Couldn't find the PS2 mag so I opted for Xbox demo instead. This and its only a demo (an early'ish one at that)..
game is incredible..

Here's my impressions for our message board..

(joke)
Been playing more tonight. What can I say Codies Crew - it is simply stunning.
Points to note:-
Three little roof aerials that move around perfectly with the physics of the car..
Tyre tracks are fantastic and replicate exactly where the individual tyres have been. In the snow and mud the tyre tracks are almost 3D they really do look as though they have left a track in the surface..
Sound is awesome, the various road surfaces translate perfectly from the squishing of the sludge as you pass from ice to snow, the creaking of the snow compacting under the weight of your car to the textured sound of the tarmac..
Real-time reflections..wow - dont need to say anything else..
Frame rate issues - what issues.. not a spec in game (saw two occasions in replay but this is an early version and they were very slight) Only wanted to mention this so no one comes on next week after playing the demo saying it slows down in the replays..
Damage model is painful (nicely painful. ), drive into a solid road-sign and you cringe as you realise it has almost torn into the metal of your car body.. Has to be experienced to fully understand, but the guys have obviously stacked a few motors to get this so right (not letting them near my car.. )
Handling - well we all know the CMR team know how to make a game handle properly and I assume the team is almost the same as previous CMR games cos this is as perfect..
Replays are amazing.. Is a replay just a replay.? Well not if it makes you feel like you are watching a replay of a rally on TV. Dynamic cameras put you both in and out of the action in a great mix of style and practicality. Sometimes the camera is just following the car, other times the camera is sitting pretty in the environment (maybe trees or bushes) and pans sweetly as the car comes into view in the distance (through the tress)..it's a great feeling and again needs to be seen to be appreciated..
there's plenty more I could mention, but dont want this to be so long no one bothers to read it..
Got an Xbox.? then at least grab the demo if not the full game next week, this is a stunner. I had reservations after the disappointing TOCA but this is CMR 'in the flesh' and follows faithfully in the footsteps of the previous outings..and this version (with Xbox pumping the game onto my screen) is without question the ultimate Rally game now and for a long time to come..
Thankyou Codies..the best of british.