
All Terrain Racing
ATR( All Terrain Racing), by Team 17
Amiga floppy, PAL Mode, 1-2 Players
In what is essentially a follow-up to their previously released overhead, small sprite racing game, Overdrive, Team 17 has brought out ATR. ATR, or All Terrain Racing, is an overhead, small sprite racer with a sci-fi bent to it. Unlike Overdrive, which was a strictly top down, overhead perspective, ATR's viewpoint is much more isometric, giving it a 3 dimensional look.
	Like others of this genre, ATR feels much more like you're playing with radio controlled cars then an actual, realistic racer. The small sprite, 32 color graphics and varied scenery give everything a miniature, model toy-like look and feel. The graphics are done very well, although I found Overdrive to have a smoother, more polished look to it overall. Appropriate sound effects and music accompany everything and while the game sounds good, neither the effects nor the music particularly stand out.
	There are three different course settings at the beginning of the game including, Sports, Canyon and Alpine Forests. Each setting has many different tracks to race through, giving the game plenty of diversity. There is also a two player option, where you and a friend can go one-on-one for points. On the tracks, you'll find several different kinds of icons that can power-up your car or give you bonus items. Off the track, you'll have the option to upgrade your vehicle with new and better equipment.
	ATR offers three different vehicles to choose from- The 4x4 Jeep, the Hydra Buggy and the Formula Special. Each car has different handling characteristics and responds differently to each track, so choose carefully. The Jeep and buggy are better for beginners, for instance, and the formula racer is for those who really have a feel for the control.
	Despite the sci-fi atmosphere and the appearance of missiles and landmines in the 2 player mode, ATR is not a combat orientated racing game. You really can't destroy the other vehicles and missiles and mines only appear in 2 player mode- which is extremely unfortunate. Still, the action is pretty constant in ATR and you can bump and crash yourself and your opponents into the scenery- even if it doesn't do all that much good.
	Like Overdrive and similar games, control takes some getting used. The unusual overhead perspective makes this style of racer different from any other kind of car game, so don't expect to master the game in one sitting. Tough CPU competition, and wild twists and turns are rampant in the game making the learning curve a little steep. Control is good, however, even though it will require a lot of skill to drive your way to first place. 
	On the down side, it's a shame that the 2 player options( like speed, weapons and obstacle cones selection.) weren't available in the standard one player mode. And, even on the fast speed in 2 player mode, ATR is still no speed demon. ATR's less then frantic pace certainly gives you more time to react, but it could certainly do with an overall turbo boost just the same- if only as an option. You'll also find that once you're behind, it can be extremely difficult to gain ground again and you'll really have to rely on the power-up icons scattered about the road to do it.
	Overall, ATR is a solid example of it's genre. It's a lot of fun to play and bears the usual Team 17 trademarks of quality for graphics, sounds and control. Also, like virtually all T17 releases, it is in PAL mode and for some reason won't utilize my second drive. It also has no option for hard drive installation. However, ATR will run on any Amiga- AGA or not- and a CD-32 version should be out by now, as well.
