FORGET Richard Burns Rally and all the other mediocre rally games littering the market, Colin McRae 2005 is without a doubt the king of the rally games.

Gamers should not expect CM 2005 to be a simple pick up and play affair, though, for it is a realistic racing simulation that stays true to the sport.

CM 2005 is a rocky ride. Gamers will spin around corners, seldom clip barriers and occasionally smash the car into a tree at full speed!

To add to the authenticity, damage affects both the car's performance and appearance.

Graphically gamers are in for a treat, while not as lush as the near-perfect Gran Turismo, Colin McRae 2005 comes close, whether it's the kicking up of dust from the tyres or foreign scenery that gamers wish to admire.

Unlike many other games on the market today, CM 2005 possesses quality as well as quantity.

There is a noticeable improvement in the amount of cars available to select. Colin McRae 2005 now boasts more than 30 vehicles.

One may also notice the healthy 23 events and nine countries also available.

While CM 2005 may not be the easiest of games to get to grips with, once gamers have mastered the basics there is a rich and rewarding game to be uncovered.

Those looking for a demanding, tough and enjoyable game should look no further than CM 2005.

Michael Wilson

PRICE: £39.99

AGE RATING: 3+

GENRE: Rugby

FORMAT: PS2/XB/PC

GRAPHICS: 17/20

SOUND: 18/20

GAMEPLAY: 21/25

LIFESPAN: 23/25

ORIGINALITY: 6/10

OVERALL: 85%

TOP 10

1 The Sims 2

2 Star Wars: Battlefront

3 Burnout 3: Takedown

4 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005

5 Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War

6 Resident Evil: Outbreak

7 Conflict: Vietnam

8 Call of Duty: United Offensive

9 Colin McRae Rally 2005

10 Silent Hill 4: The Room

UPCOMING

Club Football 2005; Fable; Fifa Football 2005; Jackie Chan Adventures; Madden NFL 2005; Toca RaceDriver 2: The Ultimate Racing Simulation