you if you get out of line. The most difficult mode (Alien on Wheels) thrusts you into races with a full contingent of rivals, minimal assistance and full damage modelling.

Things get even more difficult in the Semi-pro or Simulation modes. In the latter, you'll repeatedly find yourself spinning off the track, but once you've spent a few hours learning how the cars handle, it's a very rewarding experience.

There is also an online racing mode, in which you can compete against other players from around the world.

Despite its steep learning curve, GTR is an excellent game. Cars handle realistically (a little too realistically for the casual gamer) and it's obvious that the developers have paid tremendous attention to detail.

Some gamers may prefer the broader appeal of games such as Gran Turismo but, for real petrol-heads, GTR is arguably the most authentic depiction of GT racing we've ever seen.

A word of warning though: don't even think about playing this game without a steering wheel.

System requirements:

• Windows ME/XP or above
• 512 MB of Ram
• 128MB Directx 8 video card with T&L
• 2GHz CPU
• DirectX 8.1 compatible soundcard
• 4-8GB of hard disk space