V-Rally 3 (PlayStation 2)

By JON MINIFIE

(Herald rating: * * * * )

V-Rally 2 was a superb title, especially on the Dreamcast, but this is the first time the series has appeared on PlayStation 2. Infogrames, it seems, isn't taking any chances. The company has recruited Atari and the company has immediately made its mark by opting for softer, more textured visuals and a good deal of realism in the way that the cars drive.

Control is most important in any driving title and happily it seems to be near perfect. V-Rally 3 is one of the few games to take full advantage of the Dualshock 2's analogue buttons. Players can drive through a corner with a light touch, then press firmly on the X button to accelerate hard into a straight. This takes some getting used to, but it's a great advance.

The game's hub is the office, where you check out the rankings of the teams and drivers, as well as view your personal history and save your progress.

At the beginning of your career, you receive emails from Volkswagen, MG and Citroen offering the chance to test for a driver's spot in the upcoming championship. Apparently Subaru isn't in the habit of blowing money on your rank newbie status.

You can earn the seat, but it's tough. The V-Rally series has always been tough, that is part of its appeal. so, drive well enough during the tests and you will get picked up by a team and work your way up the ladder.

V-Rally 3 is the best rallying title we have seen in a long while but keep an eye out for WRC2 (PS2) and the spectacular Rallisport Challenge (Xbox) scheduled for release this year.

$129.95

jon@tenthplanet.co.nz