Joe Danger

Developer: Hello Games

Publisher: Hello Games

Release Date: June 8, 2010

System: PlayStation 3

ESRB Rating: E

Official Web site

In a nutshell: Excitebike + Tony Hawk's Pro Skater = AWESOME!

0:00 I really liked the old-school feel of the five minute demo I played at PAX East. But what really pushed me to download this one was the passion displayed by developer Sean Murray at last week's Develop conference.

0:01 Nice cheery guitar, bass and maraca music over the preview screen as the square-jawed protagonist stands at the foot of a ramp, smiling. I'm grinning like a fool already.

0:02 A cassette tape appears in the corner of the black screen during the loading. Is this a reference to those old tape-loading systems or something? That's before my time, sadly.

0:03 "J-j-j-j-j-j-joe DANGER!" says an over-caffeinated anouncer "Folks, let me tell you about Joe Danger," says a grizzled sounding man. "He was the world's most determined stuntman. That was a long time ago, back then he was a household name ... But it all went wrong. They said he'd never walk again, but he showed 'em. Now he wants to make his comeback. Maybe YOU can help." This quick story is accompanied by old newspapers and billboards showing Joe with a '70s mustache. Cute and, more importantly, QUICK!

0:05 The menu is a sort of trailer park. I zoom in on "Stunt Weekly" and choose "Joe Danger Returns," my only option. My mission is to "Collect all the Ministars?" Um.. "all the Mobsters?" This text is nearly unreadable on my 20" standard def TV.

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F1 2009

Developer: Sumo Digital

Publisher: Codemasters

Release Date: Nov 17, 2009

Systems: Wii (reviewed) PSP, iPhone

ESRB Rating: E

Official Web site

In a nutshell: This race is too easy. This race is too hard. This race is NOT just right.

0:00 I usually prefer my virtual driving in kart or off-road form, but damned if I didn't wake up this morning wanting to race something, and this is the only unplayed racing game I have on hand.

0:01 Stirring synthesized trumpet music on the preview screen. I could see listening to this while doing a Rocky-style training montage.

0:02 Lots of wispy graphs and green speed lines whoosh around a hot-as-hell F1 car. The signal turns from red to green and it zooms down the road at warp speed, blurring everything around it. The rather pedestrian title screen with that trumpet music again.

0:03 I name my racer Brock Driverson because that's the kind of mood I'm in today. I choose Qatar as my country, for tax purposes.

0:05 I turn on the racing line, steering assist, predictive braking, anti-skid, anti-wheel-spin, and automatic transmission. I may as well not even be driving.

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DiRT 2

Developer: Codemasters

Publisher: Codemasters

Release Date: Sept. 8, 2009

Systems: PS3 (reviewed), Xbox 360, PC

ESRB Rating: T

Official Web site

In a nutshell: What dirtier than being DiRT? ICE COLD!

0:00 I liked the Xbox 360 demo for the first DiRT well enough, but not well enough to buy the game. In fact I had to look up a GfL from three years ago just to confirm that I had in fact played the original game.

0:01 I'm in England for the summer, so I'm playing my PS3 on a standard definition TV for the first time in years. On the plus side, they have widescreen SDTVs here. On the downside, everything still has what I refer to as "PS2 blur" on it.

0:03 "There is not enough free space on the hard disk. The game was forced to quit. At least 3249 MB more free space is needed." Of course.

0:04 Man, why do I still have Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. install data on here? I haven't played that game in months. Also, why in the world did H.A.W.X. need 4,896 MB from my hard drive in the first place?

0:05 "Installing required game data. Please do not turn off the PLAYSTATION(R)3 system." Hoo boy, I hope the way-too-expensive 300 Watt British voltage converter I got holds out...

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Excitebike: World Rally

Developer: Monster Games
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: Nov. 9, 2009
System: Wii
ESRB Rating: E
Official Web site

In a nutshell: Nintendo made a seamless online experience? That can't be right...

0:00 The original Excitebike was hands down one of my favorite NES games, but I was severely underwhelmed by the overly technical 3-D update on the N64. This one looks more like the original, but with online play and track sharing. Sounds like a winning formula to me!

0:01 I've already downloaded the game to my SD card, but before I can play it I need to clear 201 "blocks" on my Wii system memory so the system can load the game. So long Wii Fit Channel. I wasn't using you regularly enough anyway...

0:02 A few seconds of loading and a nondescript title screen pops up. I like the synth- and nostalgia-heavy remix of the original's intro music. Once that 10-second bit runs out, though, the tune advances to some new hair-rock anthem that's not nearly as good.

0:03 "Normal" controls let me tilt the Wii Remote to tilt the bike. "Classic" controls let me use the d-pad. It's a no brainer for me ... Classic! Some games do NOT need motion controls.

0:04 The options screen lets me set the "lane indicator" to "Terrain," "Flat" or "Off." Wish I knew what the difference was between them. OK, off to the World Tour. The Bronze Cup is all that's available. I guess I'll do the optional training first, even though I doubt I need it.

0:05 The first lesson teaches me how to switch between the four arrow-straight lanes by tapping up and down on the d-pad. There's a regular gas pedal and a turbo pedal that can lead to overheating if I use it too much, just like in the original. I'm also introduced to arrow-shaped "cooldown strips" that reset the engine temperature magically to zero. Is that what those are? Did they cool down in the original game too? I saw them all the time but never knew the purpose! Hey, I never said I was GOOD at the original.

***-->CONTINUE READING AT CRISPY GAMER<--***

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Trials HD

Developer: RedLynx
Publisher: Microsoft
Release Date: Aug. 12, 2009
System: Xbox 360
ESRB Rating: T
Official Web site

In a nutshell: If real motorcycling is this hard, no wonder there are so many accidents.

0:00 After hearing this one frequently described as the second coming of the NES favorite ExciteBike, I figured $15 wasn't too much to ask.

0:01 "Monday Monday Monday. It's Monday Night Show Tiiiime," says an announcer over the introductory logos. Drum-heavy generic rock over a simple, dirty title screen.

0:02 Controls look simple enough ... gas and break on the shoulder triggers, lean forward and back with the analog stick. Let's go!

0:03 Difficulty choices are Beginner, Easy, Medium, Hard and Extreme. I start with Beginner, even though I assume it will be totally simple and boring. I start the tutorial in the only available bike, a tiny Turtle 80cc. Looks way too small for my large, muscular rider.

0:04 I hold down RT to go full-throttle right out of the gate. There are some small ramps, but it's a relatively flat course. I show off on the last straightaway with some wheelies. After the finish line, my rider crashes into some plywood and big rubber tires. Ouch. Already I'm not a fan of the diagonal camera view, which makes depth perception a bit of a problem.

0:05 The next track is full of distracting explosions to the side of my biker's path. I'm doing fine, until I lean too far forward during a jump and end up riding nearly vertically on my front wheel after the landing. I fall over into the world's gentlest crash. It's almost slow-motion.

***-->CONTINUE READING AT CRISPY GAMER<--***

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FUEL

Developer: Asobo Studios
Publisher: Codemasters
Release Date: June 2, 2009
Systems: Xbox 360 (reviewed), PS3, PC
ESRB Rating: E
Official Web site

In a nutshell: Where we're going, we don't need roads...
0:00 A racing game with an incredibly huge, open post-apocalyptic world? Yes, please!

0:01 A super-quick downloadable update and we're on our way. The camera does a super-zoom through some vivid, colorful desert scrub. The title comes up at the end, followed by what looks like an advertising trailer. "These were once fertile lands, 'til weather waged war on man. The seas rose, the sun scorched the Earth, and the people fled. Some ... remained behind." A car and bike bouncing around the wasteland. Eventually, a huge tornado starts chasing them. A huge explosion sets the tornado ON FIRE as the buggy flips out in a spectacular wreck. Intense!

0:02 "Take a 15-minute break every hour," says the loading screen. "The game isn't going to vanish is it?" But how do I know it won't vanish? HOW DO I KNOW?

0:04 A cargo chopper carries a dune buggy to a relatively nice military-looking camp on the coast. "Offshore Shack" is the name of the place? Or the mission? Or something? I dunno...

0:05 "Start your engines! To start a career race within an unlocked zone, select career." Wow, thanks, super-obvious instructions! There are three available missions to start with ... I'll take "01 The Leap of Faith." It's a checkpoint bike race on "mostly offroad surface." Let's do it!

0:06 "How confident are you?" Oooh, I LIKE the way they phrased the difficulty question there. Rookie, Expert or Legend ... let's go with Expert. Even though it's not the hardest level, I like being able to say I'm an expert =)

***-->CONTINUE READING AT CRISPY GAMER<--***

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Yu-Gi-Oh 5D's Wheelie Breakers

Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Release Date: May 19, 2009
System: Wii
ESRB Rating: E

In a nutshell: Both the best and the worst collectible card/racing game I've ever played. But mostly the "worst" part.

0:00 I'd never heard of this game before it hit my doorstep, but the back of the box seems to indicate some mix of collectible card game and racing game. That's enough to get an hour's worth of playtime.

0:01 When I open the box, a mini-pack of three Yu-Gi-Oh! cards falls out. When I go to the preview screen, an EXTREME rock guitar riff plays. Man, I feel like I'm 12 years old again!

0:02 A cel-shaded racer rides in a ridiculous motorbike with a huge semi-circular back. Quick cuts to a bunch of other racers leaning casually on less-ridiculous bikes. Really bad synth music plays as we see dragons and some sort of holodeck room that becomes a race arena. A racer drops a card in the middle of a track, which becomes a wall. A girl summons a dragon. A big guy has a dragon with chains around its neck. A green-haired girl has a Transformers-style truck instead of a dragon. Two dragons send energy bolts from their mouths at one another. "Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Wheelie Breakers," says the announcer. Man, I can't imagine even beginning to understand what's going on here. BTW, it's pronounced "Five-Deez"

0:05 I can choose from 15 generic costumes for my gaunt racer. The only difference seems to be color. I go with a timeless white number with black accents and a matching bike. There are 30 more designs to unlock, it seems.

0:07 The options screen lets me toggle something called "Destiny Draw." I leave it on, mainly because it sounds awesome.

***-->CONTINUE READING AT CRISPY GAMER<--***

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TrackMania DS

Developer: Firebrand Games
Publisher: Atlus
Release Date: March 17, 2009
System: Nintendo DS
ESRB Rating: E
Official Web site

In a nutshell: Mini-TrackMania in a nutshell

0:00 I've probably put over 100 hours into the free PC version of this simple, technical stunt racer, primarily in the endlessly inventive online tracks. So, naturally, I'm excited about this DS version.

0:02 I'm digging the low-fidelity chiptunes on the menu screen. Let's start with some solo racing, in the "Stadium Practice" area.

0:03 The 3-D graphics on the top screen are surprisingly smooth for the DS, even with three ghost cars (which represent bronze, silver and gold-medal times). That said, everything's very blocky and not really up to the PC resolution. Still, passable. I finish in second on the extremely short, simple course because I accidentally scraped against a wall and slowed to a crawl. Still getting used to the controls...

0:05 Two more simple tracks down already. Lots of jumps, lots of going horizontal against walls. The physics are incredibly simple, but they have a good self-consistency to them.

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Need for Speed Undercover

Developer: EA Black Box
Publisher: EA
Release Date: Nov. 18, 2008
Systems: Xbox 360 (reviewed), Wii, PS3, PS2, PSP, DS, PC, Mobile, N-Gage, iPhone/iPod Touch
ESRB Rating: E10+
Official Web site

In a nutshell: "I race this lonely road, the only one that I have ever known..."

0:00 I've managed to somehow avoid playing the Need for Speed series for the past 26 years, but I have some friends who really got into it. I'm a fan of arcade racers, so I really don't know why I waited so long...

0:01 A short downloadable update precedes a disclaimer: "Pull these moves within the safety of your house ONLY." Um, I don't think Mom will let me take the car into the house...

0:02 "You're not good ... and you're not bad," says a ghostly message on the loading screen. What the hell? Then, a cut scene: "This place has changed. These guys and their cars. No regard for anyone. It's time to put a stop to what's going on around here." Generic thumping techno plays over a moving helicopter shot over the ocean. It's a police chopper with a coastal skyline coming into view behind the credits. The choppers join in a five-car police pursuit of a red car with "ND 4 SPD" on the license plate. Subtle! The camera pans behind the car and ... oh shit, I'm driving already? I was not ready for that!

0:03 As I travel down the near-deserted three-lane highway, my fines rack up -- $250 for speeding, $100 for a hit-and-run, etc. I get separate points for near-misses and property destruction. Reminds me a bit of Crazy Taxi, which is definitely a good thing.

0:05 I run headlong into the back of a slow-moving truck, allowing the police to bump me into the side barrier. "Busted!" Well, that was fast. The SWAT team jumps out the choppers and is on top of me in a second. "FAIL! Weave through traffic to avoid the copes. Plow through any roadblocks to send the cops flying." Good advice!

***-->CONTINUE READING AT CRISPY GAMER<--***

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Excitebots: Trick Racing

Developer: Monster Games
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: April 20, 2009
System: Wii
ESRB Rating: E
Official Web site

In a nutshell: It really feels like you're driving a robotic frog!

0:00 I spent a few enjoyable hours with the original Excite Truck when the Wii was fresh and new, but I moved on to other games before finishing. A short demo of Excitebots at GDC got me fired up for more seat-of-the-pants high-flying trick racing, though.

0:01 Since the game actually comes with a Wii Wheel accessory, I guess I'll try using it. I never really liked the way it felt for Mario Kart Wii, though.

0:02 A quick message about how to properly hold the Wii Wheel, then the title screen pops up with some thrilling full-screen video from the game. Bots are flying and crashing and flipping all over the place to the strains of some high-energy guitar synth.

0:04 There's an intriguing option called "Poker Race" that's grayed out on the menu screen. The online and versus play options are also locked. Looks like I'm off to the single-player racing, then. Let's start with the training to get a refresher on how this all works (hey, it's been a while).

***-->CONTINUE READING AT CRISPY GAMER<--***

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Race Pro

Developer: SimBin
Publisher: Atari
Release Date: Feb. 17, 2009
System: Xbox 360
ESRB Rating: E
Official Web site

In a nutshell: Just another racing game.

0:00 When a game has a name as incredibly generic as "Race Pro" you know it's going be a train wreck or transcendent. Either way, should be a fun hour.

0:01 A bunch of animated logos precede a plain, gray metal title screen, complete with ultra-shiny "RACE PRO" logo. The menu has some grainy stock racing footage running along a bar up top and some generic synth-pop thumping in the background. It's the NASCAR version of a rave!

0:02 The speedometer defaults to metric units. You're in America now, bub! Speak American!

0:03 The control settings include the most detailed analog sensitivity settings I've ever seen. Steering sensitivity is divided into three sectors, plus I can set up "dead zones" for the throttle and brakes. A bit much for most players, I'd imagine, but someone might appreciate it.

0:05 "In Career Mode, become a professional racing driver and earn a living by racing for different teams." OK, I will! First there's the tryout, then races, where I can earn the credits I need to buy new contracts, cars, etc. Let's start at the start with "Group A." It's a Mini Cooper race! Awesome! Like "The Italian Job"!

***-->CONTINUE READING AT CRISPY GAMER<--***

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NASCAR Kart Racing

Developer: EA Sports Freestyle
Publisher: EA
Release Date: Feb. 10, 2009
System: Wii
ESRB Rating: E

In a nutshell: No, it doesn't make any more sense after you play it.
0:00 The fact that a game as unlikely and self-contradictory as NASCAR Kart Racing even exists is reason enough to give it an hour-long test drive, as far as I'm concerned.

0:01 A bit of loading, then no fuss, no muss; we're already at the title screen. There are two helmeted racers sticking out of what look like roofless, miniature versions of NASCAR cars. Their heads stick out above the top of the windshield. The most generic rock music I've ever heard plays in the background. Oh man, this is going to be exquisitely painful.

0:02 "Welcome! I'm your guide, Flagman Fred," says a crazed-looking man who speaks in an odd pidgin. "There are three things you need to know before getting started!" Is one of them "abandon all hope?" Apparently not. They are: 1) Stick close to your teammates to earn boost; 2) Run in to "Pit Lollipops" (no, I don't know what that means) for random power-ups; and 3) Powerslide. "You're all set! Start your engine and have fun!" I'll do at least one of those!

0:04 Twelve manga-fied versions NASCAR drivers are selectable, with 12 more to unlock. Each has different rankings in Slide, Zone, Grind (what is this, Tony Hawk?) and Boost. I go with Kyle Busch because half of his name is totally awesome. I also get to pick a teammate, whose stats will be added to mine. Dale Ernhardt, Jr. is Kyle's perfect complement. Hooray for balance!

0:06 Four courses out of 12 are selectable in the Quick Race: Talladega, Cactus Pass, Beltway Battle and Junkyard. Boy, after Talladega they really started ignoring that NASCAR license quickly, huh?

Read the full review at Crispy Gamer

GTI Club+: Rally Cote D'Azur

Developer: Sumo Digital
Publisher: Konami
Release Date: Jan. 15, 2009
System: PS3
ESRB Rating: E
Official Web site

In a nutshell: Argh, I missed the shortcut AGAIN!

0:00 I have no idea what the GTI Club is, nor why it should be increased by a plus sign. I do know what Cote D'Azur is, at least. Anyway, Twitter follower and Konami employee James Wong offered me a download code for the game, so I figure it's at least worth a quick spin.

0:01 The camera pans past some relatively plain and empty-looking streets as a peppy number plays over the title. Everything looks kind of basic compared to the super-detailed courses of a Gran Turismo or Midnight Club. Still, a nice, clean look.

0:03 Apparently I can hook up the PlayStation Eye to take Happy, Mocking, Sad and Angry pictures to send to opponents when, I assume, those emotions would apply. Er, no thanks. I'm gonna start with single-player, anyway.

0:04 Difficulty choices are Easy Race, Medium Race, Hard Race and Free Run. I'm a decent virtual driver, so let's go with Medium.

0:05 A vast, VAST line-up of FIVE tiny cars greets me in an abandoned parking lot. I choose a red Austin Mini Cooper because the idea of racing a Mini Cooper is just too hilarious for words. Automatic transmission please!

Read the full review at Crispy Gamer

Baja: Edge of Control

Developer: 2XL
Publisher: THQ
Release Date: Sept. 22, 2008
Systems: PS3 (reviewed), Xbox 360
ESRB Rating: E
Official Web site

In a nutshell: On the good side of the edge.

0:00 Frankly, a racing game with the words "Edge of Control" in the title doesn't really inspire confidence. That said, they sent me the game, so I'm more than happy to try it out.

0:01 Photorealistic rally cars tear across the desert amidst some generic heavy metal. Oh, wait, this is a high-definition video intro. No wonder the cars look so good. Why don't more games have live video in their intros? Are they afraid the game won't look as good in comparison?

0:02 By default, the sound options have the engine volume set all the way up and the in-game music nearly all the way down. Yeah ... let's reverse that...

0:03 There are 10 -- count 'em, 10 -- preset control options. No option to totally customize the controls, though. The existence of a "Request Repair" button is a little worrisome.

0:04 Traction options are "Full," "Partial" and "Off." So, if I turn off traction, will it be like driving on ice?

0:05 Off to the "Baja Career." The difficulties are Easy and Hard. Hmm. Easy sounds too easy, but I'm afraid Hard will be too hard. If only there were something in between ... something ... Medium...

Read the full review at Crispy Gamer

DT Carnage

Developer: Axis Entertainment
Publisher: AgeTec
Release Date: Sept. 4, 2008
Systems: PS2 (reviewed), PSP
ESRB Rating: E-10+

In a nutshell: Destruction Derby mixed with pure awfulness.

0:00 I literally did not know this game existed until it showed up in my mailbox. I don't even know what the "DT" is supposed to stand for. But I'm not proud. "If you send it I will play it for an hour and review it," that's my motto.

0:01 The game jumps right to the title screen, with an extremely generic picture of a car and some smooth jazz music over the top. The game then loads up an attract mode demo with surprisingly good-looking cars, a somewhat jumpy frame rate and more generic rock. The bare bones presentation reminds me a of an original PlayStation game, not entirely in a bad way.

0:03 After playing around with some options, it's off to the "League Conquest" mode. It was either that or the aptly named "Pick up & Play" mode.

0:04 "So you're the rookie," says a textbox with a disturbing picture of a red-headed instructor. "Let's see what you've got. You probably don't even know your left from your right yet, so I don't expect to be impressed." Hey, that's not fair! Left is the one where your hand makes an "L"!

Read the full review at Crispy Gamer

GRID

Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Codemasters
Release Date: May 30, 2008
Systems: Xbox 360 (reviewed), PS3, PC
ESRB Rating: E
Official Web site

In a nutshell: I have no idea what the name GRID is supposed to mean.

0:00 I've heard this game compared favorably to MotorStorm and Dirt, two other driving games I enjoyed quite a bit.

0:01 "CODEMASTERS PRESENTS" some generic shots of European cities and tracks. Extremely shiny car porn commences, complete with extreme camera shaking during some spectacular crashes. Nice shots from inside the cockpit and wheel well. My wife Michelle watches from the couch: "I'm not the demographic, but it doesn't even seem like good car porn to me."

0:02 "Please Press Start," the screen says. So polite! Most games would just order me to press start. "Welcome. Please fill out your driver profile," says a semi-robotic female voice. I enter Drivey McDriverson, causing Michelle to say, I'm "very predictable." What can I say?

0:03 I can choose from a list of "audio names" for the voice actors to call me during play, I guess. I choose Spanky, because it's just so ridiculous. I mean, come on, Spanky?

0:04 "Hello, Spanky. You're now ready to race," says the semi-robotic voice. I nearly fall out of my chair with laughter. SPANKY!

Read the full review at Crispy Gamer

FlatOut

Developer: Bugbear Entertainment
Publisher: Empire Interactive
Release Date: July 12, 2005
Systems: Xbox (Reviewed), PS2, PC
ESRB Rating: T
Official Web site

In a nutshell: Destruction Derby + Motorstorm with a twist of Burnout and GripShift. Have I wowed you with my racing game knowledge yet?
0:00 I've been interested in this game ever since I saw the TV ads that featured drivers being launched out of cars towards targets. Now that's my kind of game.

0:01 This minute spent downloading a BC update for the Xbox 360 so I can play this old game, and watching logos and such.

0:02 Some insipid song with the endlessly repeating chorus, "Girls just want to be bad boys," plays over some grainy video of rally cars driving through dirt busting up and generally flipping out. And title.

0:03 I can choose whether my driver is male or female and whether my steering style is normal or professional. Not that I know the difference. Between the steering styles I mean -- I DO know the difference between the genders.

0:05 I start my career and have my pick of five cars. I spend my $4K billfold on the 134 horsepower, 3503 lb. Bullet, the most powerful, heaviest, most expensive car available. Automatic transmission please -- I can't drive stick.

Read the full review at Crispy Gamer

Honda Superbike World Championship

Developer: Valcon
Publisher: Milestone
Release Date: March 21, 2008
Systems: PSP (reviewed), PS2
ESRB Rating: E10+
Official Web site

In a nutshell: A game for superbike superfans only.

0:00 I tend to like bike racing games, and this one sounds positively Super. Eh? Eh?

0:01 "Bikes included in this game may be different from real bikes in performance, shape and color," reads a quick disclaimer. So is there any way in which they're realistic?

0:02 Some grainy video of what looks like a real bike races play through an odd filter. Inappropriate opera music swells in the background. The only exciting part is when the bikers fly off the bikes during the crashes. Otherwise, it's kind of dull to watch.

0:03 Most of this minute spent loading the menu screen. At least there are a couple of pictures of pretty girls to keep me occupied.

0:04 The menu screen features more gratuitous hot girls, along with more decidedly low-res video of bike racers. Points for the effort, though.

0:05 The options screen lets me toggle a wide variety of simulation options, including "launch control system," "manual rider weight" and "motorbike damage." Luckily, I can just pick the "arcade" setting and not worry about poring over the options.

Read the full review at Crispy Gamer

NASCAR 09

Developer: EA Tiburon
Publisher: EA Sports
Release Date: June 10, 2008
Systems: Xbox 360 (reviewed), PS3
ESRB Rating: E
Official Web site

In a nutshell: "Turn left!" the videogame.

0:00 I've never played a NASCAR game or even watched an entire NASCAR race, so I'm the perfect person to be writing this review!

0:01 A short intro video features a lone driver speeding around a very short track against a stark black background. "Gentlemen, start your engines," echoes a far off voice. Trippy.

0:02 "Hey, I'm Jeff Gordon driving the #24 DuPont Chevrolet." Hi, Jeff! Nice to meet you! He's going to be my mentor. He tells me that EA Sports is very excited about me and that I have "a lot of hype to live up to." Really? I mean I know they sent me a review copy of the game, but I've never even watched a NASCAR race before! Jeff recommends I go with the "normal" driving style, and who am I to argue with Jeff Gordon?

0:03 "Nice choice! I use that driving style from time to time myself." I bet you say that to all the drivers. Really, I do. The delivery is kind of stilted. Gordon should stick to racing and leave the reading from a script to the professionals.

0:04 Gordon's gonna let me take the #24 car for a test spin! Aw, now I feel bad for making fun of his voice acting.

Read the full review at Crispy Gamer

Trackmania Nations: United

Developer: Nadeo
Publisher: Enlight
Release Date: April 16, 2008
System: PC
PEGI Rating: 3+
Official Web site

In a nutshell: Racing gets stripped down to its bare bones, revealing a svelte and sexy skeleton.

0:00 I've heard the buzz and seen the mind-boggling videos for this game, but I didn't actually take the plunge to try it out until I heard it was being offered for free. At that price, I'll try anything (hint hint, game publishers).

0:01 I'm not including the roughly 1/2 hour it took to download this 500 MB game, or the ten minutes it took to install. This might seem hypocritical when I routinely take PlayStation 3 games to task for downloads and install times, but I just have different expectations for PC games. It's my column, so I can do what I want!

0:02 I'm asked to create a new account. Look for me as KyleOrl. (So original, I know). The silently spinning green globe is freaking me out. Would a little background music have killed them?

0:03 My account is registered and the music kicks in: A gentle yet sweeping electronic thing with light sitar. I dive right into "Play Solo."

0:04 The difficulty levels are White, Green, Blue, Red and Black. I have no idea what this means, but I'm guessing White is easiest, so off I go. The controls looks super-simple: The arrows are used to accelerate, brake and turn. What else is there?

Read the full review at Crispy Gamer