by Wyatt "JOEDOG" Elliott
Only months after Electronic Arts released V-rally 2 their back with another rally racer. Mobil 1:Rally Championship for Sony Playstation is an attempt at recreating the simulator Colin McRae Rally is.
However, its a futile attempt. Mobil 1 features all the same realistic qualities that made Colin McRae an instant classic, with bland graphics and horrible control.
Like Colin McRae, Mobil 1 is an import from the UK where Rally Racing originates. The game is fun despite its flaws. If you enjoy Rally Racing you will find your self continuing to play this game with its minor imperfections. Mobil 1 is one of the only racing games not to benefit by the Analog controller. The control is extremely sensitive and the Analog controller only makes it worse.
However, it provides for a great challenge in self control.
Graphically Mobil 1 is no surprise. It won't make any historical revolutions in 32 bit technology. Colors are little flat. The cars could use a touch more detail, however the bumper falling off when damaged is a nice touch.
Musically, you won't find anything here. The engines sound a bit strained, the announcer is too quiet, but the sound effects such as gravel are perfection.
Unlike Colin McRae, Mobil 1 does feature an arcade mode which features visible competitors for those of you who like to see your opponent.
With all these problems the game is still quite playable. Could be just a need for another Colin McRae game, or could Mobil 1 actually be that good? Bottom line, if you enjoy Rally racing in its purest form this game may be for you. Everybody else can continue to enjoy V-Rally 2.
PUBLISHER: ELECTRON ARTS
GRAPHICS: 7 SOUND & MUSIC: 6 CONTROL: 5
SECRETS: 5 ORIGINALITY: 4 FUN & REPLAY: 6
OVERALL: 7