V8 Supercars 3
PS2
Codemasters


It must be difficult being a smaller PS2 publisher. There's a huge market out there, no doubt, but there's also over 6000 titles to compete with, which must create some concern: has someone done this style of game better already?

This is particularly relevant with the racing genre - on the arcade side there's the 'Need For Speed' franchise and the entertaining 'Burnout' series, while the simulation side of things is ruled by Sony's 'Gran Turismo'. There's room for a truly great game to step in, but it's already a packed genre.

Codemasters' 'V8 Supercars 3' is the localised version of their UK racing sim 'TOCA Race Driver 3' but with the addition of tracks and drivers from the 2005 Supercar season. There's a lot more to the game than the name would suggest, though; there's over 35 different disciplines to take part in, from off-road to time trials at the famous Bedford Autodrome.

There is the odd weak point; circle racing is an absolute bore and the game's rally cups lack the thought and fun of Codemasters' 'Colin McRae Rally' series. It's pretty clear that there was more time invested into the touring car modes, given their sheen and general feel of polish, but fortunately, things don't feel stretched too thin.

It's certainly a very good looking game - the duco of the cars shimmers and reflects pedestrian bridges and trees, though this detail does seem to come at the expense of the backgrounds, which, while attractive, look a bit flat. Nonetheless, the tracks have an authentic air - racing around Adelaide and Bathurst is a joy and most of the game's 80 other licensed tracks are just as much fun.

The single-player game is split into two modes: there's World Tour, which puts you down the bottom of the racing world's food chain, with only an irritating Scottish man named Rick to train you up and give you guidance over 32 tiers of different disciplines. Or there's Pro-Career, which presents you with over 150 cups to unlock and win. Both are enjoyable and wisely don't draw out individual championships past their welcome.

Is it better than 'Gran Turismo 4' though? The game's main advantage is its destructible car models, which not only leaves pieces of your vehicle littered over the track, but also affects the handling. It's not quite a match for 'GT4' in terms of car physics, but it's not far off either. However, the key issue is that 'V8 Supercars 3' just doesn't do multiple game modes as well as Sony's game.

That said, though, what other game lets you wreck your car on Mt. Panorama? No, it's not the best racing sim out there, but 'V8 Supercars 3' is a competent, enjoyable game, with some very welcome local additions.

Alistair Wallis