As I write this review, Total Immersion Racing is already on sale. Normally when that happens, it's a sign that a publisher suspects less-than-decent reviews and wants to shift a few copies before punters are wise to its iffy status. But that's not entirely the case here.

Total Immersion Racing's special twist is its Al - each driver has some sort of personality, dictating how they'll react to certain situations. Each car also has a meter above it (turn offable with the B button) that shows their current attitude to you - keep cutting them up or crashing into them, and it'll fill up with red mist. The idea is to add a more dramatic, human element to the action that could ultimately see you develop rivals who'll take you out in the last race of the season because you called their Mum a bad name several races ago. It's a nice idea, but in practice it doesn't really add a vast amount of depth to the action. It is noticeable that some of your fellow racers are more happy than others to push you off the circuit, but it doesn't really feel much more sophisticated than that.

So, the AI isn't as spectacular as we'd hoped it might be, but Total Immersion Racing's main problem is the handling of the cars themselves. It's very difficult to get them around anything but the shallowest of corners without slowing down to a pedestrian pace. They don't hold the road, and keeping them on the track means driving slowly. Which doesn't allow for much excitement. The cars feel floaty too, with no sensation of them having any meaningful contact with the road. Later cars address the speed problem, but you never feel you're in a race with a souped-up car, caning it for all you're worth. The speedo might say 100mph, but it rarely feels like more than 40mph.

There's something likeable about Total Immersion Racing though, despite its failings. It's solid but unspectacular, basically, and once you accept the handling it provides some pleasant enough moments. And there are some nice ideas other than the narky drivers, such as the Challenge mode - which is a series of 30 different driving challenges that unlock new cars and the like as you progress through them.

Total Immersion Racing isn't a revelation, then, but neither is it a total failure. The slow pace and uncomfortable handling detracts from what could have been a good game. As it is, you'll only be waist-deep in the immersion stakes.

1. Has some neat, original ideas.
2. Solid visuals

1. Isn't all that spectacular
2. Handling doesn't feel right
3. Too slow

Power
The solid, chunky look is complemented by some reflection mapping, but your jaw won't drop.

Style
Simple, straightforward menus reflect the no-nonsense feel that runs throughout the game.

Immersion
Not as consuming as you might think with 'Immersion' in the title, but simple fun nonetheless.

Lifespan
Lots of races to try and cars to unlock. But the racing itself won't convince you to unlock everything.

Summary
An average racing game which doesn't capitalise on its main idea, but there's still some entertainment to be had.