What petrol-heads seem to dislike the most, other than speed cameras and congestion charges, are environmentalists.

You get the feeling that Jeremy Clarkson and co would happily light a bonfire made from the fussy types that whinge about lead emissions and ozone layers and such trivial matters. So calling a game Need For Speed: Carbon seems a particularly oxymoronic, baiting decision, but hey, we’re here to discuss video games, not politics.

And this latest racer from EA is another solid offering, although it’s not quite as inspired as the Need for Speed: Most Wanted previous incarnations. The dynamics have changed slightly, but Carbon is effectively the same old template – high-speed chases involving plenty of road rage.

The narrative is a mere vessel for such visceral challenges, but basically involves you finding yourself in Palmont City where you have to seize control of the four districts by toppling the current incumbents with canny diplomacy.

Okay, it’s actually in car-crushing road trials. These take the familiar shape of city-based street tracks, and end-of-level events based on corkscrew roads in canyons. This new style of racing is particularly thrilling, as the roads are devastatingly dangerous and the opponents fiercely competitive. However, annoyingly you often have to start way back if you slip off the tight roads.

As before, it’s not merely first past the post gaming, with all manner of time-trial and speed events maintaining the interest. Also returning are the range of highly tuned behemoths for you to drive, which allow you to balance your racing style between pure pace and brute strength.

There’re plenty of licensed vehicles that look absolutely sublime. In fact the whole presentation is top dollar, with brilliant backdrops, smooth animation, and excellent cut-scenes featuring full motion video.

The actual races are up to the usual high standard, with slick controls, great camera angles and a real feeling of speed. New to the gameplay are your wingmen – non-playable racers that assist you in a manner of ways such as smashing your rivals out the way like an American Football linebacker. This is an excellent addition, and brings a team element to the gameplay.

A sad omission is the amount of police involvement. Now in a game based around such illicit endeavours, having the cops on your tail is part and parcel of the action. It may have been the main focus of Need for Speed: Underground but it feels underused here.

There’s an excellent multiplayer mode, which allows for all manner of race types, including playing as the police. And in case you’re interested, the Carbon of the title refers to the Carbon Canyon, where much of the racing takes place.

Also consider
Need for Speed: Most wanted
High-octane racing and a decent storyline

GTR2
GTR steams into pole position with this inspired racer

Toca 3
Toca 3 doesn’t have the focus some other PC racers boast, but if it’s variety you’re after then look no further

Flat Out 2
Flat Out 2 offers unadulterated fun and a good multiplayer mode. This is car destruction at its finest

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