TNT Racers

3 cert, DTP Entertainment, PlayStation Network (also Xbox Live, Wii) ***

Accompanied, strangely, by ragtime music, TNT Racersis a single or multiplayer motorsport game in the tradition of Micro Machines. Viewed from above, you can take out other cars using various weapons – from oil slicks to rockets. The races take numerous forms, such as the aggressive Smash Route or the self-explanatory Time Trial. This in-game multi-tasking of combat and racing makes for tricky but lively racing, and the boxy cars are charming. The only quibble is with the "ghost cars" – after drivers have been eliminated from the race they return in transparent form, capable of attacking and bumping other cars. I prefer the more traditional, Darwinian method of kicking out racers that fall behind. Still, with zippy gameplay and nice graphics, this is a reasonably original little racer.