REALISTIC racing games have never really appealed to me as I tend to prefer the more intense road racers such as Burnout.

Super Trucks, however, could have to be an exception of the highest calibre.

After struggling with games such as Formula One 2001 I really thought this game was either going to bring me to tears or bore me to death.

But straightaway I was impressed by the deep bubbling of the engine and the unbelievable power slides that could be accomplished.

The game menu offers the familiar options of: championship; single race; arcade; time trial; two players.

The championship mode offers a range of different tracks, trucks and weather conditions; the trucks differing in handling, speed and acceleration.

The variety of tracks, too, means you never get bored of racing as they encapsulate different-size chicanes, straights and hairpins.

The other modes build on championship mode by offering alternate ways of winning and of racing.

The graphics are quite basic for a game that is intended to be as realistic as possible but this was the only place I could fault the game's realism.

The handling of the trucks is very impressive on the tarmac you have maximum handling capabilities but hit the grass and you are prone to spin and the gravel brings you to an almost immediate halt.

The weather conditions also affect the handling impressively.

A wet track increases breaking distances up to three-fold and makes the track increasingly difficult to follow.

Overall the game was impressive.

Rating: 3/5

January 28, 2003 16:00