Annual updates are funny things. Scorned by the hardcore and lapped up by the casual, yet there's no denying that their existence plays a huge part in funding the that we love. Still, it's natural to question the merit of such updates. At least if you're a fan then there's a certain value to getting access to the latest player rosters and the like, but how on earth can you justify an update of an unlicensed rally game? I suppose the only way would be to make the game a hell of a lot better, so it's fortunate that have done just that.

As you load up you'll be forgiven for thinking that little has changed since 04. The menus possess the same contemporary, minimalist styling; the initial game modes seem much the same; car setup options are more or less identical and Nicky Grist still scripts and delivers the (albeit excellent) pace notes. However, appearances can be deceptive. Whereas CM2005 offers little more that CM04 on paper, on the track it really is a vastly improved beast.

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As soon as you begin you'll immediately notice the improved visuals. It's not just that the visuals are more detailed, although they are by quite a way. It's more to do with the fact that the stages now have a far more organic feel that in previous versions of the game whilst still maintaining a rock solid frame rate. A race in CM2005 makes you feel as if you're really encroaching upon Mother Nature. Grass and bushes, historically the bane of graphics engines, are produced with a pleasing level of realism. The backgrounds are detailed and whilst you may just notice some pop up on the highly detailed elements, the environments are very convincing and stretch as far as the eye can see. The tracks themselves are now far more detailed with each individual pebble and undulation being clearly visible. The Sweden Rally is especially beautiful boasting gorgeously crisp snow-covered scenery. Sometimes it's hard to resist the temptation to stop and take in the view.

Hit a tree and leaves will fall the ground, bounce off a railing and the paintwork on your car will scratch. The hideous speedometer of CM04 has at last been dumped and now resembles the far superior CM3 version. You're also told your average and top speeds over a rally at the end of a stage; it's nice touches like this that help cement the feeling of quality. Sound effects also now seem far more intricate – you can really hear your engine straining and fighting to keep up the power as you throw the car around the corners. Little touches, but they all help to cement the illusion of reality.

However, the visual improvements are secondary to the improvements made on the track. I loved CM04. It was a cracking title that played like a dream. Yet Codemasters have managed to somehow improve on what was an already superb formula and offer an even better driving experience. It's difficult to quantify where the improvements have been made. Put simply, the drive offered is more invigorating. You now feel even more engaged with the road; every bump and divot is felt as you tear around the corners, every change of surface superbly recreated. The car manages to behave in a convincingly realistic manner without ever making you feel as if things are beyond your control. from tarmac to mud and the change of behaviour is instantly apparent without ever feeling overstated. Things also chug along at a far quicker pace than before. It's claimed that the game runs a third faster than CM04, and whilst it maybe doesn’t quite feel that much quicker there's no denying that the pace has been considerably upped since its sometimes pedestrian predecessor.

Of course, improved handling is rarely enough to draw the attention of the masses alone so lots of new features have been thrown in to boot. The stat nuts amongst you will be pleased to know that as well as 23 separate events, there are now over 300 stages on offer and over 30 cars. Two new views have been introduced as well. The bonnet cam is a welcome addition though the second more distant chase cam feels a little unwarranted, only serving to remove the player from what is a quite visceral experience. The career structure has now been greatly enhanced, featuring multiple disciplines and branching paths. Several car types are available from the traditional 2WD and 4WD to the new 4x4 Off-road and Super 2WD classes. Expect to see the like of the Freelander, Mini Cooper S and VW Beetle RSi unlocked as you progress. Each section of the career mode is categorised by a theme, be it by vehicle type, specific car events or rally types. Progression through the career is governed by the accumulation of points won by ranking in each of the events. As well as this, testing points must be won by completing various challenges that test the durability of specific components within the car, such as the brakes or suspension – a feature that will be very familiar to those who've played CM04.