Cyber Speed

Hovercraft racing games are popping up for every 32-bit system, and Cyber Speed is the newest addition. Despite some fresh twists and thrilling combat, it eats WipeOut's dust.

Cyber Ski Lift

On Cyber Speed's ten tracks, you streak after opponents in one of eight ships that dangle from a power line like a gondola at a ski resort. The crafts swing out on turns like a pendulum, but, defying the laws of physics, sticking to the inside of the turn vastly increases your speed. You'll have to overcome your instincts to master this quirk, but the racing's fast and furious once you do.

Mindscape sweetened the action with intense combat. As you concentrate on steering precisely, you must use plasma bolts, missiles, and mines strategically to pummel the pack into submission. After a few practice laps, you'll find that the decent controls won't abandon you in either task.

White Flag

Graphically, Cyber Speed lacks Wipeout's sleek futuristic edge, favoring a brightly colored, less detailed style that feels more like comic-book sci fi. The tracks sport strong variety, plunging through harrowing drops and turns, and the outlandish ships range from a hawklike powerhouse to a speedy ball-shaped craft.

Ordinary sounds pace the race without pizzazz. A goofy announcer helps more than he annoys by pointing out incoming threats, and the flat sound effects and wannabe techno won't interrupt your concentration.

If you've conquered Wipeout, Cyber Speed's diverse, novel gameplay will pose an enjoyable challenge. It finishes soundly in second, though.