Of all the Track-n-Field style games ever made, the graphics in Konami's Track & Field 2000 by far have set the new record. Textures are visibly superior and there are few clipping issues present. Although there is only background music in the menus (and this gets repetitive if you plan to stay on one screen to long), the in-game sound fx are quite pleasing and realistic. The added feature of an announcer gives you a cyber-feel as you listen to the flawless recap of scores.

'Timing is everything!' Whether you are throwing, jumping, paddling, vaulting, diving, or throwing your chest across the finish line, you will learn timing, or you will not become a record-holder. In Track & Field 2000, you will have the simple pleasure of turning your arm into jelly as you furiously and frantically press buttons until your fingers bleed (literally!). There are 12 events to choose from. You will choose from the typical events in every T-n-F title, along with a few new events including: Bicycling, Canoeing, and the Horse Vault.

Even with the addition of canoeing (which is lacking the slalom-style action), Konami missed the boat when choosing events! Where are the Hurdles? The Triple Jump? I checked the disc, and there is plenty of room on the CD for a few more events. In fact, I was disappointed that the only racing event that had more than one mode is bicycling (Time Trial & Sprint). Past T-n-F games ALWAYS included a 100m or 400m foot race...among others. Add the fact that with the exception of a continually-updating total numeric score, I really didn't get the 'Olympic' feel when playing Track & Field 2000. Konami omitted any kind of tally showing players the medals they have won. Finally, this game is for up to 4 players. However, to play with 3 or 4, you are required to have a Multi-Tap adapter. Why? Past games would let you play with up to 4/8 players with one controller, just taking turns in different 'heats.' OOPS!

There are 3 difficulty settings: Easy, Normal, & Hard. After figuring out how to play the events, I had no trouble at least qualifying (if not winning) in Normal mode. Hard mode is a bit tricky in a few of the events. As you increase your difficulty, the qualifying points/times are increasingly tougher. Replay value, however, comes when you are playing with your friends. Track & Field 2000 would be a great party game! Konami did a good job at making World Records very reachable, while still making you work to achieve them.

No doubt about it, Track & Field 2000 is simply a 'Fastest Fingers Contest.' Only the elite players will be able to have the stamina to 'flail' their fingers and obtain full power for an extended period of time. There is a good mix of events, allowing your arms/fingers some rest during some of the events. If you and your friends can't get together for a night of heart-pumping action, Konami has included a new feature that should set the standard for future Olympic-style gaming: the 'Compare Load' option. This feature will allow you to load games from two memory cards and save the best records from each into your current game session...so pass on that game and memory card to a friend with the same game, and see if he/she can top your scores! On a final note, as a T-n-F connoisseur, I noticed something peculiar. Do you remember the old arcade/NES versions of Track & Field? As I landed an 8.88m long jump, a little mole popped his head out of the sand!!!