Realistic racing simulation games are usually the strict domain of retail console releases. Games like Gran Turismo 5 pack a robust number of tracks, cars and customization on a single disc. Racing titles that are available on the Wii, handheld devices (iPhone or DS) or as downloadable purchases on PSN or XBLA fall more into the fantasy racing genres of Need for Speed or Mario Kart. That's why it's surprising that publisher O-Games and developer Milestone decided to make their latest release, Superstars V8 Racing, available as premium download content on PSN instead of as a full disc. The game is more about realism and customization than high-speed reckless driving. While the game does feature some cool drift moves as well as a variety of tracks and challenges, there isn't quite enough nuance to justify purchasing this title even if it does retail for the low price of $19.99. Also, it's nearly impossible to find any online competitors in the multiplayer mode which makes that feature almost a useless add-on.

Let's face it; gamers looking for a realistic racing sim are going to go with Gran Turismo any day of the week. They'll play these games nonstop, building up "hooptie" into BMW M5. The average gamer, however, will quickly tire of working day and night just to build up a roster of cars than can go past 60mph. Superstars V8 Racing doesn't force you to work laboriously to build up your cars. Instead, gamers get several cool cars to start off with like the BMW M5 and the Audi RS4. This makes the game readily accessible to the average consumer. Driving is simply a mix of holding down the R2 button to accelerate and using the L2 button to brake and drift. You can jump into a Quick Race at any time. There are only a handful of tracks pulled from various regions in the world including Italy, Spain, Portugal and South Africa. Since races are confined to a tournament track, you don't really get a feel for any variety in setting. Since this game isn't marketed as a full out racing sim like Gran Turismo, it would have been nice if Milestone had made more use of the locations. Adding in a few fantasy tracks that took place in the setting but not on a restricted course would have given the game some additional value. If I'm going to be in Italy and South Africa, I want to experience it.

There are four levels of difficulty, ranging from Easy to Legendary. The game defaults to easy, so you'll be able to quickly catch up with the 18 other cars racing against you. You can also quickly get back on course if you drive off road. However, you will get penalized for bumping other racers or cutting through the track. If you're a pro-racer, you will want to go straight to Legendary. This offers the most exciting racing experience. Gamers can also toggle the weather from sunny to rainy or just switch it to random.

The graphics are pretty good for a downloaded game. Each car takes damage to the front and back of the car. The first few races I played, I was bumping almost every car to make my way to first position. However, there was no damage taken to the sides of the car. I did, however, notice my car start to deteriorate with the more damage I took so I had to step my game up. You can toggle off the realism if tire wear and damage become a pain, but you would be doing yourself a disservice. Although this is a PS3 title, there are a few moments when you'll see texture pop in the race and sometimes the frame rate seems to drop periodically. You will also see some choppy camera zooms during auto race features and the playback.

The game does benefit from several modes of play. There are the weekend races, which feature two thirty-minute free practice races. In this mode, you will be able to learn a track and tweak your car to adjust to each track. Once again, Superstars V8 Racing tries to add this additional level of realism. You have to wonder who really wants to play 30 minutes of free practice just to learn how best to tweak their gears and brakes. Other car features you can modify include: suspension, tires, wing, and engine mapping (Acceleration, Control or Traction). After you complete free practice, you will have a thirty-minute qualifying race and a final race. Championship Mode is a longer version of The Weekend Race.

Probably the best mode comes from the Superstar Licenses. In this mode you will compete in various challenges to racing supremacy. There are time trials, car duels and various race scenarios that are great for replay value.

Sadly, there are no relatively no players competing online in this game. So if you're hoping for some intense online multiplayer, you may want to hold off.

Superstars V8 Racing isn't a bad game. It's just nothing new. A game like this would have been more of a success if it were designed more along the realms of Need for Speed and less in the vein of Gran Turismo.

Final Rating: C+