Cobra Triangle

If you're looking for a game that will help you learn the basics of boating safety and etiquette, Cobra Triangle is probably not a good choice. But if it's guerilla warfare at sea you're after - complete with guns, missiles, and plenty of action - then climb aboard the Cobra.

Cobra Triangle is something like a demolition derby for boats. You must race through a variety of courses, avoiding such hazards as whirlpools, sea monsters, and gun turrets (not to mention your fellow racers) while you try for the best finish time. In some stages there are even more challenges in store, like trying to round up floating mines before they explode, or guarding innocent swimmers from kidnapping. As you race along, be careful of anything that might damage your boat - but don't be too cautious, or time will expire. Either way, you're sunk.

To help you get to the finish line in time, and in one piece, your Cobra-class speed boat is equipped with such features as a high-speed racing engine, an on-board gun with unlimited ammo, and even a helicopter blade for flying from one water course to another. In addition to this standard option package, you can earn special power-up items to give you even more of a fighting chance. Picking up enough of the numbered pods causes certain display items to flash their availability. Once activated, they will allow you to fire missiles, increase your speed, or activate a forcefield to help you through the really tough courses.

The graphics in Cobra Triangle are very good, and the action is fast and challenging. Handling the boat as you race along is a bit difficult at first, mainly because the game does such an accurate job of simulating the feel of a boat in water. After all, there's a big difference between steering a car, all four wheels firmly gripping the road, and steering a boat. So don't expect to be able to swerve around obstacles at the last minute as you might in a car racing game. But once you get the feel of the Cobra boat, you'll appreciate the added realism. And if you don't want a challenge, you probably won't want Cobra Triangle. This game is no cakewalk.