Racing in virtual Shanghai

For those expats out there who've ever wondered what it might be like to get behind the wheel of an automobile here in Shanghai, this is your lucky day. Thanks to the USA Today, that bastion of impartial journalism and cutting-edge video game development, you can now race the streets of Shanghai on 10 circuits in one of five super charged hot rods—all for the low price of only US$19.99. Think of how much money you will save on gas and hospital bills not having to brave the actual motorways; the roads in virtual Shanghai can cause no serious physical harm. Unless you brave them for 72 straight hours in a net cafe, that is.

You can check out the Shanghai Street Racer free trial or purchase the game if it tickles your fancy. This might be the closest you ever come to car racing in Shanghai, especially given the increasingly frustrating gridlock featured daily in the downtown area.

We would try the free trial, but alas it is Windows only.

Photo from meckleychina's photostream on flickr.