Colin McRae Rally 3, Electronic Games

The name Colin McRae is probably as synonymous now with the virtual rally experience as with the sport of rallying itself. Possibly more so. The two previous Colin-endorsed titles on the PC and PSX enjoyed great success, having being recognised for their authentic representation of the sport. It was only a matter of time before a next-gen sequel would be announced, and it was pretty much a dead cert that anticipation for such a title would reach great heights. Well the wait is over, and not only for PS2 owners but Xbox fans too. Stuck behind the wheel of the famous Focus RS WRC, players take on the role of Colin himself, alongside long-standing co-driver Nicky Grist. Starting the game with a three-year contract, the aim is to win a series of championships for Ford Rallye Sport - quite possibly a contractual obligation in Codemasters and Ford's agreement. Eight gruelling international rallies make up the proceedings in the World Championship, taking players through an array of diverse conditions, including rain, snow, dirt, gravel, and tarmac. Each rally begins in the service area, with the team's engineers performing the set-up requirements, adjusting the car's suspension, engine, and chassis for the course ahead. Each setting can also be manually adjusted in the case of anyone who thinks they know better. The rally driving itself follows suit with the series, delivering an impressive level of both technical and visual detail. The emphasis here is most definitely not on providing a simple, arcade experience, as the veritable 'Focus simulator' requires a combination of time, skill and a great detail of patience to master. Stick at it though, and an incredibly deep and authentic rally simulation is unearthed, although it must be pointed out that the physics can rather frustratingly appear on the over-imaginative side. The original Colin McRae Rally game is widely recognised as having defined the rally game genre. It's been a long wait for the series to reach the current generation of consoles but, all in all, worth it, as this title more or less delivers everything it promised.

Buy Colin McRae Rally 3 for 7.99 GBP

Rayman
They said it couldn't be done and they were wrong. For some reason, the consensus with handhelds is that they cannot accurately match the graphical capabilities of home consoles. Rayman Advance from Ubi Soft is one of the most amazing looking portable games we have ever had the pleasure of playing. It looks almost identical to the PlayStation version and that is some accomplishment. It's time to t...
Street Hoops
Giving a 'boys 'n the hood'-style kick up the backside to your typical NBA basketball game, Street Hoops offers an in your face, street-style slant on the sport. Capturing the aggressive energy and attitude of blacktop competition, the game allows players to compete in a nationwide tournament, representing their hometown on the most notorious street courts in the nation. Authenticity of the locale...
Spyro the Dragon: Season of Ice
The victory over the evil Sorceress a thing of the past, Spyro and his friends, Hunter and Sparx, are all looking forward to a hard-earned, uninterrupted holiday at Dragon Shores. Some hope! Meanwhile, a lowly Rhynoc spell librarian sees his chance for that career change he's always wanted. Discovering a transforming spell in the Sorceress' magic library, he quickly recites it, turning his slight ...
Outlaw Golf
In what can only be described as a bad man's golf game, Outlaw Golf is perhaps one of the most originally themed games of its genre. Golf game after golf simulator, these games often try too hard to stand out from the crowd and most end up failing. TDK's Outlaw Golf however, which pits rejects from the classier golfing leagues against one another, excels in this respect. There's a mean character c...
Outtrigger
Do you believe that you are good enough to join an elite anti-terrorist force? If so, then step up to the challenge set by Outtrigger on the Dreamcast. Outtrigger is an action-packed first person shooter by Sega and it rocks. Designed with multi-player in mind, Outtrigger is another triple 'A' title to breathe life into the fast-fading DC. Think fast, shoot fast and move even faster. Outtrigger ca...
Tennis Masters Series 2003
This year, 2002, Game Boy Advance owners have been spoilt for choice when it comes to tennis sims. It seems that we can't get enough of 'em. Well according to Microids anyway, because they've brought us another new virtual tennis experience by the name of Tennis Masters 2003. Travelling to the hard courts of Indian Wells, Miami, and Toronto, or visiting the luxurious clay courts of Monte Carlo, Ro...