As it is less of a game and more of a toy, Mind Rover's strengths do not lie with those of traditional games, but nobody ever called Mind Rover traditional. The game's graphics, while smooth and colorful, aren't much to write home about. The play areas of the game are amusing (one race track is really a circular restroom) but simple -- a blessing in disguise since elaborate scenery would only frustrate the already extensive programming required to allow your vehicle to get around. The sound is adequate, and many effects seem to have been added only as an afterthought. Play this game with the sound turned off and you won't really miss a thing -- bells and whistles aren't what Mind Rover is about.

Mind Rover: The Europa Project is fresh approach to computer games, falling somewhere between an educational toy and an addictive science project. It's far enough away from the usual "winnable" games that it might give hardcore FPS fans fits, but anyone with a technical or logical bent or who likes the "Robot Wars" TV specials should get a kick out this game. Now if I can just figure out why "Megatron," my killer tank, keeps backing into the corner and blowing itself up with the rocket launcher…