Xbox is fast becoming (if it isn't already) the racing gamer's console of choice, thanks to a high-pressure flow of cutting-edge games that looks far from drying up. Chances are you've already dealt with Project Gotham Racing 2 and are back on the market looking for a new 200mph experience. And there's no question that this is it.

The online-enabled TOCA Race Driver 2 has got it all. There are well over 30 completely different championships to race in, around 56 circuits to know and learn like the back of your hand, and a collection of high-powered cars that'll keep your motor running for months. All of this is wrapped up in an incredible blaze of visual glory that's unmatched by any racing game on any console - which is probably why it's exclusive to Xbox.

The TOCA series has always been known for its attention to super-realistic detail. As a racer it's about as far removed from the likes of Project Gotham as you can get. For a start, you can damage all the cars beyond repair... and you will. Without even trying. We guarantee it. It's as hard as nails too, but we don't shy away from a challenge and we suspect you don't either. We didn't really know what to think of the Ultimate Racing Simulator tagline but, after shredding rubber in zillions of different race types, we now fully understand where Codemasters is coming from. It does exactly what it says on the tin.

The Career mode is truly immense and will seriously eat into your free time and quite possibly even your work time too. Now when we heard it stuck to a scripted narrative, we didn't know what to expect. After all, a racing game is about racing and nothing else in our book. But once again we were surprised. The story element brings in new characters, challenges, cars and rivals. Each championship is preceded by a snappy cutscene that drives your charge for the racing crown forward. And in keeping with the rest of the game's optical splendour, they're some of the best cutscenes we've ever had to sit through. But, should you seriously shunt a driver during a race, you may end up getting screamed at in front of your pit. Remember - where there's blame, there's a claim. What you do on the track directly affects the way your story's told.

No sooner have you jumped into your new motor and belted up than you're thrown headfirst into a quick few laps in a brand spanking new Ford GT, where your manager drops a few hints about how to control the car. Brake in a straight line, don't wheelspin or crash... the usual things a driving instructor would tell you before letting you loose on the track. Once the practice race is over, it's on with the charge. Things begin a bit on the slow side but soon progress to warp speed, especially when you hit the Formula 1 beasts.

You get to choose your own racing adventure by selecting which type of race to go for. Often you'll have specific objectives to accomplish rather than just coming first all the time. For example, you might have to finish no more than three places behind a specific rival, or gain a certain number of points in order to impress sponsors. This approach definitely works and keeps things nice and fresh, as having to win every single race right from the beginning would have you pulling your hair out in no time. Allowing players to choose which class of car they race next was also a good move.

It's hard driving, though. There'll be no bouncing off the cars in front to cheekily steal a few places on the grid here. We quickly learnt to our cost that too much of this Gotham-style approach really does break the car and get you nowhere pretty damn fast. Instead, it's all about the racing line and taking corners the best way you can, because if you spin off the track, the dream's all over.

Thanks to a nifty little Terminal Damage Engine, the cars break and bend like you've never seen before. A selection of icons appears around the speed dial warning you that things aren't going well. Even the engine starts screaming in pain when you push it too much after a bump or two. You'll have to go easy, because if you haven't got the skills to pay the bills, your budding racing career won't get very far at all.

The sheer scale of the variety and handling system employed in TOCA Race Driver 2 is second to none. You can challenge friends and Live subscribers to every race mode from the single-player game. If you prefer your racing on the realistic side (and you like a challenge) then you won't go far wrong with this. It really is the ultimate racing simulator. Quite simply, this is the most detailed racer we've ever had the pleasure of taking on the track. A must for any racing enthusiast.

1. Incredible variety
2. Gorgeous graphics
3. Great handling
4. Progressive AI
5. Full online play
6. Terminal damage

1. Hard in parts
2. Racing commentary can grate

Power
Pushing Xbox to its limit, there's no racer that comes close to TOCA 2's visual splendour.

Style
Jam-packed with testosterone from start to finish. Single-player story mode is a work of art.

Immersion
Once you master high-speed comering you'll be booking a track day ready to be the next big thing.

Lifespan
Career mode will keep you busy for weeks and online racing could well take over your entire life.

Summary
The most realistic and detailed racer ever. TOCA 2 has raised the bar for other developers to follow. Good luck trying!