02.01.99
Tired of running around your backyard while making engine revving, tire-screeching, and gear-shifting noises? Don't worry, by late March you'll be able to take a breather when Electronic Arts releases Need For Speed: High Stakes on PlayStation.

Perhaps you think yourself above such base desires as needing speed on your PlayStation. Perhaps you like running around like an idiot. You think you're special or something? Read about the key features that the new edition to the Need For Speed series will have and see if you can pretend you're not interested. An economic system in "Tounament and Special Events" mode allows racers to earn money, then use their winnings to repair their cars and upgrade them to dream-mobiles. When you've gotten cocky, "High Stakes" mode provides an intense head-to-head duel. Players bet one of their highly prized cars against one another. The cars waged will be those the players have earned and customized in previous races. The winner takes possession of the other player's car via memory card.

"Hot Pursuit" mode is to be revamped with the option to be either the police or the object of the police chases. Real-time, cop shop-talk over police scanners alerts players to the state of the chase. Cars available will be the BMW M5, BMW Z3, Ferrari 550 Maranello, Ferrari F50, Lamborghini Diablo SV, Chevrolet Corvette C5, Potiac Firebird T/A, Chevrolet Camaro Z28, Mercedes CLK GTR, Mercedes SLK 230, McLaren F1 GTR, Jaguar XKR, Aston Martin DB7, and the Chevrolet Caprice in police trim. As if that list wasn't enough, additional car news is to be announced shortly.

While out-running Smokey, players will note the detailed special effects, like visible car damage that affects driving performance, reverse lights, turn signals, customizable license plates, varying weather conditions, and day/night time driving with headlights. Most interesting will be the random track events that will require players to react quickly to obstacles that weren't there on previous laps. If you're still not sold, then take a look at the pictures. After all this, you're still going to make laps in your yard? Ah, screw you then.