V8 Supercars 2 (Xbox)

By JON MINIFIE

For years after Gran Turismo, the trend in racing game development became overrated pragmatism: realism and attention to detail are cool and all, but all gamers want is lots of tracks and a nice ride, preferably something loud and fast.

The original V8 Supercars was an instant hit, particularly with local fans who were disenchanted with the cliched racers of the time. It wasn't perfect: the handling was a bit loose but it was easy to forgive any shortcomings once you were hooning around Bathurst in a noisy V8, with the sun in your eyes.

There is so much packed into V8 Supercars 2 it is hard to know where to begin. Of course there are fresh cars and tracks but there is also a new graphics engine, physics engine, an enhanced deformation damage system, smarter AI, as well as the heady prospect of online racing via Xbox Live or PC.

Codemasters rolled out the big guns for this sequel, with Gavin Raeburn leading the development and production team.

"V8 Supercars 2 will be our most ferocious motorsport game yet. The gameplay distils the pure adrenaline of the different styles of racing. A collection of real motorsports, real rules and real racing cars will combine with our most advanced and intuitive handling model to date," said Raeburn.

"Every physical nuance of each vehicle type is accurately modelled, from tyre deformation when cornering to the centrifugal engine forces and complex aerodynamics."

The list of circuits includes favourites Phillip Island and Bathurst, as well as our own Pukekohe Park Raceway. In addition to all the V8 circuits there are more than 50 tracks from around the world, including Laguna Seca, Surfers Paradise, Donington Park and Kyalami.

The true stars of the game are the cars. Aside from the latest Supercars, there are 35 of the world's most powerful racing (and street) brands, including Aston Martin (V12 Vanquish, DB7 and DB5), Jaguar (XJ220, XKR and E-Type), Ford (Mustang Cobra R, Ford GT, GT90, F150 Lightning Pick-up, Falcon BA), Holden Commodore VY, Mitsubishi 3000 GT, Mitsubishi EVO 7, Subaru Impreza WRX, ABT-Audi TT-R, Opel Astra V8 Coupe and AMG-Mercedes CLK.

If you're a revhead, a V8 enthusiast or even just a racing game fan, V8 Supercars 2 is not to be missed.

* Xbox, $119.95

* Email Jon Minifie