I downloaded the trial version of Toy Soldiers without really knowing much about it. I did enjoy my brief time with it, though. The presentation is particularly striking.

DiRT

Yes, the original version. I’ve had it in my collection for a long time, but for some reason I’ve neglected it. I’m not a huge fan of the rallycross content, but the pure rally stages are fantastic. Turning off the HUD and map makes it really challenging, requiring one to listen to the co-driver’s notes carefully.

Playing DiRT made me wonder if there are any forthcoming rally simulation games, and it turns out that WRC 2010 is in development – not by Evolution Studios, but by Black Bean Games.

Motorstorm: Pacific Rift

Still the definitive arcade racing game, in my opinion.