#7: Outrun 2 (Xbox)

Yet another game that's not getting nearly enough love. Sega's sequel to perhaps the most seminal arcade racer of all time is one of the best games of the year, and no fooling. Those that didn't think so simply didn't "get" the game.

There's no realism on offer here, but there is speed, and beauty, and fun. Oh, and variety, challenge and longevity. And an arse-kickingly good soundtrack. Just try to get Magical Sound Shower out of your head.

I paid full price for this game (I bought it for myself as my birthday present this year), and consider it excellent value for money. Due to its dismal sales, however, you can now get it for around half-price in most places. If you don't get it, you're a bloody idiot. It's not going to worry the creators of the Gran Turismo or Project Gotham series, but it provides a wholly unique, stylish, fascinating, and absolutely refreshing alternative. It's also one of the few games that I can pick up and play just for the hell of it - spurning its many challenges or goals in favour of simply having yet another blast through the arcade mode. Great stuff.