Colin McRae 2005 Starts Engines

2004 just wouldn’t be right without a new Colin McRae game. Okay, so Codemasters put the wrong year in the title, but who are we to quibble? CM 2005 is due for release on PS2 and Xbox this autumn, and will be packed full of the usual rally-related features. The single player mode will be going the route of the TOCA Race Driver games, focusing closely on career issues as you rise through the ranks from amateur to seasoned pro. Some of the cars to help you fulfil that lofty ambition include the Audi Sport Quattro, Alpha Romeo 147 GTA, Ford RS200, Ford Escort RS Cosworth, Peugeot 206, VW Golf Mk V, Lancia Stratos and the M-Sport Freelander RallyE.

The 2005 version will also feature online play for both consoles. Although this addition will lend extra excitement to proceedings, it won’t be as critical as the online modes supported by GT4, Burnout 3 and Forza Motorsport. After all, drivers don’t compete simultaneously in most rally events. It will probably be the crash physics that boost CM 2005’s ratings amongst rally fans. The updated damage model will be more sensitive than ever before, and there will even be a ‘dazed’ effect to simulate the feeling of mild (or severe) concussion after folding a hatchback into a tree at 90 mph.