Colin McRae Rally 2.0 allows you to play with up to 8 players in a network game supported by Direct Play (IPX, TCP/IP). Alternatively, 2 players can race over modem or direct connection (Serial).

Please note that the quality of the multi-player game may be limited by the following factors:
Heavy network traffic, poor cabling, line noise, latency, other environmental effects and CPU speed. This game is optimised for LAN play; whilst internet play is possible, performance over the web will be seriously diminished.

Use the cursor keys to navigate the menu screens. The up and down cursor keys cycle through the list of available options, while the left and right cursor keys adjust these options. To confirm the highlighted option, press ENTER. To move onto the next screen, highlight OK and press ENTER. To return to a previous screen, select the back option and hit ENTER or press ESC.

TCP/IP Network Game
Supports: 2-8 players
Requires: 1 game CD minimum and 2 or more computers connected to an active TCP/IP compatible network.

MODEM Network Game
Supports: 2 players
Requires: 1 game CD minimum and 2 computers each using 56kbps or faster modem.

SERIAL Network Game
Supports: 2 players
Requires: 1 game CD minimum and 2 computers connected via their serial ports with a null modem cable.

To begin a multiplayer game of Colin McRae Rally 2.0, someone must æhostÆ a session. First choose NETWORK from the main menu, then load or create a player profile. Choose a service provider from the available list and on the next screen, choose to CREATE NEW game. The host may then declare a password to secure the session, although this is not a requirement. Next set up the session options, such as game mode, maximum number of player, KICK OUT TIME (see Kick Out) and LOAD LEADERBOARD (see Leaderboard). Depending on the game mode, the host can alter several mode setup options before proceeding to the WAITING ROOM.

First choose NETWORK from the Main Menu. Load or create a player profile then choose a service provider from the list. On the next screen highlight a session and JOIN it. If a session password is required you will be prompted for it. All players will then proceed to the WAITING ROOM.

The host will only have access to the countries and stages that they have unlocked in their one player game, however players will be able to join a hostÆs game regardless of their unlock status.

On this screen, players choose their car and transmission. In the waiting room all players can see the current player and car list for their session. They can also CHAT (see Chat). When they are satisfied with their choices, each player must change their start option to READY; when all players have indicated READY, the host can start the session.

Once the winner crosses the finish line they often have to wait for everybody else to finish before moving on to the next race. To prevent waiting too long, the host may set a kick out time. The moment the winner finishes, the kick out time will start counting down. When it reaches zero the race will end for all players, regardless of position.

Loaded or newly created leaderboards will be saved automatically at the end of the race. This will record the current player details, position and points etc. If the host wishes to continue this session at a later date they can load this leaderboard and continue where they left off. It is possible for a new player to join a loaded leaderboard, though they have to start in last position. If a player doesnÆt wish to continue, their score is preserved on the leaderboard in case they wish to play again in the future.

Chat is available in the waiting room and at the end of a race on the results screen. To chat, move the cursor into the empty chat box, type in your message and hit ENTER.

When racing, the on screen information will differ from mode to mode. It will often contain different data to the non-network mode equivalent.

You cannot pause the game in Network mode. Pressing ESC allows you to access the Pause Menu Options, but control of your car is relinquished.

At the end of a race the players are presented with a results screen. Network games use a different scoring system, as follows: -

Rally û Single Rally; 1 point per stage win plus 3 point bonus for winning the rally

Rally û Single Stage; 1 point for a win

Rally û Time Trial; 1 point for a win

Arcade û Single Race; 1 point for a win

Arcade û Time Trial; 1 point for a win

The scores are tallied across the session on the LEADERBOARD (see Leaderboard).

At the end of the race, the host can choose to restart the same session or return to WAITING ROOM to set up a new race.

At any point, either in race or in the front-end menu screens, the host or player can choose to quit and exit. If the host quits a new host will automatically be selected from the remaining players computers.

The following Rally game modes are available for network play, for up to eight players: -

This mode allows a group of players to play a selection of stages, from the same country. The host selects the stages to be raced and as such can create a "custom rally". The order in which the stages are raced cannot be selected. The winner is the player with the fastest time at the end of the rally. All players return to the Setup / Repair screen after every stage, where they have just one minute to make any adjustments.

The host can choose which stages to race by highlighting the desired stages and pressing ENTER.

This mode allows a group of players to play a single stage. The host selects the stage to be raced. The winner is the first player to cross the finish line.

The host can choose the weather for the stage.

This mode allows a group of players to play a Time Trial stage. The host sets the time limit with players racing as many times as they wish within this time limit. The timer is displayed on all screens, including in-race. The winner is the player with the fastest time at the end of the session. When not racing the player can return to the setup/repair screen. At the end of a stage the player can watch how the other players are doing on one of the results screens. This screen details whether the other players are racing or in setup / repair and their current best stage time.

The host can choose the length of the session, in minutes.

The following arcade game modes are available for network play, for up to six players: -

This mode allows a group of players to enter an Arcade single race together. The host selects the country and the number of laps. The winner is the first player to cross the finish line.

The host can choose the number of laps to race.

This mode allows a group of players to enter an Arcade time trial session. Players compete for the fastest lap time. The winner is the player with the fastest lap time at the end of the session.

The host can choose the length of the session, in minutes.