Colin McRae Rally 05 (PS2)

Another year, another version of Colin McRae Rally. So what’s new in the 05 version?

Well, I can’t really comment on the graphics, as I’ve only ever played version 04 on the X-Box, and to be honest, the graphics in the PS2 version of 05 don’t look as good. But I doubt that the graphics have gone backward!

What is new is quite good, and it’s all in the game play. The main focus is a new multi-discipline career challenge, kinda like the V82 story line – where you start out at the bottom, this time club rallying and learn the skills you need over 20 different classes of rally events. Of course, the game lets you jump straight into the 4WD championship if that what you want.

The scenery is more animated this time, the crowds cheer and wave, and if you hit a tree, you get covered in falling leaves! It’s these little touches, as well as the more varied game play that save this from being just another version – it’s the career mode that makes this a more interesting version. But be warned – this is Colin McRae, the most realistic rally game around – it’s hard, damn hard!