Rally racing is woefully under-appreciated in America. Of course, the fact that you're reading a review of a rally racing game signifies you're already well aware of this point; moreover, it also implies you're part of a select group of gamers thirsty for the event. Sega Rally Revo will slake that thirst, offering energetic racing that blends the off-road challenge of rally with the intensity of drift competition. Not only is this an entertaining take on rally racing, Sega Rally Revo is a great game that serves as a good introduction for the rally initiate.
The game plays like a cross between a straight-up rally racer and a lap-based drifter. The resulting blend offers off-road lap races that are more arcade in flavor than simulation. In some ways, the game can be likened to an all-terrain version of Ridge Racer with a bunch of mud and snow thrown in to spice things up. Sega Rally Revois one of the most accessible rally games in years because of its willingness to embrace arcade racing mechanics, while at the same time preserving key elements of rally racing. The focus rests purely on providing an intense racing experience without the need to worry about complex vehicle maintenance or extensive customization. Simply put, this is the essence of what makes rally exciting: high-speed competition through all manner of terrain.
Dust, mud, rain, slush, snow, and ash--these cover the 15 tracks. Terrain has an enormous impact on racing; as such, dealing with each type of terrain is a lesson you learn early on in the game. Vehicle handling dynamically changes according to whatever terrain you're driving on. For example, your vehicle gets less traction driving on a rain-slick road than it does barrel down a dusty pathway. Thicker mediums such as mud and snow prove particularly challenging to drive in because they simultaneously reduce vehicle speed and traction.
Terrain effects aren't new to racing, but the unique GeoDeformation system employed in Sega Rally Revois wholly original. As you race through a venue, persistent ruts are left in the track that affect handling and speed in later laps. Environmental damage, whether it's breaking a fence lining the track or digging through mud with your four wheels, adds a dynamic dimension to racing that forces quick thinking and adaptive driving. Maintaining high speeds means avoiding unnecessary movement across ruts that trigger your vehicle's suspension and drag its velocity down. On the other hand, ruts left in a muddy stage could be filled with speed-draining water that you should bypass in order to keep a good pace. Memorizing a track simply isn't good enough; instead, keeping a constant watch on the terrain is a must if you hope to win.
Exerting agile command over your vehicle is also necessary when going for pole position. The game relies heavily on drift racing mechanics, which puts it more in league with Need for Speed than Colin McRae Rally. This definitely makes the game more accessible, but at a cost. Vehicles often feel as though they're sliding down the track instead of gripping the terrain. Of course, handling grows evermore slippery when dealing with slick terrain such as slush or mud. Adjusting to the slip-and-slide handling is the first obstacle to overcome when initially playing the game. Power sliding through tight turns is the only way in which to maintain velocity and avoid unwanted collisions with other vehicles or track edge. It's a technique so fundamental to the game that not mastering it ensures frustration.
The precision demanded for power sliding makes use of Sixaxis motion-controls inadvisable. Three configurations are offered in the options menu, the last of which tags steering to movements of the Sixaxis. When using the analog sticks--which the game sets as the default configuration--it's easy to guide your vehicle through tight turns by flicking the stick. With steering set to motion-controls, it's much more difficult to maintain precise control over the degree at which your vehicle turns. Spending time with motion-controls does help, but ultimately it just doesn't work as well as the default analog stick configuration. Of course, a steering wheel is even better and it supports the following Logitech wheels: GT Force, Driving Force, Driving Force Pro, and G25 Racing Wheel.
Get a grip on power sliding and there's a lot to love about Sega Rally Revo. Races are challenging thanks to competent intelligence and masterful track design. Computer-controlled opponents aggressively vie for first place, yet aren't overwhelming. The beauty of rally racing, which comes through marvelously in the game, is that in addition to competing against a group of racers you're also grappling with the terrain. Battling five racers while charting a path through a slushy alpine pass is totally invigorating.
Championship mode serves as the main single player mode, comprised of a hierarchy of leagues. Earning points in racing series allows you to unlock advanced leagues and progress further in the championship. Additionally, new vehicles become available as you gain points. Over 30 licensed rally cars have been modeled for the game all with alternate paint jobs that are unlocked based on how much time you use them in competition. Along with championship mode, there's a quick race option and time trials with downloadable ghost data from online leaderboards. Multiplayer makes an appearance as well, providing split-screen play for two locally and up to six online.
