What happens if you cross a realistic driving simulation with a racing game like Mario Kart?

The answer is here on the Xbox 360. This title reads new life into a saturated genre and offers an entertaining ride that is both fun and challenging.

The bare bones are a decent driving game with responsive and realistic controls, but add to this the Mario-style power-ups such as mines, missiles and nitro burst.

Blur is pitched perfectly with just the right balance between the two different types of game.

Some of the stages are excellent with the challenge to finish the race in a good position but also try and gain fans along the way with you style of driving.

There are three unique event types -- racing, checkpoint and destruction -- and there are always plenty of other cars on track.

Overall this is an excellent title that offers enough thrills and spills to keep you coming back for more.

Dean Harness