Racing Video Games

An Xbox answer to the PlayStation's popular Gran Turismo series, Forza Motorsport is a serious driving simulation boasting licensed vehicles and realistic action. The game features automobiles from more than 60 brand-name manufacturers including BMW, Chevy, Dodge, Ferrari, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Nissan, and Porsche. Vehicles are extensively customizable, allowing players to trick out their favorite ride with new paint and rims, or upgrade with new engines, brakes, suspensions, and additional systems. Astute drivers can also fine-tune gear ratios, timing, tire pressure, and other elements for top performance in particular driving conditions.

Like the cars and equipment, the game's courses are also based on real-world equivalents, so players can race through re-creations of famous runs such as the Nurburgring or the streets of Rio de Janeiro. Opponent behavior is influenced by the game's "Drivatar" technology, which is designed to learn and mimic the tactics and tendencies of human players. Gamers can train their own Drivatars, who can race for them or help train new members of their team. In spite of the customizable artificial intelligence, sometimes nothing beats racing against other gamers, so a number of multiplayer modes are supported through the Xbox Live service. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Muscle car enthusiasts can get behind the wheel of one of 40 legendary Mustangs in 2K Games' Ford Mustang for the Xbox. Players can choose among production, concept, and racing models from 1964 through 2005 as they compete on 22 racetracks across seven U.S. cities. Single-player modes include "Career," "Arcade," and "Challenge." Two-player multiplayer modes include "Quick Race" and "Catch Up Race." ~ Chris Cavanaugh, All Game Guide

For the third release in its genre-shaping street racing series, Rockstar San Diego teams with DUB magazine to present a game boasting real-world locations, automobiles, and customization options. Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition offers free-form, open-road racing in re-creations of Atlanta, Detroit, and San Diego. Players can race for pink slips in (and against) detailed re-creations of more than 60 models of trucks, cars, and motorcycles by manufacturers such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, General Motors, Ford, Volkswagen, Nissan, Hummer, Kawasaki, Ducati, and others. Game modes include "Career," "Arcade," "Cruise," and "Online," the final option supporting up to eight Internet-connected gamers in the same virtual city streets. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

This budget-friendly motocross game features commentary and in-game appearances by Jamie Little, professional racer and announcer. The game offers more than 30 different competitions, in both the indoor (Supercross) and outdoor (Motocross) arenas, as well as the dirt-and-pavement "Super-Moto" events. Players can choose from a selection of rider characters, customize the look of their bikes, and improve horsepower and handling as they progress through the game. MX World Tour was designed Impulse Games, which previously worked on the motorsports-oriented Xbox version of Monster Garage. ~ All Game Guide

Rainbow Studios, the developer of ATV Offroad Fury and MX Unleashed, aims to bring two distinct, "extreme racing" motor sports together in the same off-road arenas with this cross-platform release. MX vs. ATV Unleashed features plenty of dirt bikes and four-wheelers, of course, as well as monster trucks, sand rails, tricked-out golf carts, and even bi-planes, all set loose in large, freely roamed wilderness areas. The game's diverse selection of racing challenges includes SuperMoto competition, hill-climbs and short-track races, waypoint races, freestyle trick competitions, and -- as suggested by the title -- an in-depth career mode that follows a series of head-to-head races between ATVs and MX bikes. As in the developer's earlier efforts, MX vs ATV is designed to offer accessible, arcade-style action with a realistic rhythm and feel. Online play is supported for up to eight, through the PS2 Network Adaptor or Xbox Live service. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

This second sequel by Razorworks offers over 60 Ford vehicles from a wide range of automotive styles and eras, such the 1923 Model T Sedan, the '66 Thunderbird, classic Mustangs, and even unreleased concept cars. Players compete in 16 different race types taking place on 14 tracks that include oval tracks, rally routes, and street courses.

The Xbox version of Ford Racing 3 supports six-player online multiplayer via Xbox Live. ~ Chris Cavanaugh, All Game Guide

This budget-friendly driving game invites Xboxers to race through the streets of a virtual Los Angeles. Players take the role of a character attempting to infiltrate the underground street racing scene, so they'll be free to drive wherever they want, whenever they want, and participate in seven different kinds of races and driving challenges. The game's five modes of play include a two-person multiplayer option. ~ All Game Guide

This motorcycle game is based on the popular Discovery Channel series American Chopper, following the exploits of the Teutuls -- Paul Sr., Paul Jr., and Mikey -- who, along with longtime friend Vinnie, operate the Orange County Choppers customization shop. Players take part in designing and building custom motorcycles, and proving them on the street. ~ All Game Guide

The Need for Speed goes back underground, to add more customization and role-playing-styled challenges to the long-running racing series. This follow-up steers players though the main drags and back-alleys of an interactive city, which is divided into five different neighborhoods. By seeking out street races and earning a reputation, players will be able to acquire faster, more powerful automobiles and extensive customization options. The game is designed to represent the "tuner lifestyle," and the main mode of play has virtual street racers exploring the city on their own, to find pick-up races and learn of the best places to get new parts. Need for Speed Underground 2 is hosted by Brooke Burke, known for her role on the E! Entertainment television network's Wild On series. The game features licensed automobiles from a number of manufacturers, including Ford, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

The International Hot Rod Association returns to the virtual strip for this "2005" version of Bethesda's IHRA Professional Drag Racing. Players can choose from three dozen different vehicles, including both modern models and classics. More than 70 different parts an components may be tweaked or upgraded, offering hot rodders extensive customization options. Single-player game modes allow for quick pick-up races or a season-long series. Head-to-head racing for two players is also supported. ~ All Game Guide