Genre: Racing
Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Codemasters
# of Players: 2
Memory: 110kb PS2 Mem Card
ERSB: Everyone
Released On: 15 April 2003
Also On: XBox, GameCube, PC
Features: Realistic Rally Racing.
Website: www.codemasters.com
Introduction
Have you ever wanted to drive in a rally? I have, but the closest I will probably ever be is Colin McRae Rally 3. This game is one of the
"This takes the rally racing genre to a whole new level."
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most impressive rally racing games I have ever seen for the PS2 as well as one of the top 5 racing type games available for the PS2. This game takes the rally racing genre on the PS2 to a whole new level. If you like rally racing, this is definitel the PS2 games to get.
Presentation
The menus work, but could be better. They display at the bottom and kind of loop. You just keep scrolling until you find what you want. It is simple and works but takes some time to get back to the main menu if you’re in the middle of a submenu. The font is also difficult to read in the menus (pictures do help though).
The controls are simple enough and fit most racing games but can be customized to fit your preferences (to a degree). The gauges and items on screen do enough to not impead your sight. You can also watch from the outside or drive your car from inside.
Graphics
One word describes the graphics, astounding. The enviroment of this game pushs the limits of the PS2, especially for a high paced game. The cars are extremely detailed along with the
"One word describes the graphics, astounding."
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weather effects. Snow and rain are very real looking, along with the damage that I constantly inflict upon my vehicles. One of my favorite graphical features is that dust and snow or anything else can build up on your car as you drive along, just like in real life. The only real complaint in the area of graphics is that the levels are kind of plain and the people look very 2D.
Sound
Simple sound, but very realistic. The engine speed can be heard, nicely along with your co-driver’s voice. The voice uses rally terms to tell you what type of turn is coming up and directing you where to go. The voiceover was done by McRae’s co-driver Nicky Grist. The only thing I wanted at some points would have been some nice tasteful music. Just listening to the co-driver and my engine isn’t exactly great music.
Gameplay
This is where Colin McRae Rally 3 truely shined. This is the most realistic rally racing game currently on the market. Everything from the look and types of cars used to the voices and courses are true to life. The ability to tune your car to your liking is very nice. In my case though after around 2 races there wasn’t much car left to tune. My wonderful Ford Focus had no doors, windows, hood, bumbers, lights, or much of anything else, and you cannot drive without brakes really. One of my more recent discoveries was that if you damaged just one side of your car it could pull toward that side, just like if you messed up your alignment in a real car. That is enough about the realism, just get it, is pretty realistic.
This game allows you to race in 8 countries through 64 stages on almost every continent of the world. There are races on pavement, dirt, next to cliffs, and my favorite, in the snow. The best part is the cars drive differently on each surface. It is easy to spin out on snow, and hard to stear, but the snowbanks bounce you back onto the road nicely. There are many cars to choose from (21 to be exact) in all makes and models. Personally, I go with anything Subaru because then I have real AWD and can stay on the road a little better. Different cars mean different qualities, choose the car for the course. You can also race against your friends. Regretably you are each on your own course and can’t actually see each other, or hit each other. The ability to race together would be a nice addition. This lack of true multiplayer is the only thing holding gameplay down to a 9.0 score.
"Try to perform in an environment never before captured in a video game."
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You can just go for stages, or be a part of the Ford Rally Racing team. On the team you compete to try and with the Championship trophey. Once you’re on the team don’t do too much damage to your car, because for awhile it is the only one you have. My first time driving my car didn’t work at all after 3 races. It is amazingly difficult to learn how to rally race.
Conclusion
Overall, the best rally game for the PS2. Nothing can compare. This game provides gamers with a chance to really try to perform in an environment never before captured in a video game. For racing, especially rally racing Colin McRae Rally 3 is the way to go. Take this heart pumping, realistic, rally racing game home with you.
*GamersMark reviewed this title with a copy provided by CodeMasters.
