#DRIVE Rally arrives with one clear mission: remind us why throwing a slightly questionable rally car sideways through forests, mountains and snow-covered roads was so much fun in the 1990s. Thankfully, it succeeds with style. Rather than chasing hardcore realism, this is an unapologetically arcade racer that values big drifts, colourful scenery and the occasional “that was never going to end well” moment. It’s the sort of game that’s easy to pick up, difficult to put down, and proof that not every racing game needs to simulate tyre pressures to be entertaining.
Gaming Heaven
The biggest strength is its presentation. The chunky art style captures classic rally games brilliantly while still looking fresh on PS5, with each location bursting with personality. From muddy woodland stages to icy mountain roads, every environment has its own charm.
Handling strikes a lovely balance between accessibility and challenge. Cars happily slide through corners without feeling completely out of control, making every successful drift feel satisfying rather than accidental. The varied selection of teams, co-drivers and vehicles keeps the championship moving, while unlocking fresh machinery gives you another excuse for “just one more stage”.
There’s also plenty to enjoy outside the main campaign. Quick Race is perfect for a short blast, while Free Roam lets you soak up the scenery at your own pace. Online ghost times add an extra layer of competition for anyone determined to shave another tenth off their run, though they’ll probably end up muttering at the television like the rest of us.
Gaming Hell
The championship could offer a little more depth, as progression is fairly straightforward and long-term motivation occasionally runs out of puff. Some cars feel more similar than expected, and the lack of meaningful performance upgrades means cosmetic unlocks do much of the heavy lifting. A few rough physics moments can also catch you out, with certain obstacles behaving in ways that seem to have been decided by a committee of shopping trolleys.
Final Judgement
#DRIVE Rally doesn’t pretend to be the definitive rally simulator, and that’s exactly why it’s so enjoyable. It captures the fun, chaos and nostalgia of classic off-road racers with confidence, backed by gorgeous visuals and wonderfully accessible driving. It may leave a few opportunities unexplored, but as an entertaining arcade rally game, it’s an absolute belter and well worth taking for a spin.
