While most racing fans have gotten used to the simulation style competitions of Gran Turismo or the arcade like action of the Need For Speed series, the popularity of rally racing hasn’t really caught on in America like it has in other parts of the world. This really is a shame, considering the challenges that face rally racers would make most drivers wet their pants in sheer terror. Trying to remedy this issue, Microsoft introduced Rallisport Challenge, and its depth combined with the number of vehicles and options provided a worthy test for gamers. Well, two years later, Microsoft’s completely overhauled the game, giving Rallisport Challenge 2 many more accessories than your standard stock model racer. The original Rallisport game was actually hailed for being four games in one, each a different variation on the typical cross country event. Rallycross forces you to sprint through closed circuit arenas for the fastest time on a track, while Rally races provide several checkpoints through large environments to dash through. Hill Climbs ask players to either scale massive mountain-like inclines or hurl their car over sheer cliffs, successfully crossing the finish line in one piece. Ice Racing, on the other hand, is placed on flatter surfaces, but can be just as treacherous as you go sliding across a course laid down on massive glacial sheets. Crossover is the latest mode included in this game, where drivers crisscross each other’s path on a large figure 8 track. Along with these modes, you have a wealth of options available to determine your race experience. You can leap into the extensive career mode and slog your way through multiple rallisport events. For players that simply want to jump into a car without really thinking about it, you can start a single race against 3 AI opponents or the time attack mode, which lets you challenge time records set up on the track for bragging rights. New records can be checked out on the leaderboards, which tracks both local and Xbox Live times for players. Obviously, Rallisport Challenge 2 will build on its predecessor’s success with online play. Yet, for those players that don’t have broadband access, multiplayer play with either splitscreen or system link capability will let plenty of drivers get their game on. However, one of the coolest features of Rallisport Challenge 2 has to be the fact that just about every single mode, from the mode of race to the kind of race involved, provides the opportunity to unlock some new facet of gameplay. At least twice the number of unlockable items from the first game, Rallisport Challenge 2 has 114 items ranging from cars to tracks and more. These can be earned by successfully winning races, beating record times or driving a certain number of miles with a specific car. Speaking of cars, more than 40 cars have been included in this year’s game to make a much beefier racing experience. The cars are definitely more detailed than the previous version, and actually feature model damage, which can affect car performance and handling. Environments are also much sharper and highly detailed, and particles like mud, snow and especially rain seem very natural and realistic. You’ll also notice instinctive camera cuts and pans for large jumps or crashes, which gives a more arcade-like feel to the gameplay. What we’ve seen could easily take the checkered flag from store shelves when it jumps off the line in May. Check back then for a full review! Questions or comments about the upcoming release of RalliSport Challenge 2 for the Xbox? Talk to us! [ E-Mail Jeff 'Linkphreak' Haynes ] [ Comment in our Forums ]

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