TOURIST TROPHY
Sony, PlayStation 2, $39.99
In case Gran Turismo didn’t satisfy your craving for carbon monoxide, Polyphony Digital delivers Tourist Trophy, an equally polished two-wheeled cousin. Expect to be impressed by the title’s realism and decor as you hop on one of over 100 high-end motorcycles and tool around snappily-rendered international tracks, including recreations of real-world hotspots like Laguna Seca, Tsukuba and New York City’s own home circuit. Arcade racing enthusiasts be warned; meticulously modeled physics means that subtle weight shifts and purposeful braking take precedence over trying to brain opponents with cranium-crushing wheelies. But busting ass on bikes by Ducati, Honda, and Kawasaki is its own reward, given the game’s pleasing sense of speed and eye for finely balanced action. The sharper you take turns–always keep tabs on which way you’re leaning–the faster you’ll smoke the competition, earning bonuses like fancy helmets, snazzy shoes, and sleek riding gear along the way. Offering instantly gratifying solo and head-to-head competitions, as well as a full-blown career mode (incorporating challenge missions, upgradeable vehicles, and multiple event types), the excitement won’t wear thin soon. True pocket rocket pimps will also make use of the built-in photo mode, which lets you take pictures of your favorite replay highlights and dump the captures onto a USB storage device for printing later. Fast, furious, and customizable as hell, get ready to strap in for the ride of your virtual life… Scott Steinberg
www.playstation.com

Love: Performance, handling, authenticity
Hate: Slavish realism, unforgiving nature
Final word: Vicious cycle