Even more V-Rally 3 Screenshots...

V-RALLY 3: NEW GAMEPLAY MODE REVEALED!

Infogrames\' popular series adopts some interesting RPG elements for the latest incarnation, while GameCube and Xbox versions wait in the wings. New screens inside

18:16 Earlier this week, Infogrames held the first ever public showing of V-Rally 3, the latest in Eden Studios\' critically acclaimed rally driving series. With a fully playable version on show, complete with numerous tracks and vehicles we were able to get a very good idea of what to expect from the final version, due for release in Europe this June.
The first thing you notice is that although the game resembles V-Rally 2\'s visual style, the move onto next-gen has been accompanied by a dramatic leap in performance, with the game boasting stunningly detailed vehicles zipping through large, complex environments, all at a rock solid 60fps. Impressive. With 24 tracks, each of which can be raced in reverse, set in six distinct countries from Sweden to Kenya plus a massive range of real-world rally cars in either 2l or 1.6l class, V-Rally 3 has a robustly authentic flavour.

Indeed, changing the focus from the previous title, V-Rally 3 goes down the simulation route, providing a challenging, realistic racing experience. Two modes of play were on display - Time Attack and Challenge - but the third was shrouded in mystery. This third mode is the V-Rally Mode, which Infogrames is flagging up as the title\'s unique selling point. At the event, we spoke with Stephane Baudet, MD of Eden Studios, who lifted the lid on the secret mode, while hinting at the possibility of Xbox and GameCube versions of the game:

What\'s new for V-Rally 3

Baudet: It\'s tougher than V-Rally 2. The gameplay will be more real but it will keep the same essential visual style.

Why did you choose to move towards simulation?

Baudet: Because we see PS2 players are older and more mature: players who have evolved on from PSone want something more real. We\'ve seen with Gran Turismo that people are more interested in things that are more realistic.

How do you view your title in relation to the competition?

Baudet: The visuals and car physics will always be different from the likes of McCrae. What we\'re also trying to create is a game mode where you can race, but also do things around the race - you won\'t be playing V-Rally 3 in the same way you\'ve been playing other rally games.

One of my biggest disappointments with WRC is that it does nothing new: it\'s quite boring. I think the player wants to have different experiences - I don\'t see where WRC provides this.

What can you tell us about the mysterious V-Rally Mode?

Baudet: What you can expect from the V-Rally mode is sections other than racing. You will experience the same things a rally driver experiences. You have to switch teams, sign contracts, work with the mechanics and work with the team. It\'s based on multiple seasons rather than just one.

You\'re introducing RPG-like elements, then?

Baudet: Yes, and we also have elements like rivals and specific goals where you might not simply have to win a race; it might be different depending on the team you\'re with.

How much involvement have real rally teams had?

Baudet: We have good access to them. It\'s not like Formula One; they\'re really keen to give us information. They play videogames more than we expected, and they know all the games so they can tell us exactly what\'s good and what\'s wrong with each of them.


Looking Good

Check http://www.computerandvideogames.com

It\'s aboit time. I have been waiting for a Rally game or a Formula 1 game to offer some kind of career mode. It looks like this may deliver.

Now we just need a Formula 1 game to follow suit.

Later
TomN

/me waits and sees how WRC2/CMR3 turns out.

well, I honestly don\'t know what to say about these screens, well except for that most screens of PS2 hardware suck. I mean, NFS:HP2 looked horrible on screens, but yet, those movies I downloaded were evidence enough that the graphics are infact top notch. While I do think that these screens are less than impressive, I do have no doubt that the actual thing will look better. Maybe it\'s good indeed that the hype is going down again - makes more room for a pleasent suprise.

Doesn\'t look too bad, but not too great either, I think I\'ll stick with Rallisport Challenge on the Xbox.

[Bobs_Hardware]

pfft, im waiting for Colin McRae 3.. until then, i dont care about any rally game, on any console..

I need in-motion footage to judge the game. Anyway the game doesn\'t look very good, at least in the pics.

Thx for the pics.

Originally posted by Adan
I need in-motion footage to judge the game. Anyway the game doesn\'t look very good, at least in the pics.

Thx for the pics.

On hindsight, i agree.

The lighting effects are very impressive. Game appears betteroff then anything we\'ve ever seen from SEGARally.

Originally posted by PSX_J
The lighting effects are very impressive. Game appears betteroff then anything we\'ve ever seen from SEGARally.

Good point, but a lot of games appear, and are, better than anythin we\'ve seen from sega rally, IMO!!

Well, yea..yea I guess your right Rickster.

SEGARally=dogpiss

those backgrounds look very ugly, reminds me of sega rally 2 and those trees are ugly. That xbox rally game looks better IMO