X03 Coverage: racing game update

At its X03 event in Nice, France, Microsoft announced that the online component of RalliSport Challenge 2 will feature the support of XSNsports.com when it becomes available in spring 2004. Similarly, Codemasters' Race Driver 2: The Ultimate Driving Simulator will be Xbox Live-enabled.

In the case of RalliSport 2, XSN Sports subscribers to Xbox Live will have the option of setting up their own customized, password-protected or large-scale online tournaments based on RalliSport Challenge 2, while the XSN Sports records times and offers rankings. Developed by Digital Illusions, the sequel also features five rally racing disciplines and more than 40 cars, including banned "Group B" cars. In addition to RalliSport Challenge 2 next spring, XSN Sports will support games shipping this fall, including Amped 2, Links 2004, NBA Inside Drive 2004, NFL Fever 2004, NHL Rivals 2004 and Top Spin, according to Microsoft Game Studios.

Codemasters' Race Driver 2 hopes to package a wide range of motorsport options including circuit racing. It's pegged as an ambitious evolution of the TOCA Race Driver series.