Fans of the original 3-D Ultra Radio Control Racers, developed by Dynamix, get a second fix with this enhanced and expanded version from Sierra. 3-D Ultra Radio Control Racers Deluxe: Traxxas Edition takes the game to new levels by adding tracks, game modes, customization options and advanced features.

You can choose from four car models, each with individual characteristics, attributes, strengths and weaknesses. The 4-wheel drive Monster Truck has twin engines, and a low center of gravity due to its weight and sturdy construction. Much faster is the Baja Bug, which sacrifices corner handling for speed, and the Buggy with its quick handling and smaller tires. Slightly slower, but featuring good stability and fast recovery, is the Stadium Truck.

Customization of all four vehicles is possible with the Custom Paint Area, a feature containing two methods for converting your cars into dream machines. The first method provides four templates (blobs, flames, stripes, and chex) with 14 colors used in different combinations. The other option, albeit more complex, provides more depth and customization choices for detailing your car. After importing a pre-made bitmap template or creating your own, you can use any paint program to add colors and logos, and then save and import the file for use in the program.

3-D Ultra Radio Control Racers Deluxe: Traxxas Edition offers split screen action for two players, as well as two levels of difficulty. Other features include customization of race length (laps or timed), automatic corner recovery, number of computer-controlled opponents and vehicles, optional traps and hazards, power-up availability, and type of race. A choice of control methods includes keyboard, mouse, joystick (force-feedback is supported), steering wheel, or gamepad, each with customizable configurations.

There are three types of races, an "easy or hard" option, and "controlled steering," if you have problems controlling vehicles. You can race against the computer (good for practicing), or against a friend (with or without added computer-controlled racers) in split-screen mode. A third option is a 14 track full circuit that pays virtual cash for finishing in one of the top four positions in each race. Use this money to upgrade your vehicle.

The four circuits include the Amateur Circuit, which provides racing on seven tracks including Thrill Ride, Frog Pond, Under Construction, Hillbilly Hill, Backyard, Traxxas Challenge, and Desert, the Pro Circuit, featuring R/C Pro Extreme, Minigolf, R/C Off-Road Classic, Haunted, Aztec, R/C Racers Pro Am, and Ultimate R/C tracks, a Super Circuit that combines all 14 tracks, and finally Custom Circuit, which allows you to randomly select seven tracks from the fourteen.

It also offers two new game modes. In RC Soccer you use your vehicle to bump the soccer ball into the opponent's goal, and in Battle Ball you must touch the kick ball to change its color to match your car, then kick or bump it into the scoring pit. Power-ups like turbo boost, bottle rocket, electroshock, firecracker, ghost drive, and an oil slick improve your chances of winning or thwart your opponents. ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide