Peak Performance

Peak Performance is a middie-of-the-road racing game whose tires begin to wear out after only a couple of days of gameplay.

Although PP offers over 20 cars along with two-player splitscreen action, the limited number of tracks and the lack of crashes really slam the brakes on the fun. Graphically, the game supplies cool details, like seeing the driver frantically turning the steering wheel, but the sound is really distracting, with screeching tires and awful music.

PP should supply driving fans with a solid weekend rental, but with all the competition on the PlayStation raceway, it fails to qualify for the must-buy circuit.

Peak Performance is a unique breed of racing sim that brings together a large amount of depth and realism while holding true to what makes arcade driving games fun. What is most prominent in this game is the ability to "power-slide" the cars around every corner without losing any speed.

Peak Performance could best be described as a mixture of Ridge Racer-like graphics with Daytona driving characteristics. The name of the game is "power-sliding" and this game has plenty of it There is an overwhelming selection of 28 different vehicles broken up into five different categories. As a unique bonus, vehicles not known for their racing prowess such as a Semi Truck, a Greyhound Bus and a Scooter are also available in the "Special Class" category. A Time Trial Mode is offered in addition to its One- and Two-player Modes (which allows you to choose vertical or horizontal split-screen).

In addition, there are plenty of prerace options. Players can select the vehicle's color along with the ability to adjust its gear ratios, handling and even the shock-absorbers through the 'Tune Option" offered before each race.

Three long courses are available that can be driven forward or backward. The tracks are based in and around rural settings with many winding corners, cliffs and intersections to maneuver. Selectable driving conditions include Sunset, Midnight Mist and Sunny. Rounding out the list of variables is the skill option which offers five levels of play.

With unique driving techniques and a ton of options, Atlus' new racer might pique racing fans' interest