BugRiders: The Race of Kings

This surreal giant insect racer-cum-sboot 'em up is a port from the PlayStation Developers nSpace have taken a pinch of WipEout, added a dash of Slipstream 5000 and made giant flying insects the transport mode of choice. As with most PSX games, the general all-round presentation is v ery slick: 16 tracks, three play modes (Time trial, Exterminator and Campaign), up to eight-player link-ups, three skill levels and eight bizarre-looking "jockeys' to choose from. The game engine is well greased, with lovely scenery zooming past, even without 30 acceleration (it's much better with). Sadly, all the lush visuals and gloss can't disguise the gameplay flaws beneath.

The main problem Is that Bugriders has an identity crisis, not committing itself to being a racer (it's not fast enough) or a shoot 'em up (there s not enough to Mast). The tracks, while pretty, seem too short and being on rails' spoils the feel completely -sometimes you're steered all over the place, which makes for a nauseating ride.

Gripes aside, there are some inspired touches, such as having to Peat the living daylights out of your chosen insect with your riding crop to speed it up, and the Aaak!' sound the insects emit as they scream in agony is hugely satisfying. The difficulty levels are well balanced so it's easy enough to get into the game.

Bugridens dares to be different in the often sterile world of PC racers, but ultimately suffers because the insects are a bugger to ride (ahem).