Assetto Corsa (2014)

Once there was a game called F355 Challenge, the greatest automobile simulator ever made. Apart from the luxurious 3 screen arcade cabinet, it was also ported to the SEGA Dreamcast and Sony PS2. However, it's been over 20 years.

In the past few years I have tried a few, which I've liked. Forza Horizon, New Star GP, WRC 10, Super Woden GP 2, Wreckfest... And in the more distant past I remember fondly Project Gotham Racing/Metropolis Street Racer and of course Gran Turismo.

It's surprising to think this one has come out already over ten years ago. Its barebones presentation belies its deep systems: this is a true simulation. By this I mean it is perhaps less gamey than other alternatives (although it has a career mode). Visually it looks great but not as impressive as some more recent games, especially the environments. The models are quite detailed, especially the indoor shots. Theses games however live and die by its systems. What we have here is the ability to go as deep as you want, including, of course, tinkering under the hood as well as controls.

What is refreshing is indeed its dedication to realism and the palpable feeling different automobiles give you puts you into that zone of working for the fastest time, perfecting your lines, shaving milliseconds and making the perfect lap for that car - then doing it all over again in a different one.

This is indeed the type where you become obsessive with perfection, much like a shooter, the casing becomes irrelevant and its the melding between eyes and fingers as you manipulate the machine to deliver the perfect response to the challenge the game's rules asks of you.

Above all, it's a game that you can perfectly just enjoy doing thousands of laps in a single car in a single track. In a way, the definition of the perfect game - infinitely replayable, always enjoyable, a classic experience. Sure the presentation could be finer, the graphics sharper, more cars or track available but F355 Challenge already answered the question (and I guess OutRun as well): one car, one track, a pair of eyes and a pair of hands is all you need. And to imagine there's a variety of modes.. and mods!..