V Rally 3 (GBA) (V Rally 3 (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	V Rally 3 (GBA)
Date:	07/06/09 (4 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gameplay, Graphics

Disadvantages: Some audio

"V-Rally 3" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2002 by Atari. It is a racing game based on a series of the same name. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

The gameplay of this title reflects a standard release to the racing genre. While V-Rally 3 offers numerous gameplay modes to include "Time trial", "V-Rally Cross" and a "Versus" mode which offers a second player option by use of an optional game link cable, the crux of the gaming experience is held within the "V-Rally" mode itself. It is equivalent to a career mode and follows the player's development as he or she becomes a more established name in rally racing. The player is first offered a position with Volkswagen or Renault as a sponsored driver. I personally find the Volkswagen vehicle to be more hardy in the offroad requirements of the game and easier to adjust to in the beginning stages. Later, as the player increases through the ranks, he or she will be offered sponsorships from other manufacturers which can be accepted or declined. Each race is divided into five "legs" with a pit stop occurring on the second and fourth leg. The courses included in this game are based on real locations such as Portugal, Kenya, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. What I like about the game is the strong sense of realism. Before heading off to the track, the player will be shown a weather and location report which is to be acted on. Prior to racing the player has the chance to adjust vehicle attributes to suit certain conditions, such as changing to snow tyres in a more wintry location.

The graphics are presented from a first person view within the player's vehicle. The visuals in this game are perhaps some of the best ever seen on the Advance system. Each course is rendered in a fully three dimensional environment and is accented very well by appropriate environmental features. The bottom portion of the display is dedicated to the inside view of the vehicle and comes equipped with a responsive steering wheel; left turns will see two blue gloves rotating the steering towards the left and vice versa. The soundtrack is somewhat limited in comparison to other racing releases but does feature pleasing engine noises and other racing ambiance effects.

Overall, V Rally 3 is a game which I would recommend to prospective buyers. It is fully functional as a racing simulation but is truly remarkable in its artwork department. Fans of the racing genre would most likely enjoy this release.

Summary: Thumbs up