Activision Snap-On GearHead Garage PC Game

Gearhead Garage, developed by Mekada for Ratloop, Inc., is a simulation in which you, as a virtual mechanic, take on repair and customization jobs for a series of clients. As the owner of an auto-body shop, all the tools and connections needed to work on cars are at hand. The objective is to earn enough cash to build, maintain and own the ultimate car lot and create the car of your dreams.

The game begins in Jobs Mode, a tutorial-type segment. As repair jobs come in, remove parts and transfer them to your ~Parts Bin from which they are either repaired or scrapped. A color-coded "condition" screen shows what parts of the vehicle are in best (green), not-so-good (yellow), worst (red) and not repairable (black) status. The virtual mechanic skills increase as more jobs are completed, with the goal of repairing all cars to mint condition. As the skills increase, the jobs get harder.

Once all jobs in Jobs Mode are complete, the game switches to Free Play Mode. At this point, full access to your virtual bank account is assured, allowing free reign to buy, repair, customize and sell cars as desired. After restoring a car to mint condition, it can be sold at ~The Auction, the place where you also buy new cars that can be stored in your ~Car Lot until ready to sell or customize.

Other features include a working ~Junkyard for spare parts, an option to take snapshots of your handy work that can then be e-mailed to friends and a virtual catalog. The catalog contains four sections: engine, body, running gear and decals. The decals can be used to customize the car in the ~Painting the Body segment of the simulation.

Gearhead Garage: The Virtual Mechanic offers the chance to have a garage in the comfort of your own home. So roll up those sleeves and get greasy – and don't worry about the cleanup ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide