Console yourself: Console review

San Francisco Rush

(GT Interactive) N64

HHH

Hardly a week seems to go by without a new driving game appearing for the N64. Now GT Interactive offer us .

As you may have guessed, the game is set on the mean streets of San Francisco. Players can compete in individual races on a track of their choice or take part in a championship season spread over 18 races. There are eight different vehicles at your disposal, including a VW van and a Dodge Viper.

Up to this point, most of the racing games released for the N64 have been disappointing. is an improvement, but is by no means the finished article. It's a traditional arcade-style racer with less emphasis on realism and more on fast and furious action. As such, it provides plenty of high-speed thrills and spills; spectacular jumps and earth-shattering explosions feature prominently and, unlike some recent releases, it does give you a genuine sense of speed. There are also loads of cheats to discover, such as bonus cars, upside-down tracks and even a hidden stunt zone.

The game does have its share of irritations - the responsiveness of the cars isn't always what it should be, so you will find yourself careering into buildings from time to time. The general presentation could also be stronger. And as for the music... well, the less said about that the better.

On release, pounds 49.99