Forza Motorsport 2

Forza Motorsport 2 - (Xbox 360)
Developer: Turn 10 Studios
Format: Xbox 360
Genre: Driving

Putting pedal to the metal has never felt or looked so good!

Riding high on expectation, this bursts onto the track in a blur of speed, colour and panache. The team behind it have created a simply stunning racing game, minor flaws aside, for the console. They've also been careful to tailor the gameplay so that hardcore petrolheads as well as Nissan novices can jump into the bucket seat.

The attention to car physics and handling is what sets it apart. From plastic Japanese customs to the finest in European supercar, each will challenge your skills as torque faces off against bodyweight and gear ratios compete with oversteer. Don't be put off though if you're a newcomer - they've included the AI racing line for you to follow to quickly get you up to speed and driving like a pro.

The career stage has 12 different tracks allowing winning cash and upgrading but along the way taking you through stunningly rendered tarmac courses. Redlining through the New York one is a joy. Over on online, you'll be able to show off your creation with a video library of its shiny rims. You can also offer it as gift (like you're going to) or put it up for Forza auction to cash in on your success. Wins in online will also port over to your progress in career single player mode so wherever you're racing, you're moving up the starting grid.

And yep, they've included car damage. Set it to purely cosmetic and watch as bumpers fly, side panels scrape and windscreens crack. (Just remember to avoid the trashed bumper on the next lap, as it'll be still lying there.) Or, set it to simulation and suffer the consequences of that slight tap going into the corner meaning the engine's blown and the race is over.

Downsides include a slight lag in big pile-ups and some distortion with reflective rendering on bonnets and roofs but you'll be too busy trying to take in the scenery while the trackside blurs past you at 180mph.

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