Game On!

December 2006

The motorsport season is still a month or two away, but you can get your racing kicks with a driving game for your con­sole or home computer.

There is a wide choice of platforms. Sony’s PlayStation3 has been delayed until March, yet the Play­Station2 (PS2) is cheaper and has some great driving titles. The Microsoft Xbox 360 (Xb360) is the pick for high-definition TV owners, with some superb-looking racers. But the original Xbox (Xb) is still a sound budget buy. PCs bought in the past year for £500 or more will show the consoles a thing or two, while the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) offers genuine fun on a train or plane. We also looked at titles for mobile phones. Nintendo’s Wii console and DS hand-held are tempting, but aren’t the best for driving games.

New racing titles have been scarce on all platforms in 2006 – yet that means there are some real bargains. We tested a top line-up and picked our winners.

Verdict

Choice will depend on the console you have. On the Xbox 360, we loved the freedom of Test Drive Unlimited. PC gamers should go for the purity of GTR 2. WRC Rally Evolved will keep PS2 owners happy, while FlatOut 2 on Xbox is fantastic fun.

The PSP is best served by TOCA Race Driver 2, and Asphalt 3 is great if your mobile phone can play it.

Xbox 360: Test Drive Unlimited
PC: GTR 2
PS2: WRC Rally Evolved
Xbox: FlatOut 2
PSP: TOCA Race Driver 3
Mobile: Asphalt 3: Street Rules

Top 3

1. Test Drive Unlimited
2. GTR 2: FIA GT Racing Game
3. WRC Rally Evolved

• Email a friend
• Print this page