ToCA Race Driver 3 [PC]

For whatever reason, Gran Turismo and other Japan-developed racers seem to get the bulk of gamer attention here in the United States. Meanwhile, Codemasters and other European companies have carved out an equally respectable niche in the driving genre -- yet they still struggle to gain acceptance on our shores. TOCA Race Driver 3 is the latest entry, and it's worth the attention of anyone with an itchy pedal foot.

Most racers give you a bunch of different cars that all feel unique. TOCA Race Driver 3 does that too, but goes a few car-lengths better by giving you a bunch of different circuits, too. It's essentially an all-you-can-eat racing buffet. From touring cars to muscle cars, buggies and monster trucks, you get a taste of everything on four wheels.

World Tour is the sample platter, with tiered cups that only have a few races each. Along with it comes a bit of a story. In fact, the way the game starts relates to the mode -- you're just plopped into the middle of a high-speed race, presumably to gauge your skill level. You have a mentor who advises you in both stunning CG cutscenes and radio chatter during races. It's amazing how on top of things he is; you half expect him to say, "There's a booger in your left nostril."

Drivers can come after you in other cutscenes if they're unhappy with your aggressiveness, which is also a hoot. These bits of personality add a lot to the entertainment value, and they always seem to be spot-on with how you're progressing. Don't expect cheesy love interests or other soap-opera drama, though; the story pretty much stays the course of racing fare.

The Pro Career is more focused, allowing you to choose one discipline and go the distance. Practice the course and post your best qualifying time -- both of which are optional in World Tour, and in fact defaulted to skip. Then, see how you fare against a track full of competition. Pro Career circuits have a lot more races in them, so you really get accustomed to the particular car type you're driving. Upgrades allow you to tweak key parts of your ride, while tuning is standard regardless of the mode.

If you're into that whole brevity thing, TOCA 3 gives you plenty of options to make up your own races. The only downer is that you have to unlock the disciplines, and you don't have much chance to cross the streams, so to speak -- as in, no Formula 1000 vs. Sprint Cars showdowns. Online modes are just as diverse, and are fun though predictable.