I posted my first diary on my experiences with Need for Speed NITRO the weekend after the game was released and I was having a great time with my first real Wii experience. I'm pleased to say that hasn't changed.

Even though NITRO is a radical departure from SHIFT in both appearance and gameplay, this game wins with me for one reason above all: it's fun. A lot of fun.

When we last left off, I had just procured myself a Chevrolet Camaro SS, and after re-painting it red with orange racing stripes, giving it sort of a cherry-creamsicle motif, I was once again ready for action.

I was slowly able to unlock more cities in the Bronze Cup, eventually getting to the point where I had unlocked all five cities and I'm building up a war chest of funds which will be dedicated to buying my next dream machine.

Having unlocked all the cities to this point, I'd have to say my favorite to drive in has been Dubai, largely because of the scenery. The city is, as I said in the track guide, one big construction site. Driving past the Burj al Arab is something I didn't think I'd ever do in a videogame.

Back to the Camaro, while it's obviously much faster than my 4L, I've also been surprised to find that it is a better drift car, despite weighing nearly three times the Renault's weight. Drifting is a lot of fun in my Camaro, despite its massive curb weight and clumsy handling.

Hopefully by the next time I check in here, I'm able to get a car with a bit more get-up and go. The Camaro's nice, but I'm still a long way off from getting anything better.

I've also been experimenting a bit with the 'Wii Wheel' control method for NITRO, but haven't had as much success with it as with the Wiimote/Nunchuk combination. Something I'd like to know from the community is: which setup do you use and why?

If you have a question about NITRO or just feel like talking Need for Speed or cars, drop me a line. My e-mail address is: kirk@needforspeed.com.