IndyCar racing is one of the most popular sports in America. Millions of people just love to crowd into an outdoor sports complex and watch those high speed demons race in an oval for hours on end. However, the gaming form of the sport isn't quite as popular. While underground racing games have been the new buzz around the industry, there is only a niche market for the IndyCar scene. Codemasters is here to give those niche gamers and IndyCar fans one of the best games based on the sport.

IndyCar Series 2005, the latest entry in Codemasters' IndyCar franchise takes everything that was lacking in previous incarnations and upped the level of realism and excitement to create what could be the best IndyCar game ever to grace a home console. With that said, this game will not appeal to most gamers. It's not a game that you can't buy on a whim and have a blast with. Sitting through 50 laps of high speed ovals is not fun for everyone, but for those who enjoy the sport, this is certainly the game to buy.

New to the series with 2005 is the inclusion of online play via Xbox Live. Up to 12 players can compete online to see who has the fastest racing machine. The online play runs smoothly with minimal latency. This inclusion alone is enough to make any IndyCar fan pick this one up. You can only play against the computer so many times, and nothing beats a human opponent.

For those IndyCar fans unfamiliar with Codemasters' series, 2005 features everything you could want in an IndyCar title. The game is officially licensed by the Indy Racing League. It includes 15 total tracks featured on the circuit, including the big names like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Twin Ring Motegi Speedway in Japan, Pikes Peak International Raceway, Texas Motor Speedway, and Chicagoland Speedway. In addition, players will find official drivers and sponsors, along with all the rules you'd find on the real circuit.

There are also several modes of play in IndyCar Series 2005. If you just want a quick, no strings attached race, you can select the Quick Race option. You can customize your car settings and even go on a test lap before making any final adjustments. Then head to the track for 50 or so laps against the top IndyCar drivers. If you're ready for the real deal, you can participate in the Season Mode as your favorite IndyCar driver. You'll play all the way through a realistic season of Indy, making car modifications throughout the season.

If that weren't enough, while you're racing, you'll hear commentary from 2003 IndyCar Series Bombardier and Autosport Rookie of the Year, Dan Wheldon. He'll let you know how far from the lead car you are, how close you are to the car directly in front of you, and how much of a lead you have on the car directly behind you. He'll also chime in to let you know you've hit your fastest lap and other various tidbits. This helps to recreate the Indy scene as Wheldon acts almost like your personal pit crew at times.

IndyCar Series 2005 is a very good IndyCar racing game. However, that's really all it is. If you're not into the IndyCar scene, there's very little chance you will get any enjoyment out of this title. Codemasters has done an outstanding job creating a virtual IndyCar season with 2005, and any IndyCar fan should definitely pick this one up as soon as possible, but if you don't fall into that category, there's no reason to even consider picking this one up.