Colin McRae Rally 2005

It requires a distinct sense of focus. And once you delve into it and get the feel of the game, you'll feel yourself riding along with a particular sense of rhythm and with a distinct sense of flow that is unlike any other game I've played.

My wish list for future iterations includes night racing, variable per-stage weather, working in-car gauges, and crowds that aren't 2D pancakes, but I can't say I've played a more satisfying racing game all year.

Yes, Colin is king, but when your only real competition turns out to be your previous release, it affects the effort and growth of the series - this is not the next evolutionary step fans had been hanging for.

Plays just as well as its console cousin, with the additional advantage of some gorgeous graphics.

Glossy, engrossing, and still fun, but just not nearly as essential as it used to be.

The difference would appear to be in the detail, and it's not merely cosmetic, with a new hard steer function lessening the reliance on the handbrake.

Simulation fans won't go wild for it, but this is perfect for everyone else to go fast through the countryside. [Jan 2005, p.72]

The crappy force-feedback effects and poor controller support (both my FF joysticks proved useless for playing the game) are sharp reminders of CMR 2005's console roots. [Holiday 2004, p.96]

That rock is the rocking arcade rally game "Rallisport Challenge 2," which offers better visuals, a more tangible driving sensation and arguably the best online support ever seen in a racing game. That hard place is "Richard Burns Rally," which has established itself as easily the most realistic (not to mention difficult) rally game. In the wake of these two triple-A titles, Colin McRae 2005 comes off feeling a little too tired to remain the pinnacle of rally gaming.