Hands-onRallisport Challenge

We recently received a beta build of Digital Illusions' PC port of Rallisport Challenge. Originally released for the Microsoft Xbox earlier this year, the game will be released for PC this holiday season, and judging from our short time with this latest build, Rallisport Challenge doesn't look like it's lost anything in the translation. In fact, the game looks even better than its visually impressive Xbox cousin, due largely to the higher resolutions afforded by PC monitors. The PC version retains the original's basic gameplay structure, high-polygon licensed cars, and superb lighting effects, which throw realistic shadows and reflections on all the objects on any given track.

You're tasked with racing a number of recognizable rally cars like the Mitsubishi Evo VI and the Subaru Impreza WRX STi across a wide variety of terrain that ranges from the deserts of Africa to the soggy coastline of the Pacific Northwest. As you progress through the single-player career mode, you'll unlock more powerful cars and previously inaccessible racing modes like hill climbs and rally cross events. Like in real-world rally racing, you'll race against the clock, not other cars, and you'll have to earn the fastest time throughout each stage's five individual legs. Though, Rallisport Challenge does also have a quick race mode that will let players compete against computer-controlled racers for a slight change of pace from standard rally racing.

As it is, our beta build of Rallisport Challenge has some flickering issues at higher resolutions, though this problem will likely be addressed before the game's final release. As was true for the Xbox version, Rallisport Challenge for the PC will be a feast for the eyes. But don't take our word for it--check out the latest batch of screenshots and movies that we've recently captured.

Rallisport Challenge for the PC is scheduled for release this fall. For more on the game, be sure to take a look at our previous coverage .