If you want a game about the crashing, get the Burnout Series. Trackmania is the SSX of racing. However, since they basically killed the online a few months ago I haven't touched the game. (I own the original, sunrise and united)
Amtrak between Boston and Washington DC is fine. Security lines at the airport and the many delays make up the time difference quickly. Now taking the train from Chicago, that's crazy.
Since PAX is during my spring break, I feel obligated to go but I need to figure out a way to explain this to my parents. (And avoid paying way too much for one way flights)