Multiplayer consists of two beginning options, Xbox Live, or System Link.  Xbox Live then gives you the choice of ranked and unranked matches, and the ever popular leader boards.  Now decide if you want to join the first available match, search for specific matches, or be creative and host your own track.  Did I forget to mention the Hot Seat option?  This is a first for racing simulators.  You and a friend can share seat time, or try versus where both of you team up with an A.I. and race to victory.

As a driver you must be in tune with your car, and Race Pro makes you understand that in all the main focus areas.  If it rains, you had better go in (yes, there is a pit) and adjust the traction.  If your brakes get hot, stopping distance is increased.  The controls are very touchy, even on novice.  You can adjust almost everything on the car, including damage when it occurs.  Don’t damage it to badly or you can forget the finish line.  To help with all of this, during the loading of a track you can use the d-pad and choose right or left to show hints/tips on that track.

As with any simulator, sound quality is a must.  Race Pro makes this possible with Dolby 5.1.  They do a great job giving you the atmosphere of racing (rumble strips, revving up, and passing exhaust), but some of the sounds are lacking or non-existent.  When racing, the only thing you will hear (except passing, getting passed, and running over things) will be your race car, no commentary, or the latest radio tunes.  This definitely will not land Race Pro the pole position in this area.

Graphics are important, not just the one’s on the race car, but in the game itself.  Let’s lift the hood and look at its engine.  No, it’s not a 350 bored out, or a HEMI, it’s the Lizard.  The Lizard engine does a good job considering it controls every aspect, but runs low on fuel in some areas.  The highlights would be the weather, tracks, cockpit, and race cars.  Some of the low points would have to be the damages done to the race car, and the back ground leave something to be desired.  It tends to be a little blocky at times. But it’s racing, not site seeing.

Overall Race Pro runs a fair trial time and should be in the race for your racing sim dollars, just not leading the pack to the finish line.