02 Jan 09
GTR Evolution
GTR Evolution
Platform: PC
Price: £18
GTR Evolution is a racing simulation involving high-end GT cars such as the Aston Martin DBR9 and Koenigsegg CCGT. The graphics are pretty, if not cutting edge, but this simulation is all about the driving dynamics and handling. You'll have to invest some serious time to get the best out of it - ideally with a dedicated wheel-and-pedals controller. Once you have, you'll appreciate just how fine the handling is as you're trying to shave seconds off your best time around the Nurburgring.
GTR Evolution is also great value: it comes with a free copy of Race 07, featuring all the official World Touring Car Championship licenses from 2006 and 2007.
NASCAR 09
NASCAR 09
Platform: PS3, Xbox 360
Price: about £40
A bunch of cars going round an oval god-knows-how-many-times can't possibly be interesting, right? Well, not really - but it's not as bad as you may think.
The thing about 36 similar cars racing around an easy circuit is that jostling for position and overtaking happens all the time. It's as much about drivers tricking each other into losing ground as it is about reducing lap times. This can only sustain you so long, of course: NASCAR 09 is initially great fun, with loads of cars to deal with to get to pole position, but then the continual left turns become dull and you're left wanting more.
