There's been too many racing games lately, most of them pretty sub-standard. So my cynical head was firmly attached when I put Burnout into the PS2. One minute in and I realised my blind date was with Penelope Cruz, as opposed to Penelope Keith. Burnout is the fastest race game I've come across, where you compete on city roads and motorways choked up with traffic that you have to avoid - though you're awarded points for aggressive driving, near-misses and driving on the wrong side of the road. But don't hit anything, or you're treated to a full-blown, real-time car crash.
Think of this as the anti-christ of Gran Turismo 3. There's 16 different tracks to race on, with a wide variety of vehicles to choose from once you start winning some races. The very best way of playing this though, is with your Gran Turismo 3 Force Feedback steering wheel, where every lump, bump and skid can be felt. If you've given up on driving games, it's time to think again. (NP)