GRID (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, Windows)

Publisher Codemasters rolls out the freshest model in the racing genre with GRID, a solid speedfest that fails to deliver enough originality or intensity to keep up with established simulators. You'll enter the career mode known as GRID World as a rookie with only a 1970 Ford Mustang. After volunteering your driving services in a series of events, you can bolster your reputation and pocketbook enough to earn Rookie credentials and cash to start your own racing team.

You'll navigate the career mode by competing in events in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. As you score more wins, you'll gain more licenses and eventually advance to an elite international league. Car selection is rather limited, leaving you with only 45 choices. Events range from standard races to drift challenges and demolition derbies. You can also compete in these events online.

GRID straddles the line between authentic simulator and laid-back, easy to play racer. Cars sparkle as they speed down the tracks. Crew chiefs encourage you as you navigate sharp turns. Your vehicle will pull right if you slam your right front tire into a wall. However, the Flashback feature is where the realism ends. If you wreck your car, you can choose to rewind a few seconds to an earlier point instead of restarting the race. Also, cars feel much lighter when it comes to handling. Brakes are used rarely, as cars can often coast into turns without the need to slow down. GRID's greatest fault is it's too average. For every positive you consider, you can find a current racing title that does it better.