MiniOne Racing for Windows

Three modes of 3D casual racing competition.

MiniOne racing is a casual 3D racing game with three modes, race, jump and equilibrium.

Racing is a four lap affair in a MarioKart mold - a simple race engine with power-ups and weapons to spice things up. Equilibrium pits you against the clock and a narrow track to balance your way around, with penalties if you fall. Finally, and most simply, there's jump. where you just have to pick up boosts before launching yourself off a ramp as far as possible.

All the modes have in game and online scoreboards to give you a competitive feel, and you can choose whether to submit your score or not (if you're too ashamed of your performance!).

The race mode isn't the best of the three - the powerups are dull, and the computer players are likely to overtake you at the last minute, regardless of how well you've been racing. It's not hard at all, but the final position seems more chance than skill.

Equilibrium is challenging and addictive, as is jump mode. Jump mode is really simple, but subtle and you'll find yourself playing again and again trying to get just a little further. The demo is limited to two race tracks, and one each for the other modes, but it's fun and really easy to learn.

This won't topple MarioKart from the casual racing throne, as the racing part is unbalanced, but the range of modes make it an enjoyable game overall.