Fuel

So Fuel has its problems, but then every couple of races or so, something strange happens. Everything comes together in a perfect storm and you can see exactly what Asobo was aiming for with this ludicrously ambitious project. For example, one course called Stormy Trail takes place at sunset in relatively heavy muscle cars on an icy road that winds its way up a mountain. Once you reach the peak, you’re then powersliding through snow and eventually rain as you descend the hill. Not only is it one of the prettier circuits, but the course design is bang-on as well. These potential-fulfilling races are enormously entertaining, and when the extreme weather effects kick in, such as the spectacularly atmospheric thunderstorms, it’s even better. When Fuel’s doing it right, it’s unlike anything else on Xbox 360.

Fuel’s also a riot online. When 16 offroad vehicles are bouncing off each other and tumbling off cliffs — all driven by human players — the massive playground that Asobo has crafted is an absolute blast. We’re genuinely looking forward to taking our garishly painted offroad fleet onto Live and mucking about with friends.

While Fuel is definitely rough around the edges, it’s not without charm. The complete lack of boundaries means it’s a totally unique challenge, and with such exciting technology at its core, we can’t help but hope that Asobo gets another roll of the dice to create something truly — and consistently — astonishing.

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