First Richard Burns Rally Title Releases Early, 2004

Finally we have a release window! Initially due for release this year, the first Richard Burns rallying title was delayed and is now due sometime next year. The short press release below says “Early 2004” and gives some information on how the sim will actually work…

– You’ll start at a rally school.
– Career options.
– Challenge options against Burns himself.
– Hotseat multiplayer.

It really sounds like they have put a huge amount of work into the realism of this simulation. Full press release text below screenshots.

Press release:

Rally games are about to receive a major shakedown

World Champion Richard Burns, Britain’s top rally driver for the past three seasons, in association with SCi Games is pleased to announce the first game in the RICHARD BURNS RALLY series to be released in early 2004.

RICHARD BURNS RALLY is the first true rally simulation game, bringing the most realistic and exhilarating rally experience to all major gaming platforms. This true to life rallying requires tactics, intelligence and perseverance as well as speed, aggression and risk taking.

Beginning at the Forest Experience Rally School in North Wales, Richard and co-driver Robert Reid will tutor each player in the tactics, preparation and skills required for rally driving, before the player joins a team and embarks on his career as a rally driver. There are additional game modes including a Richard Burns Challenge, where players get the chance to go head to head with Richard Burns and a 4-player ‘hot-seat’ multi-player gaming.

Adding a new level of realism, RICHARD BURNS RALLY includes:

* Unparalleled engine simulation modelled on genuine automotive information and individual car specs
* Simulated car handling for a truly authentic feel
* Pace notes authored by Robert Reid
* Unique three dimensional track generation system, incorporating; potholes, rocks, puddles and ruts, with realistic depth and effects on the track and the cars
* Truly dynamic and random weather all effecting the track and the car
* Accurate car damage from engine fires and fuel leaks to brake loss and bodywork damage
* Interactive ‘real-time’ service park with component based repair system
* AI opponents with varying personalities and styles, resulting in different race results and crashes
* Realistic spectators, who cheer as you speed past, sometimes stray onto the track, but will also help roll your car back if you venture off-road
* Helicopter rescues from un-salvageable accidents

With a selection of cars to choose from including; Peugeot 206, Citroen Xsara T4 and Subaru Impreza 2003 and set over a number of official Rally circuits from Britain and Japan to Finland and the French Alps. RICHARD BURNS RALLY will offer game fans a totally new experience in Rally games. Released on PS2, XBox and PC early 2004.