Shift 2 Unleashed sees the series move out from Need for Speed's shadow. More realistic than last year’s Need For Speed Hot Pursuit, this game aims to make you feel like the driver. The result is a game with incredible intensity, but also a steep learning curve and some other issues.

There are two main parts to Shift 2 Unleashed: The career mode, and online multiplayer. The career mode sees you as a driver progressing through the ranks as usual. As is common in racing games, expect to work hard before you’re allowed behind the wheel of anything exotic! This is especially true in Shift 2 Unleashed, as it really will push less experienced players hard.

Most Wanted’s Autolog has been introduced to Shift 2 Unleashed. This system means as well as online multiplayer games, you can compete with all your friends with pretty much everything. Your times and achievements can be shared on your Facebook wall, and you’ll be notified if you are beaten.

Shift 2 Unleashed looks incredible, with great real and imaginary circuits and fantastic car models and damaging. The cockpit view is probably the most impressive, with excellent shaking and blurring effects, as if you are actually feeling the strains of racing for real. It’s a shame the handling isn’t quite up to scratch, and the artificial intelligence is also unfair at times.

Shift 2 Unleashed looks great and is one of the most intense racing games available today. It is let down by it’s difficulty and artificial intelligence.