We're not short of a racing game or ten on Xbox but, when it comes to lightning-fast futuristic racing, the pickings have been slim to say the least. In fact, apart from Quantum Redshift, there's been nothing else at all to match those insane and ludicrous speeds. The travesty that was Pulse Racer doesn't even nearly count.

But Xbox is well and truly back on the multi-miles-per-hour map with Powerdrome. Not bad considering it was touch and go for a while whether the game would be released at all! But a finished version landed on our desks just in time for this issue's deadline. And after just a couple of laps around the first track, we knew we were on to something special.

This is the fastest game we've ever played! And it's as controllable as it is furiously fast! At speeds of well over 1000mph with the screen shaking like an alcoholic, it's well within anyone's reach to have a blast. The moment you hit the gas on the grid and your craft hovers up into position, you immediately know you're in for one hell of a ride. The closest experience would be to strap yourself headfirst onto a tomahawk missile with a joystick in your hands and launch down the Cresta Run.

Overall the game is straightforward. Completing races (and the odd objective that comes with the odd race) unlocks the next set and so on. It'll take a few attempts to learn each tracl's layout so you can take the hairpin bends at top speed. But once you're there, it's like you're using the Force. You've already begun turning before there's any sign of a bend coming up. Remember, you are going faster than the speed of light here.

On Xbox Live though, it's a different story. One thing we've lacked is an online futuristic racer, but that's about to change. Up to twelve players can fight the G-forces together across all the tracks from the single-player game.

Multiplayer modes include System Link sessions too. Powerdrome has set the new standard for futuristic racers. Nothing goes faster or makes you want to throw up as much - definitely not one for popping in your Xbox after a hard night down the pub.

1. Incredible sense of speed!
2. Full Live play
3. Good control

1. No custom soundtrack options
2. Some courses are too hard and dark

Power
Pushes the speed of racing to its physical limit. Tracks looks brilliant and the speeds are insane.

Style
Slick and straightforward to get into. The shaking of the screen works great at op speeds

Immersion
It's sooo fast you won't dare blink or take your eyes of the screen in case of missing vital turns.

Lifespan
Single-player is challenging enough to keep you going, but it'll become eternal over Xbox Live.

Summary
Faster than a speeding bullet travelling on a supersonic rocket. If you like a challenge at top speed, buy this beast.