V8 Supercars Race Driver ( PlayStation 2 )

By JON MINIFIE

(Herald rating: * * * * * )

British developers Codemasters were behind the popular Colin McRae Rally titles and the acclaimed TOCA Touring Car series on the original PlayStation.

V8 Supercars Race Driver is their first effort for the PS2 and it's more or less perfect.

TOCA games are always very playable but also ruthlessly accurate. This latest racer blends all the realism and speed of a TOCA title with the picturesque beauty of Gran Turismo 3.

Unlike other racing titles, V8 Supercars Race Driver features an evolving storyline with cinematic FMVs preceding and after every race.

Codemasters have created the character Ryan McKane, a rookie driver who witnesses the pre-rendered crash and fiery death of his race driver dad during the flashback opening sequence.

This Batman-like back story sets up the plot and as it turns out, the need for retribution can be a highly motivating factor while you're on the track.

Once you start winning a few races, Ryan will begin gaining attention — new managers will even try to poach him for rival teams, offering better contracts, cars and prime driving spots.

During a race the action is full on. The super aggressive AI drivers won't hesitate to put you into a wall if they get the chance, but braking and picking good lines to avoid them is only half the battle.

The other half is surviving for the duration of the race — if you go off or hit a barrier you can do serious damage that will affect the vehicle's performance so it is important to keep your nose clean.

V8 fans are spoiled with a selection of 48 cars, including Holdens and Fords — all the major teams except for HSV (who signed with EA) are represented.

There is a good and varied selection of courses from all over the globe. Players can experience Bathurst's winding hill track on Mt Panorama, Silverstone, Monza and the hallowed tracks of Europe.

I've only played the early code so far but it is already obvious V8 Supercars Race Driver is one of the top racing games around. It is incredibly fast, playable, has great sound, is genuinely easy on the eye and comes with a storyline that is easily better than Days of Thunder.

V8 Supercars Race Driver will be available for PlayStation 2 very soon and I hear there's an Xbox version on the way, too.

$129.95

jon@tenthplanet.co.nz