RalliSport Challenge 2: Screens & Videos

Hands-on with RalliSport Challenge 2 results in the usual Kikizo screen and video treatment. Does this game look better than Gran Turismo 4?

Probably the most exciting thing shown at last September's X03 event in Southern France, RalliSport Challenge 2 is the sequel to the massively unnoticed rally original developed by Digital Illusions. Microsoft recently blessed us with the latest preview code, which means you can see it in action by checking the hot video downloads below.

Although the code is early with some graphical issues to be ironed out before the game's release in a few month's time, it is still very impressive visually. From the hands-on with the game we've had so far, we can telly you without question that the detail, texture, effects and trackside design easily surpass what we've experienced in Gran Turismo 4: Prologue, and also go one-up on Project Gotham Racing 2. For a start, the game runs at sixty frames - and it really does look fantastic.

The weather effects are probably the most advanced ever seen in a game and have to be seen to be believed, while particle effects such as dust, mud and snow thrown out from behind a vehicle are the most convincing ever seen. The real-time reflective bodywork top quality and the lighting, especially on the night-time tracks, is pretty staggering. In addition the leaft trees, swaying in the wind, have to be the best seen on console.

The sense of speed and real-world physics combine to offer an intense interaction with the environment. The collision system is in an advanced state that incorporates impressive, real-time crashes and a great level of damage. In one of the videos below you will see all the windows smashed, the bonnet flying off and the doors flapping around beside the vehicle as it hurtles through the track.

We've not even scratched the surface of this preview code yet, with an entire career mode waiting to us to get through. Starting the game for the first time you only have access to a few courses in a handful of different countries, and perhaps two or three vehicles - the rest (and it seems there's masses more from snooping around the menus) all has to be unlocked - so we've got some work to do...

The preview version is playable over Xbox Live, but perhaps more excitingly the final game will offer the ability to set up leagues and tournaments with XSN, new race modes, and more cars and tracks.

RC2 will feature more than 40 of the most challenging rally cars including the infamous group B cars that were banned because of uncontrollable horsepower. You'll be able to make minor modifications to each car to meet the challenge of each track. Locations include different tracks from Australia, and the frozen Nordic and the Pacific Northwest.

Take a look at the videos to get an idea of how visually awesome RSC2 is - and then think long and hard about which upcoming racing game you should shell out for. We hope to be taking Race Driver 2 for a spin soon, which is when things should get even more interesting.

Adam Doree
Director, Kikizo.com