The game will sport a new graphics and physics engine, taking very little in terms of programming from its predecessors. The better physics engine will help in differentiating the feel of the various cars, and even provide the jerk your head back effect. The developers claim to have simulated head movement caused by acceleration; hopefully it won't simulate whiplash. Damage and collision consequences will also be improved as a result of this. Like in NFS4, damage will reflect on the performance and looks of the car. I just hope that I can finally wrap the car around a pole and call it a day. Since the game is coming out on the PSX and PC, EA (eep that's a lot of acronyms) decided to produce two separate versions. So neither is a port; each was developed to utilize the hardware found on the respective systems. The PSX version will be somewhat smaller in terms of cars, and weaker in terms of graphics because of its limited processing power.

Changes in 4.42

Games run with 8 players now give full point rewards.
Persona point cloning removed.
Buddy info overlay now updates every minute.
Completion ratios no longer go above 100% (will repair itself on the users first completed race in build 4.42)
General fault recovery code improvements dealing with scoring.
No downloaded cars are allowed in any EA Racing race.
Pit options are now correct for a racer joining a pit.
Various pre-game synchronization problems fixed.
Changes in 4.41

Patching problems fixed
Data send problem fixed (large amounts of data was being sent in a tight loop for some racers, causing huge performance degradation).

Changes in 4.40

New patching system installed.
Client/Server fixes and performance enhancements.
New Lobby fault recovery monitoring system installed.

Well, I'm back, and I see I've been gone in a crucial NFS Time, with 3 new titles being worked on at the moment.

I have been in the dark for a while I see.... Well, hopefully now, I am back, and ready to burn some rubber in getting this site to be the best there is.

We already have the new cars section, a new poll, and a brand spanking new design. This was all worked on over the Christmas break, and the guys at IO Error have spent a damn good time on this new NFS HQ.

We've got a few things lined up for you, coming soon. The screen shots section, which I know a lot of you like, is going to be back up soon, after it is being revamped. I never realised how many screens we actually had! That's a lot...  And I hope to get that up soon, with all the new screens in it... Porsche Unleashed, Motor City, and V-Rally 2 - And all the others!!

I really am looking forward to getting these new NFS Titles when they are released in the forth coming year.

When it comes the time, look back to us for all your cheats, and files, and of course, CARS - for the upcoming titles.

And please do send your comments and suggestions on the design, and layout of the new site to redm or me.

We have got all the reviews linked to below, so take a look:

• Gamespot
  
• Gamespot UK
  
• Sports Gaming Network
  
• PC.IGN
  
• PSX.IGN
  
• videogames.com
  
• Daily Radar
  
• Adrenaline Vault
  
• GameProWorld
  
  

Electronic Arts has brought the latest entry in its long-running Need for Speed arcade racing series, Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed, out onto the showroom floor, and is polishing it up for a March 2000 release. This time out, virtual speedsters will experience driving one of the most storied and advanced sports cars in the world from Porsche's extensive 50-year history. Gamers will be able to drive Porsche's historic and future line-up of models, starting with the 1948 356 Roadster to the newest 2000 996 Porsche Turbo.

Porsche Unleashed bring NFS to another level of intensive gaming. There are numerous improvements in the level of competition with an enhanced AI and better graphics. Also as you can see in it's title it focuses on Porsches. There is also a rummor that a few of the tracks have miltiple routes to make it more fun for everyone.

Need for Speed 4 was a beautiful but redundant sequel -- that sounds mean, but when you've got a streamlined product like NFS, it's almost to be expected. Though the designers didn't twist the formula into any new positions, they managed to give the NFS 3 engine a makeover, and add some fun options to keep fans satisfied. With Need for Speed 5, however, the franchise takes a different route altogether, and with the help of a new engine and what might just be the hottest racing manufacturer of all time, Porsche Unleashed is ready to bring NFS into the 00's.

Since its introduction as the new Bond car, BMW's highly praised Z3 roadster has thrilled owners with its dynamic performance and classic roadster lines. With the M roadster, the Bavarian automobile maker decided to make a great thing even more muscular.

All BMW M cars carry the famous tri-coloured ''M'' logo, which stands for exclusivity and power, and is highly respected by enthusiasts everywhere as the most powerful letter in the alphabet.

Under the M roadster's classic, long engine compartment lid is a 3.2-litre straight six engine developing a soul-stirring 321 horsepower. Built for enthusiasts, the M roadster is only available with a slick-shifting 5-speed transmission and rockets through the gears with the silky precision BMWs are famed for, allowing for performance virtually unrivaled in the class the Z3 re-created.

The M roadster's suspension is also tuned to make handling even more dynamic and agile. Larger wheels with wider tires under a widened rear flank help the driver attack winding roads with ease.

The superbly crafted M roadster cockpit cleverly blends modern and traditional styling themes into a functional package, complete with leather seats that cradle the driver and passenger just barely above the ground.

With this new M, BMW continues a powerful tradition of building classic roadsters. With the original 328 (pronounced three twenty eight) Roadster in 1936, the legendary 507 (pronounced five oh seven), and the high-tech Z1 as its predecessors, the M roadster could be nothing less than yet another ultimate driving machine.