
	Platform PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 Genre Racing Developer Sega Publisher Sega ETA Q4 2007
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Sega Rally

Rally racers can offer some of the most amazing visceral experiences in a racing game. Tearing down dirt roads, between massive trees, and along winding mountain paths at breakneck speeds are a thrill (in a virtual world, anyway). Some games go for realism, while others lean towards a more arcade-like experience. Sega Rally is one such series that prefers the latter. Now a new installment is on its way to the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Generally the games in the Sega Rally series stick to a similar control scheme and handling style for the cars from one game to the next. What helps define each update are things like track design, new cars, and improved graphics.

One of the first, and most noticeable new features that will be included in this game is the deformation of environments as they take damage in the game. Plenty of rally racers out there show players’ cars slowly turn into dented jalopies as they plough into barriers and whatnot, but rarely do these obstacles take a beating in the process. With each lap, players see a tree they smashed into still standing tall and pristine when it should have been uprooted. Now players will actually see their surroundings slowly get banged up as they and their competitors hit these obstacles.

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There will also be a wide variety of cars to choose from ranging from 2WD to 4WD to classic rides as well. All the while, players can expect the usual mix of big name manufacturers to be well represented in Sega Rally with the likes of Subaru, Mitsubishi, and so forth. Sega is also promising some top-notch AI for computer-controlled competitors in the game.

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Players will soar around these tracks in a variety of game modes that range from straight ahead arcade races, to meatier simulation modes. One of the key properties that Sega wants to ensure in this racer, though, is that players can hop right in if they want, but still feel like there is a lot of depth to their experience.

Fans will be able to decide for themselves if this game stands up well to its predecessors in the Sega Rally series toward the end of the year. Until then, enjoy the screenshots and fire up an old Sega Rally to keep yourself busy.

Jeff Nash

March 21, 2007