Rally driving is back as Codemasters deliver us this third, and undeniably the best, game in the DiRT series. You might think that a game focussed solely on a racing sport that involves drivers trundling around tracks alone (aside from a trusty co-driver) wouldn’t have much to offer, but you would be wrong. A longer than average career mode, time trials, single events, multiplayer modes and more will keep you playing for many, many hours. And with beautiful graphics, engaging sound and incredibly responsive controls there is a lot to enjoy in DiRT 3, even if you aren’t typically a fan of this type of racing.
Gameplay
Although it’s obvious in part that Codemasters have taken some inspiration from the arcade racers of yore, DiRT 3 is not a game that you can stand a chance of winning without concentration. The different surfaces on which you will race each drastically effect the handling of your vehicle, and different vehicles themselves will soon make obvious their individual performance and quirks. Dramatic weather conditions such as snow and rain, not to mention night time driving, add another dynamic that will mean considering windscreen wipers, headlights and more. All while you try to keep your car on the road and master the art of braking around the tightest of corners.
Plenty of different game modes will keep you completely occupied with a range of different driving disciplines to enjoy. The career mode spans four seasons of racing that are each filled to the brim with different events. Additional events and discipline-specific tours will continue to be unlocked as you progress through the races, earning reputation points as you go. The majority of the different events on offer did appear in the game’s predecessor; however all have been tweaked and improved to offer a greater gaming experience.
All new events are also included if you were worried that this game was just a rehash of DiRT 2, for example the new Gymkhana that offers the ability to perform doughnuts, jumps, slides, tricks and more. A multiplayer version of this event makes for some excellent opportunities to show off your moves to friends online.
Graphics
There is no denying that this game is the most attractive addition to the DiRT series to date. Stunning vehicle modelling is combined with some exquisite lighting and environment creation to transport you around the globe to different race events. Watching sunsets at high speed and seeing pedestrians struggle to reach the safety of the sidelines as you go hurtling by is incredible.
Combine these incredible aesthetics with the sensational sound of the game and you might just convince yourself that you have transported to the snow-scapes of Finland or the winding tracks of Monaco. Pay attention to the fans calling out their praise for your driving skills and the crunch of the snow beneath your wheels, not to mention that wonderful and ever-present engine roar.
Conclusion
There really isn’t a lot to criticise in DiRT 3. It’s visually stunning, easy to jump into and yet challenging enough to continue, and incorporates so many different race events that you will find yourself enjoying the title for hours on end. Add in the multiplayer element, including new party event games such as capture the flag, and you’ll find that there is something for everyone here, whether you are a racing game enthusiast or a total novice.