Super Runabout: San Francisco Edition (Sega Dreamcast review)

Developer: Climax Entertainment
Publisher: Interplay Entertainment
Released: 2000

Super Runabout: San Francisco Edition is a driving game that was released in Europe as Super Runabout: The Golden State.

+ Missions are enjoyable, with plenty of variety that sees you collecting items, destroying cable cars, and searching for bombs.

+ Lots of shortcuts to discover in order to shave off precious seconds, and there's a plethora of unique vehicles to unlock.

+ The city of San Francisco is beautifully realised with scenic routes and famous landmarks that act as a gorgeous backdrop.

+ Destroying the environment for high scores is fun, and the surf-inspired soundtrack compliments the madcap driving.

- There's only 16 missions (which typically take around 5 minutes each to complete) so there's not much lasting appeal.

- The Free Run mode doesn't let you drive around the majority of the city, and instead only includes four pre-set routes.

- Has an overall unpolished feel due to various gameplay bugs, as well as some clipping and collision detection issues.

Runabout 2 (Sony PlayStation review)

Developer: Climax Entertainment
Publisher: Hot-B
Released: 2000

Runabout 2 is a racing game and the follow-up to Felony 11-79 (1997, Sony PlayStation).

+ Branching mission paths allow you to choose your route through the game and follow a particular story arch.

+ Locales feature scenic backdrops (such as beaches and casino strips) that provide plenty of eye candy for your tasks.

+ There's a ton of vehicles to unlock and the included email function gives you tips on each part of your challenge.

+ The 'Restart' option gets you back into the action almost immediately to alleviate some frustration.

- Strict time limits in early missions mean that completing a task on your first attempt is nigh-on impossible.

- The plot is nonsensical, while the missions are uninteresting and show a lack of innovation in advancing the series.

- Frequent slowdown (usually when driving through populated city areas) that affects your attempted vehicle turns.

Felony 11-79 (Sony PS1 review)

Developer: Climax Entertainment
Publisher: ASCII Entertainment
Released: 1997

Felony 11-79 is a racing game that was released in Japan as Runabout (1997, Sony PS1).

+ Surf rock music perfectly suits the atmosphere and keeps the energy high.

+ The need to monitor your damage metre while causing mayhem and attempting to rack up a high score is a cool mechanic.

+ Course design is stunning and racing around the huge maps with scenic views is an absolute blast.

+ Multiple routes are available in each course which gives you an incentive to keep playing once you've seen the credits roll.

+ Tons of vehicles to unlock that play very differently to each other and it's fun trying to beat the clock in new ways.

- However, unless you care about unlockable vehicles there's little to keep you interested with only three courses on offer.

- Many environmental hazards have no collision detection which can be jarring when you drive through them unscathed.