Redline, a new racing game for Macs by Ambrosia Software, has almost nothing to live up to. As a first time effort in a field that is far from crowded (can anyone even name — without going to Amazon.com — more than one Mac racing game?).

Let me name a few: 4x4 Evolution 2 (terrible), Ford Racing (mediocre), and NASCAR Racing 2002 (generally the most widely applauded Mac racing game). There's no Gran Turismo or Forza Motorsport series for the Mac, no 800 pound gorilla that racing games are judged against.

Not that it would matter to Redline. The game isn't out to be the definitive Mac racing sim - it just wants to have fun. There are three standard modes offered, including Quick Race, Time Trial, and Challenges.

Quick Race allows you to race on any of Redlines six tracks and with up to 11 AI controlled opponents. Time Trial lets you set and save lap times for each track with separate cars. Besides racing against you're "ghost," each subsequent lap you're competing to make it onto Redline's always updated Internet list of top track times. The fastest time for whatever track your racing on (and which player set it) is displayed in the upper-right hand corner while in Time Trial.

By far the most fun of all the single player modes offered, Challenges, lets you try to complete things like S-Curves, Slaloms, and Canyon Corners within certain amounts of time for Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals. More than just medals though, each successful challenge you complete unlocks a new car. This mode really represents the best elements of Redline, it's fun, addictive and hard enough to make you try but not overly frustrating.

Both Quick Race and Time Trial let you choose between Simulation, Arcade, and Turbo Arcade game modes. Each changes the game play significantly, the biggest difference being between Simulation where each car handles realistically and differently, and Arcade in which all cars handle pretty much the same. I spent most of my time in Arcade mode as it allowed me to power-slide much easier and for longer times. Gotta' love those power-slides!

Redline also includes a Multiplayer game mode where you can join other player's games, host your own games, or chat with players in the lobby. Besides the Challenges mode, it's certainly where the fun is. The game even has a menu in the Options panel allowing you to configure custom multiplayer taunts that can be launched with the press of a button. I found multiplayer games (even ones with over six cars) to run smoothly with virtually no noticeable lag.