Drive Rally is a high-octane racing game that takes players back to the golden era of rally racing. The game features a range of vehicles, each with unique strengths and abilities, that players can unlock as they progress through the game. For beginners, some of the best cars to unlock early include the Bretzel CL Drivetrain, which handles well across various terrains and maps, and the Das Sandsturm CL Drivetrain, which is inspired by the real-world Audi Quattro and features four-wheel drive.
The Bobond CL Drivetrain is another great choice for beginners, thanks to its light weight and excellent handling over ramps and other obstacles. Once players can afford an RS upgrade, the Speed Runner RS Drivetrain should be a top priority, with its impressive horsepower and four-wheel drive. The Celestia RS Drivetrain is a versatile option that performs well across various situations, with low mass and high horsepower allowing for quick acceleration and four-wheel drive ensuring optimal grip on any terrain.
While Drive Rally brings a heartfelt nod to classic rally games, some reviewers feel that it falls short in providing a compelling experience for modern gamers.
Capturing rally’s golden era in games
The game’s gameplay mechanics may feel outdated, lacking the complexity and innovation found in contemporary racing titles.
However, the game’s driving experience is where it excels, with each driving surface having a distinct feel and the transition from slippery to dry tarmac being a real test of good road-feel. The game’s visuals are also a highlight, combining the best aspects of the flat-shaded look with wonderful lighting and high-resolution sharpness. The cars are bright and colorful, with sharp shadows, and the environment shares this well-lit, flat look.
The game’s career mode is where most players will spend their time, gradually unlocking car customizations and new cars as they progress through championships. However, some reviewers found the co-pilots to be grating and the cornering advice to be lacking. Despite some display bugs and pace note issues, the dev team has assured players that they are working on fixing these issues before the game’s full release.
Overall, Drive Rally offers a pleasant way to revisit rally’s glory days, with approachable racing and enough depth to keep players engaged.
