Burnout Revenge 360

But there's more than just racing to do online. You can share clips of your best crashes, for instance. Yes, for the first time since the series' debut, Burnout has replays. And you can save the best bits.

No need to try describing those astonishing crashes to sceptical friends later - all you need do is quickly rewind and hit record. You can save around 20 seconds, and store 20 clips per drive or memory card.

You can also, with a simple button press, upload your clip to share with friends (who'll be messaged about your new offering) and with recent rivals (who can see what you've been up to via their history lists).

Better still, people can then choose to 'recommend' the clip and send it to their friends, viral marketing style, or to download and keep it - both count towards a global popularity rating, and the very best will appear in a chart. It's both another way of competing and another way to enjoy those spectacular crashes.

The physics are notably improved, with cars even spinning on their noses should the impact dictate it, or slamming to complete halts in a very free-looking, realistic way.

Out goes the juddering wreckage of old and in comes fully detailed, curvy underfloors, suspension, brakes and interiors. The cumulative result is crashes even more intense and wince-worthy than ever, followed by glorious, particle-effect drenched destruction and a torrent of flying parts.

Naturally it also supports - and looks astonishing in - high-def 720p format. More importantly this format actually makes it better to play, as the extra crispness and detail in the distance really helps identify what's rapidly becoming the foreground.

Reworked colours and extra detail breathe further life into the tracks, something the useful new ability to glance sideways only enhances. You also get newly liveried cars and 10 fresh Crash junctions - oh, and the unpopular 'golf swing' start system has been stripped out.

So, it's more than just another port. In fact, Burnout Revenge 360 could well be one of the best reasons for buying an Xbox 360 this year, and a must-have game for existing owners. We'll find out for sure very soon.