The freeware racing game GeneRally, just like Slicks 'n' Slide, is great fun. It's exciting and fast, and twice more so with friends: everything you'd expect from this type of game. But GeneRally goes a step beyond Slicks 'n' Slide, with its full 3D tracks and vehicles, not to mention an amazing (and free) track editor. The tracks are really the best thing in GeneRally, since the rest has been done over and over in Slicks 'n Slide and its many clones. But even though that sounds like a bad thing, it really isn't since the tracks add a new dimension (literally) to the tried and true gameplay. The tracks are full 3D with trees, hills, houses and rocks you can drive behind and over. Although these can cause problems at times, i.e. getting lost in a forest, they add a lot to the game and are a welcome addition. One thing that did bother me is the hills are sometimes hard to make out, which means you can fly off the track from a hill you didn't even know was there. But this is a minor quibble since you'll know where all the jumps and bumps are after a few laps anyway. The obvious bane of these types of games is they tend to get repetitive, but thanks to GeneRally's wonderful track editor this is not a problem. The track editor is so easy to use you'll be finished with your first track within five minutes of starting it up, having created something worth playing. Add to this the piles of tracks coming from the community and you'll be entertained for a good while to come. As the natural step up from Slicks 'n' Slide, fans will love GeneRally. But you don't need to be a fan to have a great time. With or without friends, GeneRally is a lot of fun -- and it's freeware to boot. NB! The site linked below is still active with the boys developing a sequel to the game, and even doing maintenance on GeneRally itself (a new version is out!). Go check them out as the sequel promises many new features including a day-night cycle and realistic suspension. Reviewed by: Barely Einstein |