THE huge popularity of Formula One has resulted in a whole host of gaming sims being released for all the major consoles, most notably perhaps the fantastic EA Sports versions which provide a combination of high speed racing action with detailed technical options to "optimize your car's performance".

Such attention to detail and authenticity made the game hard to master for younger fans, but budding Michael Schumachers can now join in with Sony's Formula One Arcade for the Playstation.

Gone are the complicated and time-consuming car set-up procedures and in comes a simple menudriven system that takes you straight into the action.

Within seconds of the game loading you can jump into your favourite car (the top models are locked until you achieve some success), and burn some serious rubber.

The cars handle easily and allow for a little driver error, which enables you to hit the chequered flag in pole position quite quickly.

There are even various pick-ups on the circuits to give you extra performance boosts.

The game is modelled on the 2001 season with all the official drivers and cars represented, along with all 17 circuits, though most are locked initially.

Overall: 4/5