[Reviewed on Xbox 360]

In the beginning of time, Gran Turismo ruled the console sim-racer space, and all was well. Then one day, Forza Motorsport to create one of the biggest franchise rivalries of our generation.

I caught quite a bit of flack for my review of Sony's realistic racing simulation Gran Turismo 5 . You see, I gave it less than a perfect score, which some readers didn't quite agree with - to say the least.

it's a great game.......full of speed.

Great Fun; Great Sound

Anyone who has ever gotten into a Need for Speed title knows what the franchise is all about. It's about going fast in exotic cars with nary a thought given to realistic physics. This formula has done the franchise proud for years, and culminated in last year's Hot Pursuit remake.

Intense driving action the leans towards the simulation end of the spectrum; plenty of driving assists for those who want a more arcade like experience; first-person cockpit mode puts you right in the thick of the action; loads of cars and events to try out; autolog function increases online value

Collisions with AI traffic feel cheap and unrealistic; a few minor control issues; EA store attempts to grab money from you at every turn

My advice? Don't bother with any of the exterior cameras when playing Shift 2: Unleashed. Just don't. Play it as you'd drive a real car; perched behind the windscreen, head dancing to the contours of the track. Be the driver, not the car.

Okay so I own Gran turismo 5 and I loved it, for the reality of the game play etc and I didn't think any other developer would beat this sort of game for a while! And out of all the developers! Need For Speed brings it home.. and some.

This game has stunning visuals, a nice arsenal of vehicles to choose from, a great addition of the helmet cam making it seem even more realistic. But all of this is shot in the foot because of how light the car feels.

I'm a speed king, you gotta hear me sing.

Some cars have so much power and little traction it's very hard just going down a straight, yet alone making turns, but you get use to it, but dang it's crazy fun. Another car or track may offer better traction and make it easier to win, but I had to fight for most win so fare.

challenging; cool tracks; additive; exciting

nerve racking; can tick you off; haha