Games

Pure

Publisher: Sega

Platform: Reviewed on 360, also available on PS3, PC

Price: From 29.99

Certificate: 3+

Get those engines running, head out on a dirt track

Pure is here - so get ready for a full on cross country experience in a high octane racer straight out of the garage of Disney studios.

Pitting the player as a quad bike racer on a death defying, gravity flouting world-wide race circuit this game rewards as much for stunts as it does for speed. Cash is on the line and new parts are a most so the going is dangerously competitive but the race must be won.

And while it may not be for everyone's tastes as there are very few elements of more traditional racing simulators here, those who do embrace stunt ridden antics will relish this extreme release.

It's hard to blame fans of this title, as the graphics are simply sumptuous given the dramatic pace of the tracks. The game itself feels vibrantly charged with energy due to the epic landscapes on offer and the fully charged palette of colour applied by the graphic artists behind this one.

Playing this is like taking on 'Tony Hawks' skateboarding or 'SSX' snowboarding with the console set to fast forward. But instead of boards you are controlling a nitrous charged lawnmower with radical suspension, killing steering and the most durable tires in the world.

However once you get into the gamplay on offer here these somewhat surprising similarities to other games become irrelevant.

Once the reasonably easy to get to grips with control system is mastered every element of the game becomes a frantic - if little too easy - pursuit of gold. Flips and spins are common place and coming off the quad bike while moving at 160mph is all part of the fun.

Plenty of exotic race tracks are on offer and races are rarely the same twice, with hills and ramps making this all feel open plan, this does manage to make the player think that they could drive off into the sunset, carrying on forever.

And while it may get a tiny bit monotonous, but even that is fixed by play being broken up into subgames, elimination races, trick attacks and all the usual arcade racer fare, treated with this games extreme approach to life.

Yes 'Pure' is certainly a good, clean racing enjoyment. And while less than believable this game can really put the player on the edge of their seat as excitement mounts over hair-raising laps.

The speed is intense and reactions must be sharp if you want to succeed. But every the moment of the hours you will waste playing this will be worth it when that next big lap time is broken or points challenge bettered.

Pure takes over London