Need for Speed: V-Rally

"Words cannot describe how terrible this game is"

It was somewhere around in 1997 when I first heard about Need For Speed 3: Hot Pursuit coming out when I got this game. I went to the store, but the copies of Need For Speed 3 were all sold out, so I decided to get Need For Speed: V-Rally. Being a big fan of the first two Need For Speed's, I got it. All I can say is that it was a mistake I will always regret.

Graphics-10/10
This is probably the high point to this game. The graphics are very clear and they seem to reach the limit of PlayStation games. From car models to the environment, the makers of the game have done a good job in the graphics department. The ground can range from snowy roads to dirt roads, and also pavement.

Sound-6/10
In this game, there are probably a total of 3 engine sounds, each of them pretty much the same. There is hardly any collision audio, and the developers of the game seemed to have been really lazy. As for the music and other things, the music was really bland and the menu music is mundane. The only song that was worthwhile to listen to was ''African Vibes''. There is also an annoying voice that tells you which way to go in a circuit that gets really repetitive.

Gameplay-2/10
This is what disappointed me the most. During the first five minutes into the game, I was waiting for it to start being fun. That moment never took place. Although there are fifteen cars to choose from with various tracks with different terrains, the physics engine ruined the game. The handling on the cars are WAY too loose and you can spin out easily. If a minor collision with an opponent's car takes place, consider your race over. In the situation that you don't slow down enough for a turn and hit a wall, you will flip over numerous times and will never catch up to your opponents. Even after a lot of practice, I couldn't race in this game, and I am an expert at racing games.

Replayability-1/10
As bad is the gameplay is, there is no replayability whatsoever to this game. Even in 2 player mode the game does not enhance the playing experience, all it does is make two players not enjoy the game at the same time and split the screen.

Overall-3/10
With a combination of great graphics, horrible gameplay, replay value, and audio, I give this game a 3/10. There is nothing fun about this game, and this is coming from a person who loved all the Need For Speeds.

Buy or rent?
I honestly don't think you should do neither. As I have implied before, this game is not worth playing, let alone spending your precious money on it.

Reviewer's Score: 3/10, Originally Posted: 04/06/03, Updated 04/06/03