Spirit of Speed boasts 15 of the finest sports cars from the 1930's. Manufacturers such as, Mercedes and Alfa Romeo provide their greatest cars from that era. Nine long and colorful tracks are provided to race these gems on, from Monza, Italy to Montana, USA. Graphically the game is really nice. Detailed car models, well designed tracks, damage effects (like an engine catching fire), and there is very little, if any, pop up. There are actually moments when you ask yourself, "Did I really pay 25 dollars for this?"

Next we come to control. Absolutely wonderful! Tight, responsive controls help you succeed in your racing tasks. Some may find it a little on the arcade side, but I found virtually no problems in handling my vehicle. The environments also intrude on the handling, as grass, gravel, and dirt will slow you down. I have to give LJN props here, the handling was very easy for me to "pick up and go."

Sound was also done excellently. You are prompted with 1930's jazz on the menu screen, and are not forced to endure the music through out the game. The engine sounds are done extremely well, supplying gear changes and backfires. Ambiance is also done admirably, delivering crunching gravel sounds and tire squeals, but the absence of crowd sounds hurt just a tad.

Options, while including your standard fare, left something out. Replays! Why were the additions of replays left out? LJN gave us single race, championship, quick race, and even a cool scenario feature, but left out replays? It boggles the mind. Not only that, but the game is strictly a one player affair. Why? It's racing for goodness sakes!

All in all, this title is worth a purchase at a mere 25 dollars, if you really need a racing game. If you can't wait for the countless other, and better Dreamcast racing titles, I'm sure Spirit of Speed with do nicely for a while. Just don't plan on re-living any moments afterwards.