Although it has sold almost one million games since it was launched in March, the Xbox is going through a pretty torrid time.

That's despite its brute power and one of the greatest video games ever, Halo.

Microsoft is hoping its own label games can boost interest in the console and expectations for futuristic racer Quantum Redshift (QR)

are running high.

QR is set 100 years in the future and features 16 futuristic ships you can fly to the finishing line.

At first glance, the game looks like a souped-up reworking of the Wipeout series which helped power the original PlayStation to glory but, underneath the amazing graphics, this is one of the most entertaining Xbox titles yet.

This game is faster than anything I've ever seen and racing along canyons, over mountains, down tunnels and around buildings delivers a real adrenaline rush.

The circuits mix wideopen environments with a few twists and turns and couldn't be much better, although longevity could be an issue.

There is no brake button, which pretty much sums things up, but there is a mighty fast turbo boost, which can be upgraded should gamers find things too slow.

The game also features three types of weapons, homing, non-homing and shield, all of which have their own button.

Winning races wins you money, which also buys you upgrades.

This is pretty standard stuff but Curly Monsters, which developed the game for Microsoft, have made sure everything is polished.

The controls although sensitive are easy to learn and gamers shouldn't have any problems beating the first couple of circuits in tournament mode.

However, novice drivers should note the learning curve gets pretty steep thereafter.

The main talking point is the graphics. The details are beautiful and even when things go blurry, which is often, the game doesn't sacrifice its paint job for its go-faster stripe.

QR is not a standout title but is a welcome and much-needed addition to the Xbox's catalogue of games.

If you have a need for speed this is ride worth taking.

Price: £39.99.

Contact: www.xbox.com
Feel good factor: 7 out of 10.