Okay, all you racing fans, here comes another game from Mindscape Entertainment called Circuit Breakers. This game follows the same basic style of Mindscape's first title of this genre, Dare Devil Derby 3D. So, in a way, I consider this a sequel.

The graphics of this game are simple, yet impressive. For the most part, the track is easily distinguishable from the other parts of the track - with the exception of the above-water levels. The graphics aren't quite as cartoony as they were in DDD 3D, but still have a very simple feel to them.

The sound, like its counterpart, is again simple, yet noticeably improved. You won't get sick of the soundtrack and the sound FX give you a good indication of what is happening around you.

Ahhh, the main differences between this and the first game is in gameplay. In Circuit Breakers' multi-player mode, instead of having everyone complete three laps, the people that fall behind are kicked out of the race! Gameplay continues in this fashion until only one player remains. Then, a new race begins - not from the beginning of the track, but instead from the point the race ended, until someone gains the required points to win overall. This is a nice improvement in that it allows you to play short, quick races in the quest for glory! Now you won't have to wait for Sammy Slow Poke to finish his race.

In single-player mode, an adventure-type game is built in. You will start with 0% completed and have to work your way to the top. And this time there are no points for second place. It's do or die time, baby!

In either case, gameplay has improved greatly from the first title. Even the menu options are more easily navigated. And of course, in order to improve any racing game, all you need is one thing - POWER-UPS!!!

The difficulty rivals DDD 3D. Even though this game looks simple, don't think you will get first place on every track right away - it is actually quite difficult. In fact, just when you think you are coming up on a right turn in the 'group 2' tracks, *SMACK*, a wall, and you realize you were supposed to turn left instead! You see, in this game, the same tracks are used over with different pathways, which adds another level of difficulty to learning the tracks.

The buttons are straightforward - push the gas and steer your vehicle! You now have the option of using the dual analog controllers for both steering and throttle. Oh, yeah, and don't forget to hit your R1 button to use your POWER-UPS (man, I love that word!). In case you are a wimp, feel free to use the brakes - but this is racing - there are no medals for going in reverse!!!

Unfortunately, this game is only 4-player compatible where Dare Devil Derby 3D was for up to 8 people. However, my nephews and I seem to lean more towards Circuit Breakers. It is a great improvement on an already addictive game!