Unlike the weapons-oriented auto combat games, such as Vigilante 8 and Twisted Metal, your only weapon here is that physics formula you learned in high school: force equals mass times acceleration. And what a wonderfully practical application of that formula Demolition Racer provides. Being the first at the finish line doesn't guarantee a win, because the final score comes from a formula that multiplies your race ranking with damage points that are inflicted on other cars. And the crashes don't seem canned: cars twist, roll, and spin, catching fire here and losing panels there.

The sheer irresponsibility of the game makes it exciting at first. After more play, players will appreciate the track design, the car physics, the paint shop, and the seemingly endless variety of gameplay modes. If you've grown tired of racing games, Demolition Racer is just what the doctor ordered. --Jeff Young

Pros:

• Crash and smash 15 other cars on a racetrack or in a demolition arena
• Excellent control scheme uses one analog stick for steering and the other as a throttle

Cons:

• All of your other race games will seem blasé after playing this one