WRC3

Rallying, with its exotic locations, fast cars and dramatic crashes has been the subject of numerous video games. For the last three years Colin McRae has been duking it out with the WRC franchise. Find out if WRC3 cuts the mustard this year.

This, in a tasteful and subtle manner brings us to the topic of replays. The game looks great in replay mode and in a nod to the hardcore Gran Turismo crowd includes an option telemetry display. It's not possible to save replays to the memory car as it was in WRC2 but at least we can watch time trial replays – something Project Gotham Racing 2 is lacking. Onboard cameras even have static during replays when going over bumps. And for those with the right televisual kit – yes this game runs in widescreen.

[Harry]

WRC3 is most definitely the best representation of rallying yet seen on PlayStation 2. The incredible stages have finally been matched with a believable and playable physics model in a package that feels very complete. Great graphics and sound are matched with a game with lots of re-playability.

[Jen]

This game is much easier to get to grips with than WRC2 which for me was too twitchy and had annoying sticky barriers at the side of the road. Some novices may find the game hard, but players are rewarded for playing and not just for winning. Car evolutions are unlocked every 100 km and all stages are unlocked for competing in the pro championship. So everyone has a chance to see all the stages and drive better cars.

[Alex]

I think I prefer the handling of the latest Colin McRae game but there's not much in it really. Overall, WRC3 is by far the much better game. I particularly like the long stages and their intricate design – there's always that wow factor when racing new stages for the first time. And despite the huge number of stages each one feels unique.