The same rules from the last feature still apply: we're only allowing one game per franchise into the Top 10. If more than one game in the franchise received a high score from our crack team of reviewers, we only counted one the highest-rated game and relegated the rest to "Honorable Mention" status.
With the launch of the Xbox 360 just a few weeks away, most games stores are eager to clear out their "old" stock of Xbox software. That means that some stores will be selling most of these titles can for dirt cheap. If you ask us, now's the perfect time to build up that racing game library! On with the list!
Forza Motorsport
IGN Xbox Score: 9.5
This game is often referred to as the "Gran Turismo of the Xbox". Naturally, Forza's developers want its game to stand on its own, but it's really easy to compare the two. Both games feature photorealistic real-life cars racing around photorealistic real-life race tracks. However, the physics in Forza are a lot more realistic, making the game less forgiving than GT. But if the physics engine is good enough to license out to car manufacturers (which Microsoft is thinking about doing), it's more than good enough for us. If you can only own one racing game for your Xbox, make sure it's Forza.
Project Gotham Racing 2
IGN Xbox Score: 9.5
We're having a bad case of writer's block right now, so we'll go ahead and pull a quote from IGN's original review of the game:
"PGR 2 is a beautiful game that handles amazingly well, sounds just as good, and redefines what gamers should expect from an online racer. The game's seamless integration of Xbox Live is simply wonderful, and the online play is fast and furious."
We couldn't have said it any better ourselves...
Honorable Mention: Project Gotham Racing - Score: 8.8
Burnout 3: Takedown
IGN Xbox Score: 9.5
Oh... sweet, sweet electronic crack. Why are you so addictive? Is it the blazing fast twitch-style gameplay? Probably. Is it the stunning visuals? We think so. Is it the fact that wanton destruction is not only encouraged, but rewarded (and looks oh-so-beautiful)? Maybe. Is it all of the above? Most definitely! We can only speak for the IGN Cars staff, but Burnout 3 has got to be the best damn game ever created. We can't wait for Burnout: Revenge, which has yet to hit stores as of this writing. We may venture up to IGN Xbox offices and steal their copy. Hehe...
Honorable Mention: Burnout 2: Point of Impact Developer's Cut - Score: 8.6
Go to Page 2 for more!
