Ever since CMR hit the games consoles, its developers stressed that their first piority was realism. Creating an environment in which the player is immersed in the world of proffesional racing. The success of the series however, has been that every installment of CMR has taken the genre one step ahead. As those of you who have tried the console version of the game already know, this is also the case with Colin McRae Rally 3.
During the development of this game, Codemasters had access to all areas of the Ford Racing HQ. The results of these priviledges, are clearly visible on screen since the game definitely exudes professionalism and immediately makes players feel that they have stepped into the shoes of an achieved professional racer. As such players soon realize that they have a job to do and that there is no room for mistakes when you are the world's number one.
The only downside to the PC version of CMR 3 is hte timing. While the events depicted in the game are accurate as far as the racing, car handling and conditions are concerned, the contract situation has changed dramatically since 2002. Colin McRae did not have his contract renewed with Ford and his co-driver, Nicky Grist, has also fled the team.
Although recent developments do give an awkward feel to the game, Colin McRae now drives for Citroen, it is such a well thought out concept that it quickly achieves a tribute feel rather than feeling outdated.
Colin McRae 3