Formula One games are not everybody's cup of tea. The same courses, cars, teams and drivers seem to turn up every year, and the gameplay is equally predictable thanks to the practice/qualify/race structure of the sport. At the same time, Formula One cars are undeniably cool vehicles; the combination of speed, sleek styling, and astronomical cost making them a perfect candidate for a more light-hearted racing game. Downforce is just that - F1 with a futuristic twist, played for enjoyment rather than realism.

The cars feature exaggerated spoilers and slimline chassis, which lend a real boy racer feel to proceedings. The courses are equally unconventional, set across eight real world locations ranging from Tokyo to Las Vegas, and the handling is suitably forgiving for a game of this nature. Full damage options and some bouncy physics ensure spectacular crashes are a regular occurrence, and the multiplayer options serve up an impressive helping of adrenaline-fuelled thrills.