By Mike Burnett

Colin is back in the latest edition of his rally racing franchise, boasting more cars, more stages, more challenges and now online play.

COLIN MCRAE RALLY 2005 Format: Xbox; PS2 Price: �39.99 Publisher: Codemasters/Xbox Genre: Rally driving

Certainly, the Colin McRae Rally series has been seen as the last word in dirt-track action over the past few years.

And in a market where new racing games zoom round the corner every other day, the bankability of yet another McRae sequel is testament to its quality.

However, CMR 2005 faces some stiff competition this time around in the form of the arguably more exciting Rallisport Challenge 2 on the Xbox and PC.

You also have to wonder if someone has CMR 2004, are they going to splash out another 40 quid on this year's version?

Don't get me wrong, the 2005 edition is a rollicking good ride, with plenty to keep even the most hardcore rally aficionado happy.

The game has 23 rally events and more than 300 stages of mud-sliding, gravel-grinding action.

As usual, Codemasters have spared no attention to detail, from lush forests in Finland to the drizzle in Japan as you race around trying to beat the best time.

There are also other features such as challenges, championships, and cups that reward you with new cars, as well as new prototype test parts.

Though not particularly hard, the gameplay feels realistic, and the differing heights of certain sections of routes, as well as the surface and weather conditions, give the gamer plenty to think about.

One main difference to previous CMR games is the opportunity to play up to eight other people online.

VERDICT Graphics: 88% Playability: 91% Sound: 85% Lastability: 83% Overall: 90%

It is a welcome addition if you have a Playstation 2, but Xbox users have already been spoiled with Rallisport 2, which months ago established the way to go with online rally-driving.

Microsoft's slick rally racer has a more fun, arcadey feel - and your engine never cuts out.

That said, CMR has little to prove - having been there, done that and got the overalls - and it is heaps better than the Richard Burns licensed game.

Colin may be struggling to get a drive in the real world, but in virtual land he's still as reliable as your favourite pair of slippers.