March 09, 2004
Colin McRae Rally 3
I'm really getting into this XBox driving game, Colin McRae Rally 3. Colin McRae is a four-time Rally World Champion (and the current titleholder I believe) and has switched to driving a souped-up Ford Focus RS200 in recent years (something like 300bhp).
Anyway, the game differs from most driving games in that the car will accrue damage during the course of the race that affects its performance. The game is designed to mirror rally dynamics so one frequently has to race at least three or four stages before the car can be repaired to optimal (in the event of really severe damage like a rollover it frequently cannot be repaired completely during a day).
This leads to a change in the playing dynamics--no more "balls to the wall" driving because a mistake might mean a DNF and really serious damage to the car.
I underestimated how this might affect game play until I tried it. I have become that much more cautious and 2nd and 3rd place results are now treated with joy rather than the previous frustration. Only a near perfect drive will give you a 1st place on a stage (I've never achieved it, only got really close).
If you've got an XBox and like driving games, buy this game!
Posted by artandscience at March 9, 2004 03:56 PM