3-D Ultra Radio Control Racer

Blobs of ectoplasm, angry Rottweilers, and sneaky lawn dwarfs are just a few of the obstacles you'll encounter playing 3-D Ultra Radio Control Racers. This racing game boasts lush graphics, customization options that accommodate the clueless as well as the hardcore racer, and plenty of fun-loving attitude. This is the only CD-ROM we've encountered where we must endure both chicken attacks and an announcer blaring, "What a pathetic display!" as we limp across the finish line dead last.

Racers can use the keyboard, a joystick, or the mouse to control the remote-control car they chose. The keyboard option is extremely squirrelly, mousing is easier, and, well, there's a reason joysticks are called what they are. Players can race the computer, go solo around the tracks, race another player, or get on a circuit and race for "money" that they can use to buy upgrades for their vehicles. For the truly helpless, there's a controlled steering option that drives the car around the track automatically as the player supplies the acceleration. Players also have the option of enabling or disabling power-ups on the tracks--pick these up and your car can inflict bottle rockets, oil slicks, electrical arcs, and more on opponents. There are also a couple of nonracing games: a soccer game with cars as players, and battle ball, a game in which players use their cars to hit balls into a pit.