Contrary to numerous positive reviews, I was surprised to find Colin McRae Rally 3 quite unremarkable and underwhelming.
On the surface Colin McRae Rally 3 is a solid game that looks spectacular, drives superbly and sounds almost like the real thing. In fact, the damage system is simply unrivalled.
However, upon further examination and after some heavy thought several fundamental flaws become obvious.
The first of which is the physics. It seems as if the creators of the game had completely disregarded the concept of weight distribution/balance and its effects on cornering. One would think that the weight of the engine among other things should have a significant impact on the way a car enters a corner and handles in general.
To give an example, the mighty Audi Quattro rally car was victorious because it was the first car to successfully apply 4WD. Had it not had that advantage it surely would not have made such an impact on the world of rallying. Its engine was very close to the front of the car and thus negatively affected the steering and breaking.
What is touted as ultra realistic handling is nothing more than an invisible rod in the center of the car. This becomes especially apparent during the replays, which feel somewhat unimaginative, especially compared to Polyphony's Gran Turismo series.
Another major letdown is the career mode. Despite the fact that the game boasts an appropriate collection of rally cars from the past and present, only one vehicle can be driven in the championship - the Ford Focus .
Although one could argue that being restricted to driving the Ford Focus reinforces the sense of being Colin McRae, I for one think this argument is complete and utter nonsense. It is very doubtful that the major motivation behind buying Colin McRae Rally 3 is to feel as if you are Colin McRae himself or a driver for the Ford Racing team.
Having said all this, it is still possible for one to enjoy Colin McRae Rally 3.
What lies beneath the dodgy physics, restrictive gameplay and interface is a game that possesses one of the most remarkable damage systems around.
Each crash, depending on its severity, affects the appearance and handling of your vehicle. Veer off a cliff or misjudge a corner and you might find yourself with a broken carburettor or heavily damaged steering.
Additionally, the game makes good use of the graphical capabilities of the PS2 to bring you extremely well-modelled vehicles, impressive special effects and stunning environments at a very respectable frame rate.
In conclusion, Colin McRae Rally 3 is a disappointing game that is undeserving of its price tag but more importantly undeserving of its critical acclaim.