Cross-platform fever
Multiplayer has tested both the Xbox and PS2 versions of Colin McRae 2005. The impressions confirm once again a situation that is difficult to dispute: cross-platform titles are always in favor of the Microsoft console, which makes the most of its potential, offering faster uploads and a better definition. To tell the truth, the two versions are very similar to each other, and the PS2 version is not excessively penalized by flickerio or aliasing, but having to choose the best one, also considering the efficiency of the Live service, it is advisable to orient yourself on that crusade.
Watch out for the mud
However, it hasn't always been a downhill road for Codemasters. Just like in a real rally, the evolution of the titles dedicated to Colin McRae had to go through a tortuous path, with dangerous skids. Perhaps intoxicated by the resounding success of the second chapter, the programmers were unable to fully reproduce the spirit on the next generation consoles, so much so that the third edition received mixed reviews. The fourth came perhaps too soon, and with no real possibility of positively balancing the situation. Probably this awareness motivated the modification of the suffix, as for a recovery of identity. Colin McRae Rally 2005 wants to reach a significant new stage in the saga, ideally referring to the legendary 2.0 version. And we have to admit, he succeeds. Where to improve an already solid base? First of all by filing away the most flawed (or criticized) aspects, and strengthening the positive ones. No sooner said than done. Codemasters certainly does not choose the path of innovation, but wisely is inspired by Electronic Arts in the work of accumulation for features, and graphic embellishment. But above all, it focuses on a justified online mode, which transcends the mere side option, and we really wanted it. But let's go step by step. One of the most contested aspects of the previous chapters was the impossibility of facing the career mode (the spinal cord of the game) with a stable at will, being exclusively tied to the Ford driver, and related car. With the new edition it will instead be possible to face it with the favorite car (and there are many), an aspect that raises the replayability factor. The pre-race setup has also been improved, another well-known thorn in the side of the series, now more fun to manage, and functional to the performance of the car on the track. A must also be mentioned for the number of circuits available, which is decidedly high. Both in terms of quantity and variety, this is certainly the richest edition among those released so far.
Comment
Colin McRae 2005 undoubtedly represents the evolutionary pinnacle of the Codemasters saga, since its 32bit debut. All the aspects that have made it successful have been raised to power, with excellent results. So much so that we can consider this last incarnation at the same level, if not higher, than the second episode. As a natural result we have the best simulation dedicated to rally, at least on the Microsoft console, while on the Sony one it finds the WRC series as a valid antagonist. The graphics sector does not reach the levels set by other productions, but it is overall good, while the playful sector perfects an already very solid base. Those who come from the previous chapter may not find substantial news, but on the other hand the various improvements and online support represent in our opinion a more than valid reason for the purchase.
- Pro:
- Proven gameplay
- Many tracks and cars available
- Online game support (both versions)
- Against:
- Outdated graphics engine
- Few substantial changes from last year
- Not suitable for those looking for an arcade rally
More than a rally, an improvement
Pad in hand, the rigorous nature of the Codemasters title is presented in all its splendor, re-proposing the well-known simulative guide system, but also inclined towards the less practical user. We could define it as a hybrid between immediacy and severity of learning, what matters is that the result is tremendously effective. The controls of the cars are easily assimilated, the management of curves much less; dominating crazy racing cars under your hands, looking for the best time, represents an exciting challenge for everyone. As expected, the crucial factor is represented by the drift, a basic rally maneuver, the mastery of which is the real passepartout of progress in the game. We in multiplayer could not help but advance a comparison with the Sony rally saga (WRC), the only one able to compete on equal terms with Colin. And we cannot deny the greater playful availability of the Codemasters title, which offers a more fun driving experience linked to the “playful” concept, while not giving up the realism factor, where Evolutions emphasizes its simulation purpose to the extreme.
The crucial factor is represented by the management of the drift, a basic rally maneuver, the mastery of which is the real passepartout of progress in the game.
More than a rally, an improvement
The visual impact is less impressive, substantially similar to the previous version. Although not without improvements, the game engine now seems unable to offer the fateful qualitative leap that might be expected. For example, we mention the public, still represented with two-dimensional sprites, but also the level of detail on the settings. Limits probably also imposed by the cross-platform need to produce a scalable engine for all consoles, but the fact remains that, in the Xbox environment, RSC2 by Digital Illusions offers a very different graphics system. We were talking at the opening of Live Support. Well, Colin 2005 offers a very interesting and adequate mode for Microsoft's online service, that is the possibility of competing with eight players on the same track. It is a choice that slightly distorts the philosophy of the title, but which is apt in the context. On the other hand, it is well established that the purely solitary nature of a rally simulator lends itself very badly to this type of use. Obviously, the success of this mode will be decreed by the number of users willing to grapple with the challenges on the net.
Colin McRae. All rally fans are well aware that this name does not only identify the famous driver, but one of the most popular videogame sagas for its simulation depth, a real point of reference in the 32-bit era. Although today's situation is slightly more complex, the flagship Codemasters continues to shine with its own light, and the abandonment of the numerical suffix for the year of the current season suggests a serialization very similar to that of the EA Sports sports titles. We are talking about a complex situation due to the very high quality level achieved by the competition. If years ago there was no other title that could rival the Codemasters racing, today the WRC saga (but also the rally mode of the next GT4) represents a respectable antagonist on PS2. On XBox instead, Colin is still the undisputed apex of the genre, considering that the only real competitor is RSC2 of Digital Illusions, a title however more oriented towards an arcade mold.
Colin McRae Rally 2005 wants to reach a significant new stage in the saga, ideally referring to the legendary 2.0 version. And we have to admit, he succeeds.
