Need for Speed: V-Rally

"A great game"

Graphics

The graphics in this game are excellent. They are fluid. There are many different courses and they feature varied environments. There are course in the snow, swamp, desert, cities, mountains, etc. The landscape is very well done. Games with vegetation that look that good are rare. The forests actually look like forests, not a ugly green wall like some other racing games. This is a rally game, so many tracks are set in the nature. The only problem with the graphics is that, sometimes, there are black lines that appears on the screen.

Music

The music is good in that game. Most tracks are heavy metal, and they have a good beat. They don't have lyrics, so they don't get too annoying. Unlike Gran Turismo 2, you won't shut the music after a few plays.

Gameplay

There are two main modes of play : Arcade and Tournament. There are four cars on each course. In Arcade, the goal is to get to the checkpoints before time runs out. Each time you go through a checkpoint, a few seconds are added (like most racing games in the arcades). You must choose between a set of three challenges. One is four tracks (the easiest), one is six tracks and the other one is eight tracks. If you fail, you can continue with a limited number of credits.

In Tournament, you must finish in the first place to score points. There are many courses in the Tournament. You race each of them one time.

Difficulty

The difficulty is variable. Once you learn to handle the car, its not tough to win the races. But Arcade Hard is extremely hard (even at the easiest setting), as it features 8 insane tracks. You can change the difficulty level. You have the choice between three difficulty settings.

Sounds

The sounds are good. There are many sounds in the background (like the crowd, birds, etc). They are very clear. These are sounds of good quality.

Fun factor

This game has an incredible fun factor. Once you learn how to handle the car correctly, you will fully appreciate Need for Speed V-Rally. This game can make you hooked for hours. There are different challenges, so you can play many times.

Controls

The controls are excellent. At first, driving may seem hard and there are good chances that you will uncontrollably spin. But once you get the hang out of it, the controls are very responsive. You have the choice between overhead view and a first-person view. Personally, the first-person view is much better. Not only it makes the game more exciting, but it gives you a better vision.

Tracks

There are many tracks in that game. There are more tracks in Need for Speed V-Rally than Gran Turismo 2. It is a good thing.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/25/02, Updated 09/03/02