PC CD-ROM minimum system requirements: 486DX/33mhz; 8MB RAM; 12MB hard disk space; DOS 5.0; Dual speed, CD-ROM drive; VGA. £34.99
INDY car racing isn't as popular this side of the Atlantic as Formula One, and Eddie Jordan has raised Irish interest in Formula One to new highs. Add that to the imminent release of MicroProse's Formula One Grand Prix 2, (FIGP2) and you see a tough market, for Indy Car Racing II, which "takes as its model US-style motor sport. That said, this game's predecessor was with[out doubt the best driving sim available.
Before that, Formula One Grand Prix (FIGP) had been king of the track, beating "Papyrus's Indianapolis 500. Over the years these two stables (Papyrus and. MicroProse) have battled it out for a highly lucrative market with either one or the other holding pole position at different times.
In Indy Car Racing ll graphics have been bumped up, opponent cars respond more realistically, thanks to enhanced artificial intelligence and there is almost double the number of tracks available.
This is a realistic racing game and despite some of the driving aids available, sooner rather than later you are going, to have to get to grips with the technical side of things, such as wheel stagger, gear ratios and tyre compounds.
And it doesn't end there. While racing you are in constant contact with your crew in the pit lane and before you come in to pit you will have to give them instructions. For example, if your car needs refuelling you, and you alone, decide how much to take on board. Failure to do this will lead to the crew filling your tank to capacity even though there may be only 10 laps remaining.
Many hours can be spent tinkering with the car to find the optimum settings, there is, even a paint kit included where you can customise not only your car's colour but also the uniform of your pit crew!
But while Indy Car Racing II is a comprehensive and enjoyable racing sim, it would be foolhardy to rush out and make a purchase. Wait until you have seen what the imminent Formula One Grand Prix has to offer.
Graphics: 90%, Sound: 90%, Gameplay: 91%