Formula 1 might be the pinnacle of motorsports but rallying isn’t only the coolest but also produces the best drivers among all four-wheeled racing disciplines. Don’t argue us on that. If you need any proof to justify that statement, just know that 20 out of the last 32 Race of Champions were won by rally drivers.
Rallying is beautiful as it combines the technical witchcraft of Formula 1, the occasional carnage of demolition derbies and the dramatic sliding of drifting. The only thing that’s probably more exciting than rallying is rallycross; that essentially door-to-door rallying.
Apart from the pure skills of the drivers driving their machines at 110 per cent, rallying also happens to be held in some of the most picturesque locations globally. However, capturing said beauty on gaming isn’t the easiest task.
Often though, less is more and Art of Rally for PC gaming does that to perfection. It employs a minimalist art style to the racing graphics that takes your breath away as you throw some of the most iconic rally machines through the sixties, seventies, eighties and first half of the nineties.
Even the machines are period correct with minimalist designs of the Subaru 22B, Lancia Stratos, BMW E30, Volvo 240, Toyota AE86, Austin Mini, safari Porsche 911 and the legendary Audi Quattro navigating the simple, breathtaking stages.
Before we get carried away by the graphics though, bear in mind that the racing is pretty realistic and not some Mario Kart or Out Run style driving. There’s a learning curve that’s closer to actual driving simulations such as Forza, requiring some delicate inputs that might render your keyboard insufficient.
If you find it exciting enough, a controller is probably something for the Christmas wish list. In fact, you should probably put Art of Rally on that wish list as well, seeing it’s available for sale on Steam.
