Hot on the heals of successful console releases, the PC version of Richard Burns Rally looks set to make a reasonable splash in the very tough racing genre. Unlike many titles that put the emphasis on dumbing things down for the general market, Richard Burns Rally is an unashamedly realistic simulation that veterans will find challenging enough. Novices, on the other hand, are in for a very steep learning curve.

The attention to detail is nothing short of phenomenal, with photo-realistic environments, dynamic weather patterns, very impressive damage modelling and unique driving models for all cars. The excellent Rally School is pretty much compulsory if you want to get the most out of the game, and SCi Entertainment Group has done a great job with the official licences and rally locations. SCi has also put some effort in to other aspects of rally events, such as spectator reactions, marshals and service parks.

With eight licensed cars and 36 tracks around the world, Richard Burns Rally poses a solid challenge to the other popular rally titles on the shelves. The tweaking options will please the most avid mechanics, and the opposition AI is a cut above the average. Despite the hype, the car models themselves look a little plain, but the damage modelling and general effects provide more than enough of a realistic environment. The general interface is average (despite the very console-like feel), although you'll quickly find that the keyboard set up just isn't good enough for such a realistic handling model - you will need a pad or steering wheel to enjoy this one in any serious way. Newcomers to the genre might want to cut their teeth on something else, but Richard Burns Rally is a top rally game that's well worth the time it takes to master.