When the oil runs out, it will at least live on virtually. That seems to be Fuel's message: it's an open-world racing game set in a post-global warming America beset by flooding, typhoons, hurricanes and desertification, in which deserted areas have been occupied by racers with bikes, quads, buggies, cars and monster trucks, all competing to win fuel.
Gameplay-wise, Fuel keeps it simple, with checkpoint, circuit, point-to-point and timed races plus helicopter chases to choose between; or you can just drive around in search of hidden stuff. The more races you win, the more territory you open up – and Fuel officially has the largest virtual environment of any game, weighing in at a staggering 14,400 square kilometres. The arcade-style vehicle handling is impeccable, but the terrain design and graphics detail elevate Fuel above its peers, setting new standards even for the next-gen consoles. And the ability to design your own races should make it a big hit on Xbox Live and the PSN. Impressive.
