It seems that because Codemasters know what they're doing with the franchise, having a very clear direction, more time was spent on the interface and the polish, making it more appealing visually.  There is no denying that the game is certainly more appealing, giving the whole thing a more festival feel.  At each location you'll have your trailer with you, which is your main gaming hub.  From here you're able to select races from your map, admire the souvenirs you've picked up and go through your achievements.  You can also access the multiplayer from here.  Step out of your trailer and you'll be able to check out your cars, buy more cars and catch up with the latest news.  It's all very pretty, even though it's very Americanised.  Actually, although the music does leave something to be desired but is reflective of the X-Games audience, the way the music fades and becomes muffled when you step into your trailer is pretty impressive.  Also, the snap-shot photo sepia effect used to move you from the main menu to the loading screen, and then again from the end of the race to the loading screen is pretty nifty, it's just a shame that you can't go back and look at them in your profile.

The loading screens too are animated, updating you with your achievements and stats so far.  It's nice, clean and very well done and helps you determine what goals you want to tap up next.

With nearly 100 events in the single player campaign, there is always an achievement to chase after.  When you pass the Rookie stage you'll get the chance to play Pro events, as well as All-Star ranked events, coupled with the X-Games in Europe, Asia and America and the World Tour Marathons which give you a whole host of game diversity.

Although the traditional rally races have been taken out, hardcore rally fans will be happy to see the staggered start racing, which is a first.  This is great and really gives the feeling of competition, especially when you're stuck behind the driver in front desperately trying to pass without throwing yourself completely off course.  There are also Trailblazer tracks which are fast and hectic stretches of road and are extremely fun and deceptively fast.  If you're into the lap based games, then you'll find all you need in the five other game modes.  Rally Cross and Landrush require some heavy duty buggies, and trucks and smaller buggies bashing around in a bid to get to the finish line first.  Look out for shortcuts too.

Last Man Standing is an elimination game and does exactly what it says on the tin, while Domination is all about nailing the fastest time for track sections.  My favourite by far is the Gate Crasher mode, which places foam walls on the racing lines of certain tracks.  Crashing into them gives you a couple more seconds to complete the circuit.

Although the game is impressive and does offer a lot to do there are niggles and we've discussed these extensively in the office and on our podcast.  Codemasters haven't really catered for the hardcore at all in this game, and even with some of the customisation options, there is a feeling that rally gamers won't find what they're looking for.  Speaking to us a couple of weeks back Codies told us that terrain deformation, which had initially been in the game, had been taken out because it wasn't "fun".  Presumably this is the reason damage doesn't cost you anything either, and you can run through races destroying your car in the process without the worry of forfeiting the next stage of the race.  It's this disposable attitude I think the hardcore will find frustrating, taking away all aspects of realism from seemingly every part of the game.

But this is what Codies wanted, they wanted the player to experience the wider rallying world outside of the WRC.  Although it's more X-Game focused, it does reflect what Colin McRae was doing before he died, his commitment to rallies across the world, the different challenges in the shape of terrain and drivers one must face to emerge victorious.

This is a fitting tribute to the man who was expanding his horizons and making an international name for himself outside of WRC, but as a game it will divide you.  You have to take this game for what it is, a smorgasbord of rallying events across the globe and not a dedicated representation of a single rallying event.  Once you've managed to overcome that obstacle you'll find yourself engrossed in a charming, beautifully realised and extremely entertaining game.

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