Trackmania: Sunrise

There are two types of gamers in this world; those who enjoy realism and those who prefer wild arcade action. Trackmania: Sunrise, the follow-up to the original Trackmania, is designed specifically for the latter group.

The game uses the same formula as its predecessor, but stands out mostly due to its improved graphics. The original game wasn't bad looking, but the sequel incorporates a level of graphical detail that puts most games, regardless of genre, to shame.

In contrast to the amazingly complex graphics, the game itself is sheer simplicity. Essentially, there are three different kinds of race, each using a specific type of vehicle. The first and most common employs the use of a fast sports car. This is all about accelerating as quickly as possible and building up speed. The second race type uses a four-wheel drive vehicle, which is adept at performing death-defying stunts. The third and final race type uses a coupe designed with intricate manoeuvres in mind.

All three race types are present across the four gameplay modes. The standard race modes (inherited from the original Trackmania) include a basic time trial and a puzzle mode that involves having to lay down a limited supply of track pieces as fast as you can in order to complete a circuit.

These standard modes are joined by two new ones; platform and crazy. In
platform you must make it over as many platforms from one side of a course to the other without falling off. Crazy requires you to race against 16 computer-controlled opponents. The slowest car on each lap is eliminated, which forces you to achieve faster lap times.

Trackmania: Sunrise won't win any awards for realism, but if you want fun, high-speed racing it is worth considering.

System requirements:

• Windows ME/XP or above
• 128 MB of RAM
• 32MB DirectX 9 video card with T&L
• 450MHz CPU
• 4x CD-Rom drive