Need for Speed ProStreet

Back to the Story mode: EA have ditched racing for pink slips and dirty cash in exchange for a carnival show complete with dancing ladies, an over-the-top MC giving shout-outs and, of course, loads of tuned up cars. If you’ve never been to one of these events, then you’ll be initially left cold by your surroundings. Bear with it, however, and you’ll enjoy the moment as enthusiasts walk by your car, snapping pictures of your latest creation. Then there’s your nemesis, Ryo. He’s the King of Showdown racers, but before you can even think about challenging him for his crown you have to beat his entourage of drivers at special events first. Doing well in lesser showcases will give you the cash to buy the rides to take these fellas on, so be prepared to put the time in.

Online you can race up to seven others, and create your own multi-stage race day for people to join - and you can even post the blueprint of your wildest car for others to follow themselves.

Though it’s largely enjoyable, ProStreet does have problems. Menus are needlessly complicated and you’ll need to flick through about three or four just to get your motor out of the garage, while on race days, you can’t tune your car without leaving the event and all the points you’d accumulated. And why can’t we create our own racer? ‘Being’ Ryan Cooper gets dull.