V-RALLY 3 (PS2)


V-Rally mis-fires for the first time...

By TOM FAHEY

One could hardly complain when playing a game such as Atari's newest, V-Rally 3.

With a well balanced combination of quality graphics, text-book gameplay, and an authentic game engine, V-Rally 3 presents itself in style on the PS2 shelves.

However (and I guess this is pure bad luck), it has been released amongst some of the other new rally car simulators of perhaps a higher calibre such as Rally Championship, and the upcoming Colin McRae Rally IV.

But don't let that discourage you, as V-Rally 3 holds its ground valiantly, and is defiantly worth a go.

V-Rally 3 has a very unique game setup. When playing the career mode, you start off with several e-mails in you in-box (even video games have your e-mail address!!) inviting you to trial some cars from various car manufacturers in order to gain a sponsor, and eventually score a full-time drive.

From here, your saga to attain that WRX or maybe the Evo VII begins...

Throughout the many different countries in VR3, there are many varying tracks to choose from to race on. Weather conditions, track surface, and all sorts of trivial variables provide a constantly altering style of game play.

One can also customise ones car, affecting the style of simulation and potentially suiting the various track conditions. The cars can also take damage when racing which is a feature that sadly, not many car games have. Not even GT3...

But how's this: You can bust up the brake pads, knock out the steering alignment - all kinds of nasty things. This can and will greatly affect your driving style and, in turn, cripple your time - even the car.

However, the steering in this game already has issues of its own, so who knows, knocking out the alignment may even do it a favour.

The graphics are quite pleasing to the eye, offering up smooth designs with many a polygon per car, to the bumper-bars and car doors that occasionally fall off - it's all of good quality.

And every now and then, you will cruise round a bend doing 85km/h, and a freakin' deer jumps out of nowhere demanding to be roadkill! Nice touch...

The sound effects are well... fairly car-like. However, it is quite cool how the engine sounds change if you blow a cylinder or snap a con-rod. Good old Atari - they thought of everything.

You also have a cool navigator buddy, who informs you of upcoming corners and dangers. Believe me, this guy is your friend. Without him the trials and tribulations of rally racing would be magnified.

In the end, V-Rally 3 falls short of the mark. But still, it puts up a good fight. The gameplay is slightly off centre, so it may suit some gamers better than others.

My advice? Give it a go. But you'll probably find what you're looking for in a rally game in Colin McRae, or even the rally aspect of the master car simulator, GT3.

ORIGINALITY 85%
SOUND/GRAPHICS 80%
PLAYABILITY 80%
ADDICTION 70%
ENJOYMENT 80%