Sega Rally

Sega Rally - (Xbox 360)
Developer: Sega
Format: Xbox 360
Genre: Rally

Finding the racing line just became that little bit more addictive

Taking an all-time favourite rally racer onto a new console was always risky but the bods behind Sega pull it off expertly. The time-honoured arcade-style racing machine that is the hallmark of the series has been faithfully improved and tweaked so that from single player against 5 CPU drivers or over on Xbox Live, the arcade feel, so key to the title, is paramount.

Away from the likes of other racing sims, the game has been designed to keep you on the track for as long as possible, even if you're driving like a berk. Hit the trackside and you'll still be able to steer back into line - you don't get penalised for grazing the odd pebble as some sims offer. What this means though is that the pace of the game is maintained throughout single player. The other CPU drivers have varying but always challenging levels of driving skills so that you'll find yourself constantly tested by some very good AI.

Add to this the clever use of track deforming and you've got an even better challenge. The five different tracks surfaces, ranging from tarmac to ice and through Canyon, Artic and Safari types for example, will all deform and shift once the cars speed over them. By your second or third lap your racing line will be uniquely changed as the wear and tear of the road surface forces you to readjust your driving style. It's surprising how much of an impact it make to the game.

Over online with the leader boards, you're able to download ghost opponents or challenge in all three classes of drivers (Premier, Modified, Masters) in ranked and player matches that can be customised with cars and class of races. By no means overtly innovative, online play is where the game comes alive and Sega has all the basics and few tricks you'd expect covered with invite only matches and the real senses of other drivers testing out the tracks and offering new challenges to you.

And let's not forget how much fun it is to view through the bumper cam. A chequered flag for effort all round.