Good N-Gage racing games are hard to come by, so I was skeptical upon opening Colin McRae Rally 2005. Yes, the series is known for its realism and quality, but the N-Gage hasn't seen many quality 2004 releases. However, after thirty seconds of play I knew the game was a hit, and if you own an N-Gage, you need to pick this game up ASAP.

Like its console counterparts, Colin McRae for the N-Gage retains what's made the series so popular. The game allows you to select from 16 real-world vehicles including ones made by Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Subaru (among others) and take them to the limit on 64 courses spread all over Europe such as Italy and Greece. Like in real rally racing you won't face off against an opponent, but rather, time as well as gameplay environments are your biggest foes. Along the way you'll run into a few different terrains including gravel, mud, and snow, and you're able to tune your car so it'll make it through these various elements. Adjusting a car's tires, suspension, steering, and brakes will all have an effect on how your vehicle handles, and being able to tune so many aspects adds a cool layer of depth to an otherwise mindless experience.

There are several modes to enjoy in the game including Championship, Single Stage, Single Rally, and Time Trial. Also, you can race against a friend via Bluetooth and against ghost players from around the world using through the N-Gage Arena. All of the game's menus are well done and easy to navigate, and there are a slew of options to tinker with so you can customize the experience to your liking.

N-Gage 3D is usually hit or miss and thankfully developer Ideaworks3d managed to put in place a spectacular graphics engine. All of the cars are accurately modeled and are capable of taking damage (which you can repair in between races), and the environments look good as well, featuring houses, forests, and other well-crafted scenery. In all, the game looks very much like a PSOne title and runs about as smoothly, though little things, such as rain (which looks more like little black specks) are one of the game's few quirks.

Despite Colin McRae's greatness, there are two nagging issues that somewhat get in the way. First, the sound is at times a bit muddled so it can be difficult hearing instructions from your co-driver. Second, although the controls respond well, cars slide all over the road even when they're on gravel. The game is certainly not perfect, but these are minor nitpicks and don't affect the overall experience.

Let me put it to you this way. If I'm having a ton of fun playing an N-Gage racing game and that game is cutting into my time with Ridge Racers for the PSP it's definitely worth buying. Colin McRae Rally 2005 is a fantastically-polished product that truly shines on Nokia's hand held. It's the best racing game on the system, and a must buy for any of you who own one.