Whereas some developers have taken the term "casual" to mean dumbed down, Turn 10 has fully understood that its true meaning is accessibility.

Forza 3 is a triumphant game, and streets ahead of its predecessor and the competition precisely because Turn 10 have made it easy to get into, without compromising on the depth and complexity the series is famed for.

Forza 3 retains the infinite degree of fine tuning, engine management, and customisation previously enjoyed by only the hardest of car fanatics, but it also makes itself completely accessible to newcomers.  Me included.

I sit firmly in the Arcade Racer camp.  The likes of Forza and Gran Turismo have always frustrated me with skills required that are far beyond my reach. Forza 3 changes all that by giving you a guiding hand all the way.  If you are not ready to handle breaking, it will do it for you. If you need a racing line to tell you where to drive, it will give you one. If you don't want damage, turn it off.  Almost every element of the game is adjustable, with sliders letting you tweak until you find the sweet spot between accessibility and challenge.  And far from making the game a cake walk, it actually inspires you to get better.

The result is one of the best learning curves in gaming, and one that has completely changed the way I approach simulation racers.

Forza 3 also brings an unlimited rewind feature to the table, working like Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, any mistake you make is instantly reversible.  Again, this doesn't dumb things down at all, but instead takes away the level of frustration that would usually make me switch off.

On the track the game also impresses. The cars are the stars, they are beautifully modelled and with Forza's comprehensive editor, fully customisable.  The tracks are less impressive, they still look good, but the scenery suffers from some simple textures, however in the heat of a race everything runs very smoothly.

And the races do heat up pretty quickly.  At the start of your career it's fairly easy to gain a lead on your opponents and then then hold your position.  But as the career progresses rival cars get tougher and races become a tight jostle for supremacy.  Each racer waiting for the moment to make their move.  It's tense, but never less than enthralling.

With around 400 cars ready for you to purchase from the start it's a Top Gear fan's wet dream, and the cool lines and UI make it a pleasure to just sit and browse through the car showroom.

If you add in the store where you can create and sell designs, the fully featured tuning and upgrade system, and a some solid on-line modes, you have the best racer available this year.