Good Xbox Racing Games

 There are some excellent racing games available for the Xbox.  Perhaps this console has become well known for games such as Halo and CoD - indeed, these games are hugely popular.  However, the great graphics of the Xbox also reach their potential on many of the driving games.  The graphics are far better than the Nintendo Wii, as my son proved to me recently after a long spiel over why he wanted his own Xbox, over the Wii we already had.

My son is not old enough to play any of the more mature games like Halo and CoD - he would very much like to and I know he has had sneaky trials at other people's houses, but I will not allow him to own these games for himself.  Instead, I have taken a look at other types of games available for the younger gamer on the Xbox, and I have found myself quite impressed with the range of driving and racing games.

Blur is a brilliant, fast-paced racing game which offers a lot of fun for gamers. It has been described as a kind of Mario Kart for grown ups - more realistic but still with the same chances to collect power-ups along the way, and frequent opportunities to blow your opponents off the road. There are some awesome, real world race tracks, from LA to San Francisco, from Spain to the UK and more. You will race through many different terrains - in cities, off road, on the beach and through shallow water. The game can be played in the single career mode, or multiplayer mode with up to four players.

The background behind the game is that you are a character setting out in the world of underground racing, trying to make a name for yourself. It's a tough path, and through the different races you will meet various other drivers over and over again - some are definite rivals, but others might be mentors, holding out a helping hand.

Collecting power-ups to assist your performance is an important aspect of the game - there are several made available, such as the 'shock' - an electromagnetic pulse which can disrupt the cars around you. There is the 'barge', which can push enemy drivers off course, nitro speed boosts, defensive shields and mines that will blow up whoever drives over them. Then there is 'repair', which will help you to restore your health and vitality, ready to continue without renewed zest.

There are 50 licensed cars altogether, which can be gradually unlocked and bought. Success brings monetary rewards, giving you the cash to buy a new car, or to upgrade your ability to use power-ups. Blur gives you fun, fast-paced action as you try with all your might to keep your racing career afloat. The one thing Blur is not is boring.

Split/Second is fast-paced action racing with a difference - it is all a part of a TV reality show in which you have been chosen to take part. This is a true honor, as only the best are put through. You hope to progress through the 24 episode series, beating your rivals and ultimately becoming the champion of this season. Fame and fortune are your goals, and you must be ready for anything as you chase your dreams.

Split/Second is played out in a city custom-made for the TV show. It is an explosive location, made to destruct and obstruct. Think of the sets of epic action Hollywood movies - made to fall, triggered for spectacular explosions. Because on the race tracks of Split/Second, speed is just not enough if you want to battle through to the bitter end. You need strategy - perfectly timed to cause devastating mayhem, to take out your opponents and put obstacles in their path. The entire city is your weapon.

You can collide and crash and use power traps to cause whole buildings to explode and fall, changing race dynamics and creating new routes to the finish. However, be aware that your rivals are out to get you too. The key is in the timing, because if you get that wrong you can even target yourself instead, or waste precious power traps on nothing.

By completing a race in a top ranking postion you will unlock access to new cars, open up events and advance to new episodes. Split/Second is a fantastic racing game, and you have to keep your wits about you all the way through.

Play alone, in multiplayer mode with two players, or online with up to eight opponents.

Hot Pursuit is the latest Need For Speed release, and it has received many positive reviews. This is the traditional, fast-paced cops chasing racers game - it's all about the thrill of the chase. You've got to have your wits about you and the quickest of reflexes if you want to make your getaway. Get your foot down on the gas and the adrenaline pumping. Or play it from the other side - on Need For Speed Hot Pursuit you can play as either the cops or the racers.

Graphics are excellent and cars are based on real-life, high performance vehicles - take the Lamborghini Reventon used by the relentless cops. or the impressive Pagani Zonda Cinque driven by the racers. In this game you can drive where you like in your quest to outwit the other side.

Whether you take the role of the racers or the part of the cops, you can collect power-ups to give your performance a boost. You can also earn bounty that will unlock new cars, weapons for the cops and evasion equipment for the racers. Play alone, in multiplayer mode, or online with up to 8 players. Need For Speed Hot Pursuit is a much-welcomed new game - better than some of the others and action-packed all the way.

Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing is a brilliant, fun racing game for the Xbox. In fact, it is Sega's alternative to the ever-popular Mario Kart from Nintendo. Fun, exciting and often hilarious, this is a game that has been welcomed by owners of the Xbox 360 - it has 5 star reviews on Amazon, and many have even rated it as better than the reknowned Mario Kart.

Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing can be played by anyone, even young children. It is a family game, enjoyed by young and old alike. In your quest to reach the finishing line first, you will race around tracks which are all taken from different Sonic and Sega worlds. There are 24 different tracks to race, from city scenes and green rainforests to medieval settings. All-Stars Racing is not, like many of the other racing games, based on real-life settings - indeed this is a world of fantasy, as Sonic and his friends race each other on cars, planes, motorbikes and even a banana mobile. It is a world full of fun and crazy frolics - each zany character has its own individual All-Star moves and abilities, and some have silly antics to add humor to this already fun game. You can use power-ups to help you win, and discover secret short cuts to beat the others. Beware of missiles, bombs and boxing gloves though - what racing game isn't complete with a few obstacles to set you sliding right off track? One of the tracks is even cursed with zombies. Good racing earns you Sega Miles, which can be used to purchase characters, cars and new tracks.

The vehicles are easy to control with the responsive Xbox controller. Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing can be played in mutiple game modes, from single player to multiplayer on a split screen. This game is well worth a look, no matter what type of game you usually play.

The streets of LA are buzzing with activity, during both day and night. There is an underground racing scene, which you want to become a part of. You are the new racer, and all racers worth their salt need a good reputation. To acquire any credibility you must earn Reputation Points, by completing a task or finishing a race.

This is illegal street racing, and the cops are never far away. Determined to put a stop to any street race, they are on the lookout for signs. Illegal street racing means no rules and no official tracks - you are free to roam the streets of LA as you see fit - through streets, alleys and parking lots. You can take part in a Freeway Challenge or Police Chase, or flash your lights at other drivers to invite participation in an impromptu race. Search for races or explore LA as you cruise along. There are 40 vehicles to choose from - all of them can be customized at two LA garages to suit your needs. The vehicles fit into four groups - Tuner, Luxury, Exotic, Muscle Cars and Bikes. The vehicles are realistic and the game has great graphics.

Some of the Racing Events available are: Circuit Races, Unordered Races, Freeway Races, Time Trials, Tournaments, Payback, plus many more. There are special moves to enhance your performance - the Agro will give you strength to damage rivals, perhaps knocking them out of the race. The Roar pushes opponents aside to clear the way. The Zone helps you to slow down for sudden, sharp turns or to weave through traffic like a pro. The EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) can shut down engines entirely.

All in all, Midnight Club: Los Angeles (Platinum Hits) is an awesome and challenging game for the older gamer. Note that this game is rated Teen, and content is not suitable for younger children.