SimBin is no stranger to racing simulation, but will this be enough to pull platinum on its debut Xbox 360 title Race Pro?  With so many racing games  available, (Grid, Forza, etc...) the Swedish development team went with something they knew a lot about, FIA GT racing.  FIA GT racing isn’t as popular in the U.S. as NASCAR, especially considering the last FIA GT race was 1999.  Can SimBin break away from its PC style racing simulator and cross the finish line with Xbox 360? 

Let’s get into the driver’s seat, buckle the 5-point, and take this baby for a spin.  Keep in mind that this game is not arcade style racing, it’s realistic style.  Choose between three different difficulty settings, novice, semi-pro, and professional.  Anyone new to this type of game might want to spend a little extra time in single race mode on novice.  Single Race mode is set up like other racing games. Pick a car, get in, and drive the track of your choice.   Once you feel comfortable move on up to career mode, pick your career group, and then your car.  With over 350 cars from 48 manufactures this will not be an easy pick.  The down side is all cars are not available from the start.  Which means you will not be driving the CCXR with 1018bhp at the beginning.   There are only three cars from two career groups to start with.  The first one will be the Mini Cooper sporting 210bhp @ 7250rpm’s, second will be the Caterham CSR 200 sporting 200bhp @ 7000rpm’s, and third will be the Radical SR3 sporting 205bhp @ 9000rpm’s.  Let’s just say the Mini Cooper isn’t your average grocery getter. 

As anyone would have to do, you must start out on the bottom and work your way up to become part of the team.  Joining the team is no easy task.  Teams have try-outs, and if you can beat their lap time you will be invited to sign a contract at a discounted price.  That’s right, credits are involved, and if you have enough you can buy straight into the team without trying out.  Just a hint, being in the top spots is the preferred method for extra contracts good for one race, and high-end car.  OK, the contract is signed, but what did you just sign, and did you read the fine print.  If you take the contract you just agreed to race three races, and if you get the top spots, the more credits and unlocks will come your way.  You must complete the contract (good, or bad) to be able to sign another contract.  Complete the try-out, or buy in, to experience 15 tracks from around the world, including two in the United States.  Now grab the wheel (yes, the steering wheel will work on this game) and race your way to the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), Formula 3000, and Formula BMW.