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Is it possible for a F1 simulation game to have pretty unrealistic gameplay and graphics, yet still be the best in its genre? I think the answer is YES, especially after playing "VROOM".


Released in 1991 by Lankhor, this game is something special. At first, it doesn't seem like much, but ones you get the joystick in your hands, you're hooked.


Pure, adrenaline pumping speed, that's what it is all about. A few months after its initial release, Lankhor developed a datadisk with 5 new tracks. 2 years later, the team behind the game got the recognition they deserved, and a new, bigger version was released by Domark, called "F1 World Championship".


Graphics

As mentioned before, nothing special here! The tracks look very empty, with a 3D object here and there. The cars are drawn in simple, sparse bitmaps. But it doesn't really matter, believe me! In the end, it doesn't look bad either!


Sound

The best sound FX I've ever heard in a racing game! The engine noise just kicks ass! Turn up the speakers and start to burn some rubber! There is no music in the game, except for the intro track.


Gameplay

Let me start by saying that if you're looking for a super realistic simulation, you'd be better off with "Formula One World Championship" by Microprose! If, however, you are looking for some serious speed and want to see the scrolling capabilities of your ST, then you gotta try this baby!


The game starts with an easy to use menu. Here you can choose between the different game modes (Arcade, Training, Racing etc.), Automatic or Manual transmission, mouse or joystick control, number of laps. It's also possible to play against another human by using a null-modem cable!


The first mode, "Arcade", well, turns the sim into an arcade game. In this mode you can almost make it through every turn without using the brakes. Not very realistic but a load of fun! You have to try and stay in the top 3 on each of the 5 tracks to complete the game.


In the Racing mode you have to complete a season, starting with qualification rounds. During the race you may visit the pitstop for some re-fueling, tyre changes etc. You're also able to tune your car before the race. This is more for the realism fans among us. Steering gets a lot tougher, and practice is needed to finish the tracks!


Controls are very accurate! And the opponents A.I. isn't bad either. They can be a real pain. Especially when you didn't manage to take a turn and see them all fly by, making you the last one in the race. Really frustrating!


All of this might sound really dull, but what makes this game so amazing is the feeling of speed it creates. Never have a felt this before in a game. The scenery flies by at 50 frames a second! Racing through narrow sections and tunnels makes your heart pump faster. Driving on a hill at 200MPH, without knowing what to expect when you reach the top, is even a bit scary! It's a rush and a real test for your reflexes!


Conclusion

What can I say? Personally, I think "Vroom" is the best racer available for the ST. There aren't any fancy graphics, and the realism doesn't come close to other simulations, but its fluidity and speed makes it a unique gaming experience! And what is the most important thing for a RACING GAME? The name of the game says it all! Think about it...