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A new benchmark in realism

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 12 / 13
Date: October 24, 2004
Author: Amazon User

How can I explain... I have tried to define to friends how accurate and realistic the cars handle in this game and how this simulation has achieved a level of excitement and fulfillment that stands apart from all other games, but it is not until they finally come over to drive it that they say "..now I see why you could not explain this!" or as one girl said.. "I could just keep driving...!"

It takes some time to learn to handle the cars well. The included driving school and it's advanced techniques is a must for good stage times. It could actually take years of intense white knuckle fun to master this game.

I have about thirty driving games including all types of racing along with two computers equipped with Force Feedback steering wheels (FF is a must to fully experience this game) Before the arrival of Richard Burns the most realistic and fulfilling for myself and friends continued to be Grand Prix Legends, Nascar Racing 2003, SCC mod for F1 Challenge 99-02. These games along with others keep you coming back and drawing you in for more where others in comparison like the Colin McRae series seem "two dimensional", flat and have canned predicable responses that quickly become boring at best.

The dynamics of Richard Burns cars and tracks are on a whole new level of refinement such that you can really feel the mass of the car change in how it reacts to the suspension at different speeds and angles to the road and road conditions. Get unstable from hitting ruts and potholes at high speeds or bumping a berm on the edge of a fast narrow road. Use the crown of the road to your advantage while hooking your inside tires into the low side of a turn. And, while keeping the gas on at varying levels, use your left foot to work the brake into a turn keeping your power up while throwing the weight of the car forward to loosen the rear grip a little and increase traction on the front tires. Then, power out of your turn in a four wheel drift as you try to focus on what the co-driver is saying as he calls out the turns ahead while you are working the wheel and throttle feverishly trying to get this corner just right. Watch the realistic replay with long hanging dust trails for those one or two corners where you did get it just right and you scream "YES!" in awe of the beauty and fulfillment of a perfectly executed corner. This game is very challenging in the best sense of the word. It is very dimensional and is simply fun to drive at any speed and yet the more you choose to work and focus on increasing the challenge for better stage times, so will increase the depth of deserved satisfaction.

It goes on and on. As you will too into endless captivating hours of amazement and fulfillment. Grand Prix Legends still holds the dearest of places in my heart for what they did to make those classic racers handle in a way that is so sensitive and alive. Richard Burns Rally has just made my heart much bigger! GPL was created in 1998 and six years later still holds a huge following with hundreds of added tracks created by others. I am confident this game will also bring you many years of awe, amazement, and totally immersed enjoyment. I have complete admiration and appreciation for what this team has done in their attention to every detail in getting it right; from the photo realistic graphics to the intricate detailed sounds to the amazingly interactive suspension working in real time over long and highly varied roads and road surfaces.

This game it as pure 10. As pure as it gets. I can truly recommend this to anyone with a computer and graphics card, not just to those already enjoying 3D games and/or racing. If you don't have one, spend the extra $20 as soon as you can for a Wingman Formula Force or similar force feedback wheel on ebay or from here at Amazon to fully unlock what this game has to offer. You can experience and feel the best of racing without having to pay for crashing your car! ...and believe me, you will have many terrific tumbling crashes!

Good luck and the happiest of trails...

The GPL of Rally Sims ...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 8
Date: January 03, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I have to add my praise for this game. I have been searching long and hard for a rally game that is not a 'bounce off the walls and carry on' arcade game. This one has hit the mark. It is a fabulous sim, the physics are amazing and the handling of the car feels as realistic as it can without the bumps and crashes of really being out there on the road. This one has the 'crash and you're out' realism of the early Geoff Crammond F1 sims and which is lacking from most other games. For those who do not like this, you can also choose a no damage option. The damage model is the best one I have seen and I am comparing this to Rally Trophy, Rally Championship, Colin McRae, WRC (PS2), F1 2000 through 2003 to name my favourites. The only one that is on a par with this is GPL and (for the physics) Live for Speed which is a work in progress.
The menus are a little clunky and could be more refined but they work. I had some trouble assigning functions to my ActLabs ForceRS wheel, pedals and shifter set up. I eventually had to unplug the shifter, do the assigning and plug it in again. For any who use a shifter the game only supports a sequential shift so a standard H pattern won't work. But this is realistic as 'in car' footage of real rally stages shows the drivers using sequential shift anyway. For those who do not want an arcade game and want a real sim I would highly recommend this one.
The driving school feature is excellent and gives a good introduction to rallying for any who are not familiar with it, although it is not as challenging as the licence acquisition of Gran Turismo.
Excellent job by the development team .. fantastic product.
May 2005 bring Richard Burns a return to good health.

not just "a game" but "the rally sim"

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 7
Date: February 04, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Richard Burns Rally continues where other rally sims have stopped. It manages to be better than CMR 2005 in just about every important aspect, from physics to eye candy.

It definitely is not an arcade racing sim. Everyone not experienced with these games is in for a frustration at first, as the learning curve is quite steep for a racing sim. PC steering wheel is a must. Cars can be "driven" through the keyboard, but it is far from realistic and even more important - far from being competitive.

This sim doesn't leave the user wondering. There is a rally school which teaches you basics and some advanced techniques. Lessons are useful and informative and are a big plus for this sim.

I've been looking for a car sim which would help me understand and practice driving in extreme conditions. So far only few have managed to deliver, with this sim being on the very top. Along with real world practice, it will help you to become a better driver, no doubt about it.

The sims lacks mouse support, which is a clear minus IMHO.

Even bigger minus is limited number of cars. Well, it is a sim and it simulates rally - you don't have hundreds of cars in top modern rallies. However, a wider selection would be nice. Right now we are left with enthusiast users making mods. So far there has been none, but new cars are coming.

Definitely recommended as a rally sim, not as just another PC game.

"Half-Life" on wheels

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 9
Date: November 21, 2004
Author: Amazon User

This game teaches you how to be a professional rally driver. The techniques you will learn within can easily be applied to real life driving. This can be very useful if you ever wanted to know what it is like to take your everyday car on remote back country roads and drive on the limit, minus car repair costs and medical bills of course.

You start out at the Forest Experience Rally School. Here Richard will teach you the basics of car handling as well as some of the more advanced lessons (lessons that the driver's license people conviniently forgot to mention to you during your driving test.) These lessons are short and to the point. Not to mention loads of fun if you have a force feedback gaming wheel, as this game offers truly some of the best feedback effects around. We are not just talking about your basic rumble effect here. Your steering will tense or lighten, it will jolt to the sides, you will feel the road as you can expect in a real car.

Graphically and sounds wise, Richard Burns Rally holds its ground. The purpose is to convey realism and this simulation does exceptionally well. Whether it is birds flying about or camera guys running off the road as you chase past them. You will hear a MULTItude of sound effects. It is such an incredible depth to this game I can't believe anyone can ever get bored of it. It will take you literally months to master this, and even then there is still the car setup area where you can tweak things like tire pressure, suspension, differentials, etc.

As I see it Richard Burns Rally is definately a landmark in driving games. It is worth every penny and then some, simply because of the Rally School alone. It would cost you hundreds of dollars for real driving lessons! But if you are a fan of the WRC or just happen to adore real world physics you are in for a treat.

Recommended system specs : 2.6 Ghz processor, 512 Mb Ram, 128 Mb graphics card with pixel shading support, Audigy 2 ZS, and FFB steering wheel.

Great game very real feel to the game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: May 24, 2005
Author: Amazon User

This game has some of the most realistic graghics I have seen in a driving game. They actually use real roads from each area and make a digital copy for the game, check out the offical website to see the comparisons it is amazing!

The game is fun and very tough, with the MOMO Force feedback wheel it is a very fun and realistic game. It is not a smash um up can do no wrong game, when you wreck you have call for assisance and after a wreck the car doesn't handle as well or steer as tightly.

It worked perfect with my Windows XP system and the MOMO wheel. I have seen no glitching or choppy graphics (I also have a high end system) It recommends a 2.6ghz processor and I can see why, it is fast and very realalistic and I sweating last night playing from the intensity and challange. I found myself having to slow down my breathing because I was so into the race I was breathing too fast.

Great game, if you can find it in the US.

WOW, ITS AMAZING!!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: October 18, 2004
Author: Amazon User

This is not a racing game; its first and foremost a rally-racing simulator, the most realistic rally-racing simulation ever! Everything is modeled completely, and truly this makes for an awesome gaming experience. RBR is the type of game that you spend three hours in the dark with the headphones on playing, and you stop three hours later breathless and drenched in sweat! Run, don't walk, to your ATM, deposit your $$$, and order this game NOW! See www.richardburnsrally.com for their home page and a demo available to DL and try B4 you buy...

Most Realistic Car Simulation So Far...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: April 26, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I've played as many car simulations as I can and this is one of those simulations that is very accurate, but still has some minor flaws. To prove that that car was moving right, my brain would get confused as to the fact that I was watching a game. I loved to watch the replays to see the car move in a realistic manner. I would be more able to judge the game, if I have had experience in a rally car on gravel tracks, but going from the experience of watching rallys, Richard Burn's Rally is pretty close.

If you don't know how to drive a regular car in extreme situations such as when the car looses grip during snowy or rainy weather or do not plan to practice a lot, this game is not for you. In addition, this game should be played with a force feedback steering wheel, sequential shifter and pedals and only that. It's too difficult with a game pad and keyboard. The experience is not as fulfilling without the proper equipment. I recommend the Logitech products or the new Act Labs wheels, pedals and shifter that are coming out later in 2006.

I wish that more cars were included, but it's probably because of the accuracy of the game, that the cars took a long time to set up properly.

The Rally School part of the game is not hard at all for anyone who has played many car simulations. For a player new to this game, it might be very difficult. Just keep in mind, that this game is very difficult for anyone used to arcade games, especially when the damage is set to realistic. Get plenty of sleep and be ready to focus before driving.

The future looks bright for car simulations. With the computing power going up, more car simulations will continue to blur the line of reality by simulating the many parts of a car and the many factors that affect it.

A Must

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: May 16, 2007
Author: Amazon User

If you drive on PC, you owe it to yourself to own this game. This game will have you playing/simulating real Car Rally till the cows come home.
It may be frustrating if you are used to driving over the roof of your car, or a console fan. Once you've learn his skills, and you start shaving seconds, then minutes off your time, it is so rewarding.
Force-Feedback is so much better and appreciated with this game. I have a Logitech Momo and I'm so glad I bought this due to this game.
5.1 speakers is rewarding also with this game.
I currently run on AMD64 2.4Ghz, 2GB Corsair XMS, eVGA 7900 256MB GT PCI-E, Asus A8N and its runs smooth.
The closest game that compares to this game is JooWoo's Rally Trophy. Also a must have if you drive Rally.
Some maneuvers comes in handy in real life.

Great engine, but frustrating presentation

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 0 / 1
Date: June 04, 2008
Author: Amazon User

This game is actually not as great as everyone says. It does not even try to appeal to anyone except die-hards who'll play any game for months to years just for its sim engine. The graphics are average. There are only eight cars, of which only three are available at the outset. Unlocking the other five can be done by coming in first in a championship, which is extremely hard even on the "rookie" setting. The game also only includes one type of racing, timed rally, in only one class, and in only the mid 2000s era. Because of this lack of diversity, they could at least have included a full rally season to make the sim complete. Instead, there are only six countries to rally in and only 36 tracks in total, including only one tarmac rally and no mud rally. Because of these things, there just isn't much to do in this game.

The game is extremely difficult, which naturally makes it less accessible and fun. If you want to drive like a rally car driver, it won't happen. You'll either be tip-toeing around the track or crashing and flying off the road on every corner if you actually try to go fast. Handbreak turns and powersliding are almost impossible to execute without crashing. However, since the consumer should realize this when buying a sim and could opt for something easier instead, it would not be fair to criticize the game because it's not as fun as an arcade racer.

The problem is, though, the game is NOT as realistic as its fans say and is in fact harder than real rally driver. Overall, the physics are excellent. On the other hand, tire wear and damage is not in the game and your only choices for tires are dry, intermediate, and rain. Vegetation is also modeled as solid objects, so you can't just drive over tiny saplings or bushes--you'll smash up the car and be stopped cold. In some places, you can only drive maybe 1.5 car lenghts off the curb. Often you'd be stuck perpendicular to the road behind a tree or a bridge and this artificial wall, and although in real life you'd just quickly do a U-turn, here you're walled in and have to call for help. In other places, you fly off the road and are quickly driving back through the wide curb, but the game resets your car one sec before you reach the road and adds a time penalty to your clock. Also, when you're clearly sliding towards spectators off the road, they just stand there. You hit them (unrealistic, btw) and incur another time penalty. Most importantly, cars' weight is modeled very poorly. They feel like they weigh, like, 200 kg, and spin out, bounce off trees violently, and flip numerous times in the air at the slightest opportunity. In real life, it would be ridicilous that a 1,230 kg car with a moderate 300 hp designed for harsh terrain driving would do a 1,080 degree flip in the air because the driver cut a corner at 80 km/h and one of his wheels hit a bump off the road. When rally drivers do that (usually to cut), I've seen the wheel go up in the air 15 cm, I didn't see them flip through the air like a plastic RC car. Such unrealistic mechanics not only look cheesy, but force you to drive more carefully and slowly (and less fun) when cutting corners than you should, and make it extremely frustrating when you repeatedly flip out for no reason and have to add 10 seconds to your time each time by calling for help. All these things make the game a lot less refined than it should be, make driving unnecessarily frustrating, and strongly detract from the realism created by the otherwise excellent physics model.

However, my biggest complaint is that the game makes little effort to teach players who aren't skilled at driving sims how to drive. There are no detailed information in the manual about accelerating, braking, and taking turns. The Rally School gives you a number of challenges and tells you what the goal is, but finishing it on all perfect will not make you a proficient beginner racer. It would do wonders to have the kind of training that real rally drivers would have--first, theory about what driving lines to hold, how to take turns in general, how to recover from skids, etc. and second, to have a teacher actually drive with you a couple of courses and, tell you what speed to use, how to take each turn, where and how hard to break and accelerate, at what point to pull and release a handbreak, where to use which rally skill, etc. There is a qualification trial that has breaking, acceleration and turning cones set up to guide you, but it never tells you WHAT your speed should be at each point, and HOW HARD to brake, accelerate, and turn where. There is also one lesson where you see Richard drive a course, however, his speed and gears aren't displayed, so you have no idea how you could emulate his driving. I mean, rally drivers practice this stuff for years, so if somebody is going to jump into the game and attempt to do what they do, the least the game could do is offer not just a mode with driving challenges done on a big parking lot, but a theoretical and field track driving tutorials.

In the end, if you have mastered other sims and you can jump right into this game, you'll probably love it and have a blast driving. For everybody else, the game is too inaccessible, frustrating, and unrewarding to be fun. The competitors' finish times even on "rookie" level are so good, that although good at racing games, after three weeks of playing this game, I usually come in 10th, can only come first in two out fo six rally sets, and have managed to unlock only one car. Yes, even with the frustrations, the driving itself is really fun, but making the players feel like they are doing so poorly and not making any progress for weeks of playing the game is probably too discouraging to keep them around with much more rewarding and diverse, if less realistic, rally games around.

Classic - A Must Have For Sim Racers

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: January 23, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Having been unaware of this title prior to stumbling across it on great sim racing sites such as bhmotorsports.com, autosimsport.com and simhq.com, I feel truly blessed that I was introduced to this game. One reviewer called it the GPL of rally sims, and I couldn't agree more. That statement alone should give people enough incentive to buy this game and try it out on their own hardware. And this is a hardware intensive game, so step up if you have a machine absolutely capable of running extreme graphics with high frame rates. I have only had this game for three weeks and after one intensive weekend of multiple hours of play, I got a good feel for the car and was able to post competitive sector times. I have yet to try RBR-online.com, but eagerly anticipate bartering some time with the Mrs. to permit a few hours dedicated to competing globally. The game is amazing and the detail is superb. Few things in the sim racing world are as rewarding as absolutely nailing a rally stage, then have the pleasure to watch it back on such a fine replay machine. Highly recommended and a must for a sim racer.

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