Before you say “Oh no, not another racing game…” you should know that DiRT Showdown is a step in a different direction for the franchise. The DiRT series of games sort of started out as an attempt to create a simulation for off-road rally type racing. Since that time however, the DiRT series has won over legions of fans due to its garishness, or brashness. You’ll find plenty of that kind of attitude in DiRT showdown; it’s really a game for thrill seekers and rabble-rousers. Speaking of simulation racing; DiRT 4 is expected to be more of a return to serious simulated racing, in the meantime, we’ll just have to play DiRT showdown (which is another entity altogether for the series).
Visuals
Far from being an ugly game, DiRT Showdown actually impresses with its high quality visuals. Everything is bright, loud and dirty in DiRT Showdown, and because the graphics are presented in HD (and in line with the levels we have come to expect out of this console generation), you can’t help but feel that you’re a part of the action. Basically, everything looks really good; the crashes, the fire effects, the auto models, and of course the courses themselves, DiRT is definitely a presentable game in the visuals department.
Gameplay
It could be said that the gameplay department is where the true mettle of any racing game can be tested, and DiRT Showdown doesn’t disappoint. Aside from the standard modes of play DiRT showdown adds demolition derbies, stunt racing, and various other forms to the fray. There’s just so much to do aside from standard races, which makes this the perfect game for someone who might have grown tired of the same formula you usually find in most racing titles.
Control-wise everything handles pretty much the way you would expect, so, no surprises there. As with any racing title, there is perhaps a little bit of a learning curve concerning the “give and take” of the control feedback, but this shouldn’t be a problem at all for experienced racers.
Verdict
DiRT Showdown is a fun, filthy and frantic racing game. Fans of DiRT 2 or 3 should feel right at home with this one; since it provides an expanded experience similar to those titles. The multiplayer is tons of fun, especially the demolition derbies which will undoubtedly be one of the more popular destinations for DiRT fans when it comes to online play. In short, DiRT Showdown isn’t the game of the year, nor is it the best racing title to be released this year. But in spite of these factors, DiRT Showdown remains to be a really fun racing game that basks in the glow of its “rough and ready” attitude. There’s a lot to do and see in DiRT Showdown, and it’s a fairly unique game when you step back and compare it with other racing titles on the market. DiRT Showdown is a definite buy for fans of the DiRT series or racing enthusiasts who like it rough.