Rally Cross (video game)
| Rally Cross | |
|---|---|
 North American cover art | |
| Developer(s) | Sony Interactive Studios America |
| Publisher(s) | Sony Computer Entertainment |
| Producer(s) | Ken George |
| Programmer(s) | Mark Lyons |
| Artist(s) | Scott Atkins |
| Composer(s) | Rex Baca |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation |
| Release | |
| Genre(s) | Racing |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Rally Cross is a 1997 racing video game developed by Sony Interactive Studios America and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. It is centered around rallying and off-road racing. It received positive reviews for its graphics, content, playability and four-player multiplayer. It was followed up by a sequel named Rally Cross 2. The game was re-released on January 16, 2024 on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 as a part of the PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog.[4][5]
Gameplay
[edit]
The game's release predated the DualShock controller, therefore relying on the directional buttons for maneuvering.[5] The game supports up to four players via a split screen.[6]
Reception
[edit]| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| GameRankings | 85.40% (10 reviews)[10] |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Electronic Gaming Monthly | 8.75/10[7] |
| GameSpot | 7.7/10[8] |
| Next Generation |   [9] |
| Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 4/5[11] |
Critics typically compared the game to Sega Rally Championship, identifying the major difference from the Sega game as the more dramatic consequences of driving over unfavorable terrain, which results in an emphasis on careful driving rather than speed.[7][8][9][12] Opinions on this aspect of the game varied. Kraig Kujawa, who reviewed Rally Cross in both Electronic Gaming Monthly and GamePro, hailed it as a major innovation for the racing genre, assessing that it makes the game more realistic and creates a more intelligent challenge.[7][8] Kujawa's EGM co-reviewer Dean Hager noted that it results in slower racing, but agreed that the overall experience is more challenging and overall better than Sega Rally Championship.[7] A reviewer for Next Generation echoed Hager to an extent: "What the game lacks in outright speed, however, is more than made up for by the strategy that is required to select the best line through the undulating tracks." However, he argued that the ease with which cars are flipped over is unrealistic and results in a frustratingly steep learning curve, and concluded the gameplay to ultimately fall second to that of Sega Rally Championship.[9] GamePro's Dr. Zombie took a fairly neutral position, noting that the unique racing style can be mastered but might be disappointing to players who like high-speed racing.[12]
Critics almost unanimously praised the detailed graphics[8][9][12] and the high level of replayability resulting from the large number of tracks, variety of vehicles, numerous modes, and four-player capability.[8][9][12]
In retrospect, Curtis Moldrich of Red Bull said that the game was "revolutionary" during its time and that it "still one of the best rallying games ever made".[13]
References
[edit]- ^ https://psxdatacenter.com/games/P/R/SCES-00408.html
- ^ "Racing that's scary". Reading Evening Post. July 4, 1997. p. 28. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
TWO new Sony titles this week especially for road ragers, but unlike many others, the steering control in Rage Racer is superb...The second title is an excellent 4x4 simulation for one to four players called Rally Cross.
- ^ "Game Informer News". Game Informer. February 10, 1999. Archived from the original on February 10, 1999. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
- ^ "Forgotten Classic PlayStation Rally Game Comes To The PS5 | News | CarThrottle". www.carthrottle.com. January 16, 2024. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
- ^ a b "1997's Rally Cross Set For PS4 and PS5 Re-release". OverTake (Formerly RaceDepartment). January 15, 2024. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
- ^ "Rally Cross". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 91. Ziff Davis. February 1997. p. 145.
- ^ a b c d Kujawa, Kraig; Hager, Dean (May 1997). "Team EGM Sports: Rally Cross". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 94. Ziff Davis. p. 116.
- ^ a b c d e Kujawa, Kraig (March 6, 1997). "Rally Cross Review". GameSpot. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
- ^ a b c d e "Finals: Rally Cross". Next Generation. No. 30. Imagine Media. June 1997. p. 118.
- ^ "Rally Cross Gamerankings Review Score". Archived from the original on January 2, 2019.
- ^ Mayhew, Malcolm (March 1, 1997). "Replay". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. p. 63. Retrieved June 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d "Rally Cross". GamePro. No. 104. IDG. May 1997. p. 106.
- ^ "The 7 best rally games of all time". Red Bull. November 16, 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2024.