1996:  
The Saturn finally gets a version of Sega Rally, which is pretty good, but not as good as the new generation of PC racers. Screamer 2 knocks it into a cocked hat, while Network Q RAC Rally offers some more authentic action. However, the real excitement is reserved for the long-awaited Formula One Grand Prix 2, which fulfils expectations despite looking rather dated. The PSX, however, has its own Formula One game, entitled, er, Formula One, which looks pretty sharp and even has Murray Walker doing the commentary.

Wipeout 2097 also appears around Christmas time and sends console reviewers into a frenzy (i.e. it's not bad). PC owners know they'll get conversions of both soon enough, and focus their jealousy on those happily playing Super Mario Kart 64.

Pictured: Screamer 2 (above)
Mario Kart 64 (right)
1997:  
The advent of 3D acceleration means lots of good-looking racers. The first of these was Pod, a futuristic effort that boasted a bewildering array of lighting effects and was the nearest thing we had to Wipeout on the PC until Wipeout 2097 finally made its way across later in the year. Screamer 2 is also spruced up and given a re-release as Screamer Rally. Codemasters' TOCA Touring Cars, while not the best looking of the new generation, is a worthy simulation, and Need for Speed 2 is a bit rubbish.

1997 also saw the birth of the 'shock racer' Carmageddon. Fun for a while, but with essentially limited appeal, it receives scandalously high marks in some circles. Grand Theft Auto, appearing later in the year, was another title given high marks based on its shock factor ('you mean, like, you can run people over? Cool!'), although its offer of free reign paved the way for more worthy games such as Midtown Madness.

Pictured: Wipeout 2097 (above)
Carmageddon (left)

1998:  
Carmageddon 2 appears and the world goes mad again, but elsewhere things are looking more promising. Formula One's '97 update gets a PC outing and is pretty impressive, although it doesn't measure up to Ubisoft's F1 Racing Simulation or the new game from Papyrus, Grand Prix Legends. In the 'pretty but shallow' section we have Kalisto's Ultim@te Race Pro and Motorhead from Gremlin, both blindingly fast and boasting some impressive flashing colours, and both featuring LAN support.

Colin McRae Rally appears on PSX and PC and sets the new standard for rally games, Motocross Madness becomes the first decent motorbike game, and the third Need For Speed game isn't bad either. However, 1998 was most notable for the benchmark racing title, Gran Turismo. While catering for those wanting a quick 15-minute blast the real beauty of the game was the career mode, offering an almost bewildering amount of depth.

Pictured: Ultim@te Race Pro (above)
Colin McRae Rally (right)
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