Game developer Codemasters has succeeded in turning the Dirt series into a true, all-encompassing, off-road racing franchise that has something for everyone. The latest edition, Dirt 3, reiterates that point. Compared to its predecessor, Dirt 3 offers sharper graphics, impressive weather and lighting effects, lush trackside foliage, and detailed surroundings. On the gameplay front, while track deformation is still missing, there’s now a telling difference in handling as you move between track surfaces. This means you’ll experience a sudden and noticeable increase in grip as you move from dirt to asphalt.
Gymkhana mode
The career this time is broken up into four seasons — each with several tournaments comprising multiple events. It’s lengthy, and there’s a rich variety of events across many different locations. The race modes from Dirt 2 are available here, but a lot of publicity this time as gone behind the Gymkhana mode. This is essentially what you would see if they had cars at the X Games. The aim here is to chain stylish manoeuvres and rack up high scores.
That brings us to rally, which by popular demand, has received a lot more attention in Dirt 3. Besides the multi-stage structure, the game also includes iconic rally vehicles from over the last 50 years. One thing that might disappoint players is the lack of importance given to the cars in Dirt 3. The only purpose of earning XP in the game is to unlock more events. Vehicles are randomly unlocked as you go on, and the game rewards you for using the most recently unlocked cars, making the older ones pretty much useless.
Multiplayer is fun
The biggest surprise in Dirt 3 is in multiplayer mode. One such mode is Outbreak, where a zombie vehicle must chase down others and infect them in a game of cat and mouse. My personal favourite is Transporter, a capture the flag variation where a randomly spawning flag must be collected and taken to a designated location, while every other player tries to stop you.
Multiplayer is fun
The biggest surprise in Dirt 3 is in multiplayer mode. One such mode is Outbreak, where a zombie vehicle must chase down others and infect them in a game of cat and mouse. My personal favourite is Transporter, a capture the flag variation where a randomly spawning flag must be collected and taken to a designated location, while every other player tries to stop you.
What we like
Great multiplayer mode
Sharp graphics
What we don’t
Cars quickly get sidelined with newer ones
Verdict
It really shouldn’t surprise anyone anymore when Codemasters puts out a great racing game, and that’s what Dirt 3 is. Whether you like your racing games pure and technical or unconventional and flashy, they’re both here. And the best part is that one never gets in the way of the other.
Rating: ****1/2