The game's crisp, detailed graphics, nearly perfect physics and handling capabilities, and an excellent set of cars and tracks on which to race will instantly capture any rally racer's heart. Now, with its first attempt on the Xbox, Colin McRae Rally 3 boasts a fleet of excellent qualities. Bursting onto the English scene in 1998 (and in the US in 1999 under Sony Computer Entertainment America), the original Colin McRae Rally drew tremendous critical acclaim for its sensational realistic take on the sport, which heavily countered Sega's arcade leanings. Leading the pack over the last four years in the rally genre is, without a doubt, Codemasters' Colin McRae Rally series. The worldwide sport of rally racing has never, and may never, fully bloom in the US, but until then it appears publishers are perpetually willing to haul their great rally efforts over from the UK for the few US fans who simply can't get enough of this extremely explosive, dangerous and incredibly dynamic sport.

I like my speed, and I like it dirty, which is why rally racing appeals so much to me. Whether it's by skiing down a hill, flying in a jet plane, or by pressing your foot down on the acceleration pedal of a powerful rally car, the experience of traveling fast is downright irresistible. There are few greater sensations than pure, unadulterated speed.

Colin mcrae rally 3 xbox