Rally around the Xbox.

"Sure the PS2 has Grand Turismo 3 and the Nintendo GameCube has...uh...Pikmin; but the XBOX has what makes racing fans drool."

Intro
Now you have to give it to Microsoft. I've always felt that they have consistently put out solid gaming titles. Until now, nothing they have done compares to this. It's exciting to see how a series begins, which should be enough encouragement for you to pick up this great title. I'm sure the series will continue for years to come...

I have to tell you Rallisport Challenge boasts some serious good karma. While the car list doesn't compare to GT3, you do get over 25 licensed cars (and yes the do take damage) ranging from Subaru to Audi. It's also quite amusing and fun to see "Group B" cars that were produced in the 80's... all we need now is a few Swatches and some Def Leppard.

Get'n down -n- dirty...
The XBOX has really given racing fans a lot to cheer about. Project Gotham Racing and tongue-in-cheek Wreckless has given XB owners hours of hard-core gaming goodness. I first played the game as a demo prior to its released and I forked over the cash just to reserve a copy for that day. As much I wanted a simulation type game such as GT3, I was glad to see that it fell more into the arcade slot. No matter how beautiful a game looks (and looks is what grabs most people on this game), it can only take you so far. For a racing game to truly be successful, the physics have to be balanced perfectly. There has to be a fair amount of realism and power sliding, but with unrealistic airtime and arcade gameplay.

For the most part I am satisfied with the balance, but it is a bit "slippery" for my liking. I like the tight controls with forcible power sliding as in Gotham. The game plays more a Tokyo Extreme Racing on dirt. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it did take a while to get used to. And since you can customize your vehicle prior to racing, I found the options that felt right to me. Don't be afraid to experiment.

The second most important ingredient to a successful racing game, especially a rally-type game; is the speed/fun factor. Both of these hit the target full on. The games pacing is smoother than silk, but faster than Right Said Fred's career. It's not nearly as fast as Xtreme GIII Racing, but it does give you some nice adrenaline rushes. Good control intermixed with a great sense of speed gives what the developers wanted to give to the end user... fun. No matter what type of game you prefer, you can't help but not to have fun. Even non-racing fans can appreciate the intensity, easily controlled action that packs more fun than watching ninja dwarves playing hockey in a blacklight.

Microsoft, more known for PC games, has really made a diverse gem when it comes down to options. There are four playable modes and each has their own specific lures. The core of the game centers around the "Career" mode, which also sports a nice "create-a-player". This alone should give you a good romping time, but if you choose check out the three other areas of play. I rarely strayed from the point-driven career mode, however, other than to play multiplayer. But, if you just want a quick 15-minute relaxer, give single race a shot. Want to see how fast you can complete a course? Check out time-attack.

The fun continues far past the fairly linear career mode, and adding multiplayer really adds more depth to the game. With up to four players, it was like video-crack and I just couldn't get enough. Phone your buddies, and have them snag some controllers and expect a red-eye-tomorrow.

Mud so good you'll wanna lick it...
The most obvious attraction of the game, is simply the amazing visuals. However, there are no screen shots that do Rallisport justice. The amount of detail that went into the game is simply unmatched by any console game... even the legendary Halo can't hold a candle to the detail...

That wasn't a typo, and it really takes hours to appreciate the tiniest of details that make the game so brilliant. Everything from mud splattering, to real-time car damage makes this the most realistic game ever to hit a television. If I had to list all of the minute details, this review would never end. It's amazing to see how the dirt flies up on your hood, and how trees sway in the breeze and how a fence splinters as you crash into it. With Wreckless I was stunned, and with RallisportI was left numb. For XB skeptics, the graphic engine was like bat out of hell. There was no stopping, choking or hesitation. Even with four players going at it, it was totally tight.

Not only are the details incredible, just wait until you see the environments in action. Each course has it's own specific feel and make you feel like a part of the race. To add the cherry on the sundae, I was overly impressed with the sweet camera angles. Check out the "hood cam" for some real time bouncing action. The camera slips and moves as it would in real life, and I honestly couldn't get enough of it. Yea, my times were reduced because of the lack of control with that angle, but my eyes couldn't believe what I was seeing. The backgrounds are equally gorgeous. Lush, colorful and vast. All the graphics from the cars to the lighting effects are like nothing you have ever witnessed.

With graphics so strong, it would be hard for the audio to find a place in a review. I'm happy to say that the audible experience was just as impressive as the visual. The engine noise is superbly done, and you will hear the tiny pings of rocks and the splashing of debris on your car. The engine and tires react according to the surface you are driving on, which really gives the ambience you were looking for. Voice acting and pseudo-play-by-play are fantastic and right on.

The soundtrack is decent, and the sound effects out shadow the tunage. The most memorable band is Fear Factory; but lets not forget that this is a Microsoft made game. This means that you can customize the soundtrack to whatever tunes you want. Awesome, indeed! If the mundane techno music is old-hat for you, add in whatever fits your fancy (did I just say "fits your fancy?") and play on.

66 Says:
I have to say, that I was overly impressed with the game. While the hype of other games; such as Wreckless let a lot of people down, this should redeem itself from start to finish. Yea, I wish there were a handful more tracks, but the multiplayer really makes up for it.

The game is a blast no matter how long you want to play it. Whether it is for 15-minutes or five hours, it will satisfy your racing bug. The controller works seemingly flawless with the game, and shouldn't be difficult for even beginners to pick up and play.

XBOX owners should definatley pick this one up. A rental will whet your lips, but save yourself the five bucks and just buy it. While the game is brilliant, it doesn't compare to the longevity a Halo would have. Nevertheless, the game is outstanding and worthy of five stars. Again, the only flaw is the slight control issue, but after an hour you should be good to go... enjoy.


Gameplay: [8]
Slightly slippery controls knock this down a few notches...

Graphics: [10]
The best I've seen on a console to date...

Audio: [10]
Don't like the soundtrack? Change it to whatever you want...

Replay: [8]
Even if you breeze by the career mode, the multiplayer is equally fun...

Overall: [9]
Just when you though the XB was down on its luck...