Watching rally racing on television or in person isn't for everyone. This is a shame because the drivers that motor through the forests, deserts, mountains, or snow-lined twists and turns are perhaps the most skilled in all of motor sport. Rally racing requires cat-like reflexes and intense concentration. Both qualities translate nicely to video game versions; and Colin McRae Rally 3 on the Xbox will put those attributes to test. Named for one of the most famous rally racers of all-time, this racer packs 64 stages over 8 courses across the globe. In addition, an incredible number of rally cars are available each modeled in near-perfect detail.
Presentation/Graphics : 75
Rallisport Challenge is clearly the benchmark for rallying on the Xbox -- the game has subtle graphical details like trees gently shaking in the breeze and realistic course graphics. By comparison, Colin McRae 3 is more static. This game won't make you say, "wow!" when sitting behind the wheel. While there are some dynamic entities, such as snowmobiles darting across the snow or helicopters kicking up dirt, the crowd lining the roads is disappointingly one step from the grave.
The game offers three camera views. The third-person view gives you a detailed rally car to look at. The decals, backfire, real-time damage, and more are done with precision and add to the game's presentation. If playing from either the in-car or hood camera, you still get the feel of damage; if your hood gets unhinged it will pop up and obstruct your view on bumps and jumps--driving blind was never so much fun.
No matter what view you choose, you'll see some impressive sun glare effects. Unfortunately, the game does have a few graphical issues. First, there is a draw-in on the horizon. Secondly, some courses have inadequate lighting. Even during daylight hours some courses are too dark, which makes taking curves tough even with the pace notes.
Presentation/Audio : 90
If you want incredible sound, you can listen no further than this game. Aside from the whine of the engine as you shift through the gears, the sounds of crunching metal or screeching tires absorb gamers' ears. However, the game truly excels with Colin's co-driver Nicky Grist's pace notes. If you've ever watched rallying, the co-driver is imperative to the success of the driver. The characteristics of the road are barked out so the driver (you in this instance) can set up for turns in advance. Grist gives you an indication of what gear to take in a curve or what hazards are on the road. Success in this game is all about listening to Grist.
Interface/Options : 40
One area in which this game is deficient is in the game options. First, there are only two modes of play - championship and stage. In the stage mode you can drive on any unlocked course with any unlocked car; however, in championship mode you can only drive as McRae in his former team car, the Ford Focus. Licensing prohibits real competitors like Tommi Makkinen or Richard Burns appearing in the game. While multi-car racing (you and one or more competitors on the course simultaneously) is not a rally event, it would have been a great addition to the game. And you can't even race an individual rally. It's either a championship with McRae or a single time trial against no AI competitors.
The biggest complaint I have with the game is the lack of interaction when fixing damage to you car. In CM2 you were given an hour to fix your vehicle. Each repair took valuable minutes away and you had to decide what you wanted to fix and what you'd leave in disrepair on the next stage. This time around it's all automated and takes out one of the things that made CM2 so special.
Gameplay : 90
If we focus strictly on gameplay and forget about the paltry game options, we find a solid rally title. There are a few issues, but overall CM3 is a "blast of a driving game." First, the stages are reminiscent of real WRC rally stages. Heading through Sweden, you're greeted by very narrow paths surrounded by snow banks. In England, you'll romp through the forest. Each locale has a distinct feel and varying corners to navigate. The game has its share of tight hairpins.
Unfortunately, no rally game has provided a realistic rally stage in terms of distance. In CM3 each stage will take around three minutes (give or take 30 seconds) to complete. The game features real-time damage. Body parts can be torn away, windshields broken, and hoods ripped off. Regarding mechanical parts, those are damaged too, but they don't seem to affect handling as much as they did in previous McRae games.
The main mode of play is the championship mode. In this mode you go through several rallys and points are awarded for placing. The championship mode is comprised of three seasons, and as the seasons progress your competition simply gets faster. An interesting twist is that checkpoint updates are only provided if you don't start first. If you are at the top of the season's standings, you race first and don't get any feedback on your performance relative to others at each checkpoint.
The handling can be described as tight, perhaps too tight. Cars turn on a dime and it just seems like the steering is exaggerated just a bit. Another control issue comes up when you go a little off course. There's not enough of a penalty for leaving the road surface. If you get in the grass the car accelerates well and maintains speed. I'd prefer a model that penalizes you a bit more for going off course. In CM3 you can cut corners to shave a few seconds off your time. Still, the positives of the rally experience outweigh the minor gameplay issues.
Replay Value : 60
The replay value depends on your tolerance for time trials. If you like to set faster times, CM3 has plenty of replay value. If not, the championship mode comprised of only three seasons will leave you wanting more.
Overall : 76
You can't help feel that Codemasters dropped the ball on this one. CM2 was a spectacular rally game on the PC and PSX. By comparison, CM3 has only a fraction of the features of CM2 and fails to add significant upgrades. While the sound, driving, and stages are excellent, the game ultimately comes up short.
