Colin McRae Rally 2005

About the Game

Colin McRae Rally 2005 (the fifth installment in the series) is a realistic rally simulation game featuring a deep Career Challenge mode, over 30 cars across various classes, and nine international locations with more than 300 stages. It focuses on authentic handling and a detailed damage system. 

Key Features and Gameplay Career Mode: The core of the game is the non-linear Career Challenge mode, where players start as a privateer in lower club leagues and work their way up to more powerful cars and championships. Success in events earns points that unlock new cars and events, and players can participate in tests to win car upgrades like improved brakes or engines.

Vehicle Variety: The game features a diverse selection of over 30 vehicles, including 4WD, 2WD, classic rally cars (like the Lancia Stratos and Peugeot 205 T16 Evo2), and even Colin McRae's 2004 Dakar Rally Nissan Pick-Up.

Realistic Physics and Damage: The game is known for its authentic car handling, with vehicles reacting realistically to different surfaces (gravel, mud, snow, tarmac) and track undulations. It also introduced an enhanced damage engine, allowing for visual effects like paint scratches, broken glass, and doors falling off, and a damaged radiator could even stall the car.

Locations and Stages: Players compete in rallies across nine countries: UK, Sweden, Finland, Australia, Spain, Japan, Greece, USA, and a newly added Germany. Each location features eight stages.Multiplayer: The game includes online multiplayer functionality for up to eight players on PlayStation 2 and Xbox (Xbox Live services are now defunct), and LAN play on PC. The online mode uses a "ghost car" system to allow head-to-head competition without physical collisions.

Visual and Audio Details: The graphics include improved lighting effects, animated spectator crowds, and environmental details like trees shedding leaves on impact. Audio includes crisp sound effects for different surfaces and detailed pace notes from co-driver Nicky Grist. 

The game was generally praised for its depth of content, realistic handling, and extensive career mode, building upon the foundations of previous titles in the series.

Colin McRae Rally 2005 Trailer