Burnout - Xbox

To facilitate these, the set-up couldn't be more straightforward, with the aim simply being to be first past the post. You can increase your chances of this by driving more dangerously, although that comes with obvious pitfalls in the shape of those aforementioned smashes. Suffice it to say, though, to get through the game you're going to have to take your chances.

Contrary to the serious approach of Project Gotham Racing, this is foot-to-the-pedal stuff, and tremendously good fun to play. And when you do put your proverbial foot down, get ready to move, for this is a blisteringly fast title that deceptively requires more concentration than it would first appear.

The downside is that this won't appeal to those who like their racing games nice and serious, nor to those looking for anything particularly innovative. For Burnout has few qualms about marrying the multimedia power of the Xbox to a game engine that forsakes bells and whistles for speed, destruction and sheer good fun. Fortunately, in this case, it's all the better for it, making it a great four-wheel treat. --Simon Brew