Driving Games Mega-test

We pick from 12 of the best console driving games this Christmas

Auto Express Car Reviews

November 2010

Are you looking for the ideal Christmas present for the petrolhead in your life? Or do you want to get your little ones behind the wheel from an early age?  A driving video game makes a perfect stocking filler – and over the next three pages, we test 12 of the latest, from family fun titles to realistic simulators. We round up the top peripherals, and offer tips to get the most out of playing.

The Test

We rated games on three platforms: the Microsoft Xbox 360 (X360), Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3). Your choice will be dictated by the system you have, or are looking to buy, but we’ve listed the consoles each title is available on. Our games were divided into three categories – starting with simulators, which we rated for life-like handling and accurate cars. Involving gameplay was key, while real circuits and authentic details scored points.

For pick-up-and-play fun, we looked at arcade titles. These offer alternative thrills, many with multiplayer racing and options for online gaming.

Our final category was games for all the family: less realistic racers which give maximum enjoyment for young players. In all three categories, we  considered how long the titles would keep you entertained. Price wasn’t a key factor; all the figures quoted are from retailer Game’s website, and refer to the title on the console it was tested on.

Verdict

It’s been all change since our last test in 2006. New consoles and technology have raised the bar significantly, yet the games are still offered at affordable prices. Gran Turismo 5 has been well worth the wait, and edges ahead of F1: 2010 in the driving sim section of our test. The arcade category saw a much closer result, with the seasoned Colin McRae franchise’s DiRT 2 pushing Need for Speed into second place. Families wanting hours of fun this Christmas don’t need to look any further than Mario Kart Wii.

Top 3

Gran Turismo 5
Colin McRae DiRT 2
Mario Kart Wii

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6 Comments

Very poor quality review

This review of Forza 3 is riddled with inaccuracies. The reviewer is either biased or incompetent. Very disappointing AE! :(

Maybe you should stick to your forte: motoring journalism?

By pauldneale on 1 December, 2010, 10:35am

Woah paul, calm down its only a review. Ive got Forza 3 myself and granted its a gud game bt AE r right, its not a touch on GT 5 or F1 2010

By Danny_m8_94 on 1 December, 2010, 11:42pm

Good Reviews

Well done AE, I agree with your review. GT5 is miles better than Forza 3. Forza looks fairly poor even compared to F1 2010 and it is just on the edge of being a simulator.

DiRT 2 kept me occupied earlier this year and the physics are great. Can't comment on the family game because I have only tried ModNation.

By MaxedOut on 4 December, 2010, 1:24pm

Metacritic...

I recommend that readers check out metacritic instead. GT5 Is getting absolutely slated - years in development, several delays and most reviewers confirm that FM3 has moved expectations beyond what GT5 delivers. If you've got a PS3 then F1 seems to be the best option available.

By Sbadham on 4 December, 2010, 5:34pm

RE: Sbadham

Metacritic score is bs. Those reviewers are aimed at the mass market; those who just want to play a racing game and win. Forza is a better game for the casual racers because it's not much of a sim and it is easy to get a hang of.

However, for real car enthusiasts, nothing comes close to GT5. At times, it could be a tad too hard for casual racers which brings the score down. But for motoring fans, it is the best game on the market, period.

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