CMR 2005 Plus for the PSP (a new US owner)

I've been in Germany the last couple weeks doing some amatuer racing and decided to hit an EB Games... in of all places Leipzig, East Germany. Looking at what was availible for the PSP, I found "Colin McRae 2005 Plus". This game is not availible where I live in the US, and no projections when or if it will ever arrive, either.

Being a pretty big Ralley fan and having my PSP with me on the trip, I snatched it up right quick (a used copy for $24 euros... about $30 US).

First impressions: This game rocks!!!

The case and instructions are all in German, but the game is all in English and plays perfect. I'ts better than the last CMR I had for the PS2 (a 2002 edition, I think). Tons of stages and games (quick races, carrer mode and some McRae Challange). The graphics are spectacular and show the real potential of the PSP. Best yet, the vehicle dynamics are spot-on. A real driving/ralley simulator... not some silly arcade racer (the only style driving games offered now in the US).

One down side... the career mode is a bear. Very hard to get started in the VW Polo. I'm sure some of this is my novice skills on the PSP... but it seems that the target times to get into the points standings are VERY fast for beginners. A sweet/clean run in the first Germany leg and I'm still 2-3 seconds off the leader and scoring a big ZERO points. Very tough... but still fun.

Bottom line, if you like driving simulators, I highly recommend seeking out this game. If your in the US, have the PSP and are a ralley fan, look on e-bay or order as a European import.