So, I had avoided buying the first two incarnations of this game, made by Black Bean and released by Milestone because the initial reviews were poor, and I didn't want to burn my money. However, being a big fan of the WRC, I decided to give the third installment a go. Three times a charm right...?

...wrong. They try so hard to capture some of the pizzazz of Dirt 3 along with the WRC license, and in the end they just fall flat on their face. The game basically feels like an older rallying game called Xpand Rally Xtreme, with a license. Physics don't make the most sense, the cars don't feel as radically different as they should, the graphics are pretty, but not as polished or nice as Dirt 3, and overall the game just lacks the same substance. This is especially true in the championship section, where service times are unrealistic and happen after each stage (an hour of repair time is given each stop) there is still no tire degradation, the menu controls are horrible, and the setup options are meh. Ultimately the game is just discombobulated and lacks direction and focus.

I think my biggest mistake in terms of getting virtual rally fixes is having played Richard Burns Rally, and the subsequent mods which have added newer cars, different stages and some excellent functionality. Despite being from 2004, the graphics are fine, and the physics are, and always have been, second to none.

I'm just wondering why the FIA doesn't give all the gaming licenses to Codemasters. Besides making excellent but accessible racing games, they actually build a strong surrounding environment to it all. At least, that has been my experience with the F1 series, as well as GRID and to a smaller degree Dirt.

I felt like sharing if anyone else had the itch.

These guys didn't have such a harsh review, but you're right... it's pretty sad that no rally games have yet to reach the bar set by Richard Burns Rally so many years ago.

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1997 Talon TSi AWD
2008 EVO X MR