Gas prices may be at record highs. But that doesn't mean you can't fuel up the tank and peel out in a staggering range of high-end roadsters, courtesy of Microsoft's answer to seminal racing series Gran Turismo. Featuring more than 300 intricately modeled vehicles from the 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo to the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, each of which handles uniquely, it's one of the most comprehensive automotive simulations in years. There's only one complaint with the experience, which ranks among the best the Xbox 360 has to offer. The game's striking sense of realism means a complex learning curve guaranteed to have you accidentally doing doughnuts right out of the gate.

The title's high-definition visuals and convincing sense of speed are impressive, and the outing's more strategic than simply pedal-to-the-metal. After several dozen spinouts, you should be able to master crucial skills, like braking subtly and shifting your vehicle's weight. Practice makes perfect though, and you'll soon be speeding alongside veteran drivers in custom-kitted mean machines (adjustable from engines to rims and drivetrains) which reflect authentic wear and tear. In addition to competing against aggressive computer-controlled opponents, you must also occasionally do battle with your own speedster itself. Purists will love the attention to detail and level of nuance. However, it's unlikely Need for Speed fans will appreciate such nods.

The title ultimately shines brightest in online play, where players link up and haul ass at real-world replicas of tracks like Laguna Seca and Silverstone Circuit. Finding opponents won't be an issue. Honing your skills to the level where you stand a chance of competing, well, that's another can of oil.