SCAR - Squadra Corse Alpha Romeo demo

Combining GT racing with role-playing elements, SCAR sets an ambitious course for itself, but the demo promises success. Improving nine driver attributes such as Intimidation, Vision, and Handling motivates you to race, and a variety of performance accomplishments create incentive to master the game skills. The graphics are nothing special, but the gameplay and intriguing role-playing elements make up for fewer polygons and a lack of cool lighting effects.

The demo allows access to three gameplay modes: Instant Action, Dynasty, and Time Trial. The first mode features straight-out racing with three cars (Giula TZ2, 156 GTA, and 147 GTA) on three courses. Dynasty lets you play through the first two events of the rookie tour, gaining experience points (XP) for drafting, passing, performing clean laps, and knocking other drivers out. Time Trial lets you race the same courses as Instant Action either without opponents or against online drivers via the included GameSpy Arcade.

All the controls are easily customizable, and you can navigate by mouse, keyboard, or controller. Jazzy background music makes you feel as if you're in a European cafe. The soundtrack veers a bit close to light jazz, but there's some funk in that SCAR trunk.