V-Rally 4 - Xbox One

V-Rally 4 might seem like an unlikely release to those who've been following the world of video games for a (long) while. The last time we saw a game from the V-Rally series was nearly a decade and a half ago in 2004. It's a series with a pedigree, though, harking back to 1997 and the PlayStation One and a memorable run through to V-Rally 3 that amassed a fair old fanbase. Now developer Kylotonn has its hands on the wheel, and it has some of the original development team along for the ride.

It's a joyfully old school affair, leaning hard into the series' arcadey roots. Vehicles bounce around the track with abandon, forgiving you for minor faults so that you can focus on pulling off some outrageous moves. Kylotonn has gone big on level design, with sunny blasts through the jungles of Malaysia that burst out into beachside rumbles and tours through the guts of Monument Valley. Through the course of your jaunt around the world you'll experience sun, snow, ice, mud and everything in between.

The game doesn't skimp on modes, either. Point to point racing is V-Rally 4's backbone, and you can also try your hand at rallycross, gymkhana stunt courses, hillclimbs and online races for those who want to try their hand against other players.

V-Rally 4 is gleefully old school, over the top stuff, and we wouldn't have it any other way. more