CarX Drift Racing Online

Pros

• Impressive physics engine
• Multiple tracks
• Grip characteristics change based on track surface

Cons

• May need extra controller to play
• No manual transmission option

CarX Drift Racing Online is a drifting simulator that lets players drive cars based on a real-world physics model. While you can probably pull off sick moves in the game that you'd never be able to in a real coupe, it does strive to largely model the physics of an actual race track. Those tracks can be made of sand, pavement, asphalt or grass, so you'll have plenty of places to test your meddle and explore what sorts of surfaces are best for different types of tires.

Grip characteristics will change periodically as you shift between various locations, which makes the game attractive to those who've gotten tired of simulators that only include a single type of locations. Gamers are free to practice againt a single other car in tandem mode or race against the clock in time trials. That being said, online play is the real draw of CarX.

As the name suggests, network play is permitted on any of the games' various tracks. Once you have all of the vehicles unlocked, you'll be able to use them against other players online. New gamers might want to look out, however, because many competitive Winsock players have invested in USB steering wheels and pedals. Those who are trying to play with nothing more than a keyboard might be at a serious disadvantage against those with better equipment.

Serious players might bemoan the lack of a manual gearbox, but chances are that you'll be just fine using an automatic transmission since there's no penalty on speed or acceleration like there usually is in top-tier racing titles.

Pros

• Impressive physics engine
• Multiple tracks
• Grip characteristics change based on track surface

Cons

• May need extra controller to play
• No manual transmission option