1-Sep-2003 After flogging more than six million copies, it must have been tempting for the Colin McRae coders to bash out an identikit sequel that would sell shedloads on its gear-grinding reputation alone.
Mercifully, Codemasters has gone back to the drawing board to overhaul the formula. Petrol-heads are about to be served up something new, and it's an even more realistic and rewarding experience.
A New Beginning While Colin McRae Rally 3 only featured a handful of gaming modes, the fourth edition is packed with challenges. There's everything from the two- or four-wheel championships where you compete for fame and fortune, to the hair-raising rallies that whisk you across the globe to some of the sport's most treacherous tracks.
A stack of multiplayer modes allow players to join forces and race for the same team, or sign up with rival manufacturers. There's even a sexy selection of classic cars to control.
The biggest change is the handling. Although Colin McRae titles have often been praised for their intuitive controls, many players felt uncomfortable with the games' steering which made it feel as if the cars were pivoting around a central point, rather than bumping and burning around the courses. This time, however, the steering feels more natural and convincing, allowing you to feel the weight of the vehicles as they skid and powerslide around the tracks.
With dazzling graphics, beautiful presentation and an option for faffers to spend hours in the workshop tinkering with their machines, Colin McRae 04 is shaping up to be one of the deepest and most exciting rally sims on the market.
Another new feature is the chance to earn new bits and bobs for your motor. Winning parts requires you to try your hand at a series of driving tests around the world. Fun mini-games add variety to the package, as well as helping to improve your driving techniques.
Complete the challenge in the time limit and get a brand new engine
The first test sees you in a garage, working
your way through a succession of gear changes. Players must change gears and hold the engine
revs within the green portion of the rev counter
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