Games Database
Xbox
Racing: Rally
| Also for: | PC, PS2, GameCube | ||
| Viewed: | 3D Combination | Genre: | Racing: Rally |
| Media: | CD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | Eden Games | Soft. Co.: | Infogrames |
| Publishers: | Infogrames
(GB) |
Released: | 28 Mar 2003
(GB) |
| Ratings: | 3+ | ||
| Accessories: | Memory Unit | ||
Video
Summary
Since it debuted on the PlayStation back in 1997, V-Rally has been a consistent player in the battle for the rally sim top spot across practically every console available. Developed by France's Eden Studios, the game has generally been held in high regard due to its impressive visuals, accessible playability and gritty realism. A port of the PlayStation 2 game from 2002, V-Rally 3, has finally made it to the Xbox and it's not just your average lazy conversion either, as Eden has gone back to the development studio to bring us a few extra features.
All the features of the PS2 version are in there though, such as the huge array of tracks, lovingly crafted vehicles and the high-detail game engine known as 'Twilight'. Each car is built up using between 15,000 and 16,000 polygons and includes multiple layers that allow reflections and dirt to be accurately displayed. And with over half a million polygons per track, V-Rally uses the power of technology to create an exhilarating race feel that's both smooth and thrilling.
Each of these tracks has been painstakingly 'hand-made' in 500m sections, with each one being the responsibility of just one dedicated designer, thus making for a huge variety of racing experiences with enhanced interactivity. There are many animated sections, with elements of the track now breaking apart when speeding cars slam into them.
Utilising the unique technological architecture of the Xbox, Eden has produced some unique innovations to make this version a much different and refined experience to that of its PlayStation 2 counterpart. Firstly, dynamics have been improved to produce more sensitive and responsive handling, which makes for easier yet still simulation-orientated gameplay. Also revamped are the game's special effects, tracks have been widened and improved, and the Ford Focus has had its livery updated.
It's always nice when developers continue to improve their games between conversions, and it's especially notable here. An already great game in its original guise, V-Rally 3 on Xbox is even better.
All the features of the PS2 version are in there though, such as the huge array of tracks, lovingly crafted vehicles and the high-detail game engine known as 'Twilight'. Each car is built up using between 15,000 and 16,000 polygons and includes multiple layers that allow reflections and dirt to be accurately displayed. And with over half a million polygons per track, V-Rally uses the power of technology to create an exhilarating race feel that's both smooth and thrilling.
Each of these tracks has been painstakingly 'hand-made' in 500m sections, with each one being the responsibility of just one dedicated designer, thus making for a huge variety of racing experiences with enhanced interactivity. There are many animated sections, with elements of the track now breaking apart when speeding cars slam into them.
Utilising the unique technological architecture of the Xbox, Eden has produced some unique innovations to make this version a much different and refined experience to that of its PlayStation 2 counterpart. Firstly, dynamics have been improved to produce more sensitive and responsive handling, which makes for easier yet still simulation-orientated gameplay. Also revamped are the game's special effects, tracks have been widened and improved, and the Ford Focus has had its livery updated.
It's always nice when developers continue to improve their games between conversions, and it's especially notable here. An already great game in its original guise, V-Rally 3 on Xbox is even better.
Artwork
