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Colin McRae Rally 3

Score: 85%
ESRB: Everyone
Publisher: Codemasters
Developer: Codemasters
Media: DVD/1
Players: 1 - 4
Genre: Racing

Graphics & Sound:

As the latest entry into the growing rally sports racing field, Colin McRae Rally 3 has detailed and smooth visuals. While not as sharp as Microsoft's RalliSport Challenge, with less environmental effects then that title offers, its textures seem crisp, and the game's cars have detailed, reflective surfaces.

Colin McRae Rally 3 offers a solid frame rate, and cars move along at convincing speeds. Cockpits are detailed, and exteriors offer deformable bodies. Even your front hood will come up during races, and cars can get quite banged up.

Sound effects are solid, and very similar to RalliSport Challenge's. Music is adequate for the task, and overall, graphics and sound, while not astonishing, are very well done, and provide a fast, visceral racing experience.


Gameplay:

Gameplay is similar to Microsoft's rally racing game, but whereas that title offers a streamlined, arcade style experience, Colin McRae Rally 3 goes for realism in almost every category. Races are broken down into multiple stages, damage is cumulative, and there are far more options when configuring one's car. Also, when playing the single-player season, only one driveable car is available: The Ford Focus RS WRC.

While other cars can be driven in the Stages Mode, which is the single race, arcade mode that allows one to four players, the main focus of the game is a grueling three season Championship Mode. As mentioned above, damage is cumulative in this mode, and that means that it is of utmost importance to keep your car in tiptop shape while racing.

The end result is a game that is intended more for die-hard racing fans, especially those who love rally racing. More casual players will likely find the competition too intense and unforgiving. This is unfortunate, as it would have been nice if Codemasters had made provision to dumb Colin McRae Rally 3 down for those of us who prefer an easier time at it.


Difficulty:

As mentioned, this title is extremely difficult. While driving can be quite fun, and the co-driver, Nicky Grist, can prove quite useful as he calls out track information, Colin McRae Rally 3 is a game that demands a tremendous amount of time and effort in order to really get the most out of it.

With this in mind, please realize the difficulty levels the game offers make the game MORE difficult, not less so. In other words, the Easy mode is not easy, and as you raise the difficulty level, the game just gets harder and harder.


Game Mechanics:

Colin McRae Rally 3 has a funky user interface, although it really isn't difficult to navigate. It has direct options for a steering wheel, as well as a number of controller schemes. Loading screens can be quite confusing, as it is hard to tell whether a press of a button is necessary to proceed or not, but after a while you learn the idiosyncrasies of the game.

It is unfortunate that Colin McRae Rally 3 isn't more accessible to all types of game players. Its target audience seems to be hardcore racing fans, which likely excludes a large number of American console owners. But regardless, it is a well made game, with an authentic Championship Mode, accurately modeled cars, real damage modeling, and sharp, smooth graphics. It may not appeal to all types of users, but for those who appreciate it, this should be a must buy game.


-Gordy, GameVortex Communications
AKA Gary Lucero

Microsoft Xbox Cel Damage Microsoft Xbox Defender

 
Game Vortex :: PSIllustrated