The Godfather of all rally games is back. While console gamers already have it for several months and are already dreaming of version 4, PC gamers are less fortunate and only recently got the chance to play version 3. It better be worth it.

Version 3 is a look a like of version 2 concerning the in game menus. The colours might be a little bit different and some new graphical themes but that is it. Everything is pretty much where you expect it to be. So if you are a Colin McRae 2.0 veteran you’ll have no trouble finding all the options and game modes.

The most important improvement that Codemasters wanted to achieve was a much higher realism. The complete physics and damage model have been renewed. Everything can be torn apart and if you keep driving like in 2.0 everything will break. A much more flowing steering will be expected from the virtual rally drivers. Concentration should never be lost when you want to win a stage in this game. A big disappointment is that the stages are 3 to 4 minutes long. I don’t think that is very realistic. Rally championship 2000 was much more realistic in that department with stages that could take 20 minutes to complete. In this department Colin McRae Rally 3 has taken the arcade approach. Probably a leftover from the consoles that it is originally programmed for.

The cars are real jewels. Ford focus or Citroen Xsara? Or do you rather drive a Subaru Impreza? I myself am more of an MG man, but let’s not forget the Ford Puma, Fiat Punto and the Mitsubishi Lancer. Of course there are bonus cars that you can unlock by winning, but it is much more fun if you find out yourself what they are. The set up part of the game is real fun. There are a lot more lugs and screws to be turned then in the previous two games. Gone are the scrollbars, now you have 3 or 4 choices. Unfortunately you can not repair the damage to your car yourself. The PC does it for you and that is quite a shame so you won’t be able to choose what repairs you like and which you want to postpone to a later service.

Main part of the game is the Championship mode. You can not choose which car to drive here. It will always be the Ford Focus of Colin. In this mode you’ll get 3 seasons in which to prove your worth. Your ultimate goal will be to become world champion. Every year the calendar looks a bit different so some years might be easier for you than others.

The AI is very good. You won't see them (except on those head to head super special stages), but the times they drive are just right to keep them on the same level as you. Although, there’s one exception; The Finn in the Subaru seems to be on steroids or something. He can easily lap 30 seconds faster than the rest of the field. This is a shame as it makes it unnaturally difficult to win.

Graphically everything is fine. When you have a killer PC you’ll be sure the dust is flying in your living room. A big flaw however is that the super stages at night are way to dark. You have a whole army of headlights on your car but they don’t seem to help a bit. It is quite annoying and you’ll loose valuable time because you won’t be able to find the road.

The damage is done terrificly. If you hit a tree with the left front side of the car, that side will bent in and the right side will bent out a bit. This idea was already in DTM race driver but it is improved in this rally game.

The sound is well done. A nice roar as engine sound, not an annoying high bumblebee sound. When you drive you will hear the car suffer and your suspension will squeak at every bump. Loose parts of your car will not only produce a nice fire of sparks but also a scraping sound. Nice touch by codemasters that they have taken such a good approach to the sound.

Colin McRae 3 is a giant leap forward compared to 2.0. If you already own the console version there is no reason to buy the PC version. This game has an excellent rally atmosphere and you really feel like you are Colin. Rally games like Rallisport Challenge don’t even come close. Obligate sale for real rally lovers.