RalliSport Challenge 2 (Xbox)

Reviewed by JON MINIFIE

Herald rating: * * * * *

The original RalliSport Challenge was slightly lost in the crush of Xbox launch titles but despite not being a huge commercial success, many still picked up on the game's user-friendly approach and undeniable style.

The game's Swedish developers Digital Illusions Computer Entertainment (DICE) have built a new graphics engine for RalliSport Challenge 2, which far outshines its predecessor in looks, and is one of the prettier new games on the Xbox.

RalliSport Challenge 2 has retained the different event types from the original, including point-to-point races, hill climbs, time trials, ice races, and rallycross, with the addition of crossover racing, a head-to-head style competition raced on a twisty track that crisscrosses halfway through each lap.

Ice racing is fun for obvious reasons and hill climbs are a clear-cut highlight too, with just you, a mountain and treacherous cliffs to nose-dive off.

The single-player events are more than adequate, but RalliSport Challenge 2 was designed around its inviting multiplayer options. Racing nose-to-nose with other likeminded players on this remarkable assortment of tracks will be a definitely Xbox Live high point.

The game features around 40 outrageously powerful vehicles that all seem to handle quite convincingly. The control leans more towards the arcade side of things, especially without a co-driver, but using the thumbstick is accurate and forgiving, without letting truly average drivers get away with murder.

RalliSport Challenge 2 isn't really ground-breaking in any way, but the new engine is easy on the eye, plus the welcome addition of Xbox Live play is a bonus. RalliSport Challenge 2 would be at home in any Xbox gamers collection, filed alongside Project Gotham 2 and V8 Supercars 2.

$79.95

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