Fuel is a racing game where the participants race for...fuel. The idea of using fuel to win fuel seems strange to me, much like selling your car to pay for petrol. Luckily for the developers I am not in the game to be this voice of reason.

The game is set in the near future where fuel appears to be in short supply. Thus, you as a racer load up your vehicles and challenge anyone and everyone for any fuel that is left. These races take place all over the shop, though mostly off road. This gives Fuel a “Motorstorm” style feel. Also, for us oldies, it has a little of Codemasters “insane” to it. The graphics are pretty steady, nothing spectacular.

One thing about Fuel that I appreciate is the AI. With a lot, if not most, racing games the AI is flawless and will never make a mistake. With Fuel, the AI is as likely to do something wrong as yourself. This makes it feel slightly like you're playing multiplayer and human opponents even when you're not. When you add this in with the fact that you're actively encouraged to take shortcuts, often through trees and over hillocks, AI mistakes are likely. There is no unfair advantage though, the player is mistake prone as well. At least, this player is.

The actual gameplay, as you can imagine, is pretty standard. You go faster than the other guys and you win. You race through checkpoints over the fastest route that you can find. Shortcuts, as I say, are encouraged though not always advisable. The races take place in a variety of vehicles such as bikes, cars, buggies and trucks.

All of these, obviously, handle differently and are useful in different environments. Bikes, for example, are very good offroad. With your winnings you can buy new vehicles and use them in races. Out of the standard race mode is a free ride mode. This allows you to drive around freely and find different things scattered about the map. These can range from vistas to livery for your character or vehicles.

All in all Fuel isn't spectacular but it is fun and that's the main thing. The only thing that really dampened my enjoyment was my lack of skill at racing games. You shouldn't let that put you off though.