Newman-Haas Indy Car Racing

RACERS, IFS TIME TO START YOUR ENGINES!

Jump behind the wheel and race around the numerous courses of Acclaim's newest entry. Although Nigel Mansell is on his way back to Formula One, this game has what it takes to keep racing fans on the edge of their seats. From the green flag to the checkered flag, this game has custom-made Indy car action. You can play the game in a One-player Split or Two-player Mode.

In the Arcade Mode, you can begin racing without having to set up your car.

There's also a Simulation Mode that allows you to customize your race car. The rules are simple--the yellow flag racing rules govern the game. In either mode, you have a chance to master the courses in practice races. Choose between a single race on any one of the international Indy car tracks or a full competitive season.

The sound is good and the tracks are challenging. If you feel like getting behind the wheel and going for the checkered flag at 200 mph, go for it!

The Iceman and I were in a dead heat when he pulled up lame. I blew by him for the title. I guess the competition was too tough for the man with ice in his veins.

Nigel Mansell was a big winner in last year's 16-bit racing competition. Unfortunately, the sophomore jinx must've caught up with the star driver.

Green Flag

Like the Genesis game, Newman Haas SNES offers a good variety of racing options. Compete in Arcade mode for hard-chargin', limited-strategy fun or get some Simulation stimulation, which has all the car-customizing features and pit strategies that pros crave.

You also get the same Genesis choices of 15 tracks, competitive two-player split-screen racing, and one-player split-screen racing against 5029. Your control over the game complements your control over your car, which turns sharply and weaves nicely through tight spots.

Checkered Flag

Unfortunately, a few factors slow this game in comparison with the Genesis's rapid pace. The graphics aren't as impressive here: The maps and gauges are now outside the cockpit, lessening the first- person intensity. Some details -- like sparks when you graze the wall -- are better, but the tracks seem narrower and less interesting than they were on the Genesis. And there's still not enough visual sense of the racing world to make the competition truly dramatic.

The sounds are also less striking than they are on the Genesis. The engine roar is more like a straining whine here; it isn't nearly as effective. The Genesis voice is also missing from the SNES.

If you have to race every available game, there's decent fun here. But this game isn't as successful as Mansell has been in real life. Overall, it finishes back in the pack.

Let's face it - there are racing sims out there that are a lot better than this one, so why don't you go out and buy one of those? You'd have more fun and Nigel could get some much needed rest.

If you like loud, fast racing, jump into one of the Newman Haas racing team's Indy cars and hit the track! This game offers some of the best 16-bit racing of the season.

Time Trials

Variety makes this game a winner. You have two basic ways to play -- Arcade mode, which is a non- strategic, nonstop race, and Simulation mode, where you must tweak your car's specs and efficiently time your pit stops. Veteran racers will prefer the more sophisticated and thoughtful Simulation, which makes you attend to subtleties like the size of each individual tire.

The game rockets along with quick cars on 15 international tracks. The two-player split-screen racing is particularly intense, and the one-player split option is a good way to learn from pro Mario Andrettii, who races on the bottom half of the screen. With the sharp controls, the cars respond immediately to your lightest touch.

Final Lap

The graphics slow you down a bit. First off, you get only a cockpit view. Granted, it's a good view, but similar games give you multiple views to choose from.

The cars are big but blocky, with no cool details like flying sparks or spinouts. Intro footage that would create a realistic racing atmosphere is also missing. The sounds rock. The music's generic pop, but the engines rumble, roar, and whine with real power.

Whether you want to put your pedal to the metal or put your thinkin' helmet on, Newman Haas delivers. Start your engines!