Colin Mcrae
Rally 2005

Finally the chance to review the full retail version of this title arose and I couldn't help but feel there was no way a class Rally driving game like a Colin Mcrae title was going to work on the N-Gage, I just couldn't see what is essentially a mobile phone (regardless of it's game machine monniker) coping with all the aspects needed to do justice to such a title... how wrong I was.

The game is much the same as it's larger console cousins allowing for single Rally or full on championship modes. Like these other larger console versions there's also the ability to unlick various cars as you progress throughout the game.

Controls in this title are tight and for all intents and purposes spot on. You'll slide around bends in a very real rally like manner. My only complaint re the controls is the thumb cramp you will have to endure as you play this game again and again because you can't put it down.

Graphically Colin Mcrae Rally 2005 on the Nokia N-Gage is amazing, just look at the screenshots. Detailing is fantastic with tracks in 6 countries, weather effects and not too bad draw distance for a title working with this spec. The framerate too never seemed to suffer. I noticed something whilst playing last night, the Aerial.. yes the car aerial, that is how good the graphics are, they are that detailed. Sure they're blockier than your Xbox but this is handheld system and a phone to boot, all in all the developers have put in a major effort to ensure you get something special, and you do.

Sound also does the job and just as with this titles big brothers it even has the navigational hints from your navigator as well as the usual high revs and dirt kicking rally sounds. To consider this in the format it is this really leaves you think what an extraodrinary title.

Gameplay is great fun and that is what makes a good gaming experience. As mentioned the graphics and sounds are fantastic, the controls tight, and it's addictive as all heck. Add this to the wireless play option as well as N-Gage arena and it;s really something special.

Multiplayer is as yet un reviewed since sadly I only have one copy of the game, should this change in future I will most definitely update this review and let you all know how this aspect of the game works.

Female Gamer Angle is as with most titles simply a case of whatyou like, I would assume you're a male driver but the option to name your save means it's really personalised to you. It's a brilliant driving game for the male or female player.

Overall Ideaworks3D have done a fantastic job of bringing this title to the N-Gage in all its addictive gaming glory. This is a title that shows just what the N-Gage is capable of and it makes what is yet to come for this machine even more exciting. If you own an N-Gage and you don't own this title then what are you waiting for, get out there and buy it!!