New York (October 28, 2004) – Codemasters, a leading global publisher of interactive entertainment, announced today that its internationally acclaimed rally game, Colin McRae Rally 2005, has shipped to North American retail outlets for PC-DVD. A console version of the game is also available on the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft.

Just when drivers thought a McRae game couldn’t offer more detail or visual splendor, Colin McRae Rally 2005 crosses the finish line a winner once again: the new hood-cam and an improved chase cam gives a real sensation of speed and undulation. Enhanced damage and scenery visuals include new individual damage models for every car. Should a driver crash into a tree, it will shudder and even drop leaves!

Colin McRae Rally 2005 features 30 cars, including the Subaru 22B STI, Audi Sport Quattro Rallye, MG Sebring Special and the 1967 Morris Mini Cooper S. Modeled with extraordinary attention to detail, the vehicles are authentic and handle the road according to how each would perform under realistic conditions.

Colin McRae Rally 2005 introduces the all-new multi-discipline Career Challenge where players can experience a full professional rally career while driving a diverse selection of cars for different manufacturers. Cups, Supercups and Championships are just a few of the 23 individual rally events and 300 stages gamers can take on and tear up.

Colin McRae Rally 2005 Key Features:

• More than 30 featured cars including the Volkswagen Golf MK5, Toyota Celica GT-FOUR, Lancia Stratos, Alfa Romeo 147 GTA, Alfetta GTV Turbodelta, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII, Peugeot 206, 205 T16 Evo2 and the distinctive VW Beetle RSi!
• 9 international locations (new German rally joins events through UK, Sweden, USA, Finland, Australia, Spain, Greece and Japan), in Rally game mode, each with 8 stages. Large, animated spectator crowds cheer you on through the stages.
• An individual damage model for each car – right down to paintwork scrapes and a “dazed” visual concussion effect as you recover from a crash.
• Online & LAN rallying with head-to-head support for up to 8 players simultaneously.

With its authentic car handling, meticulously designed stages and progressive events, Colin McRae Rally 2005 is set to be the most complete and rewarding rally experience ever made.

Colin McRae Rally 2005 for PC-DVD is rated “E” for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board and carries a suggested retail price of $19.99. For more information about the game visit the Colin McRae Rally 2005 web site at www.codemasters.com/colinmcrae2005 <http://www.codemasters.com/colinmcrae2005> . 

For additional game information, check out the game’s dedicated web site at: http://www.codemasters.com/colinmcrae2005.