Game Reviews

Following in the footsteps of its great-granddaddy Colin McRae Rally, DiRT 2 carries on the proud tradition of being one of the only dedicated rallying video games available. In the interests of accessibility though, Codemasters has watered down the game's simulation roots so that you can easily pick up DiRT 2 and start having fun without any in-depth genre experience.

DiRT 2's biggest change is the inclusion of the Flashback feature from GRiD, and the game is all the better for it. Flashback makes the game far more approachable without handicapping the overall difficulty. Most racing games, especially at higher difficulty levels, demand near perfection; 10 perfect laps can all be undone by a single wipeout on the last corner -- Flashback does a lot to alleviate this. The feature presses you to drive at, or beyond the limit of your abilities, and if you wipe out, no harm done, just use a flashback and try again. Racing games are at their best when you're going all out, and the flashback feature allows you to do that more often than not. Track selection in DiRT 2 is solid; from mountain rallies, to swamps raids, and abandoned-factory Rallycross events, DiRT 2 has more than enough modes and tracks to keep you interested. The Gate Crasher event is particularly fun, as it pits you against the clock and awards you additional time for smashing boxes scattered on the course. The majority of the track designs are also fun to race on, filled with curves, hairpins, switchbacks, chicanes, and jumps. In true Rallysport nature, most of the courses are tightly packed affairs with narrow, uneven roads and low visibility, so gamers looking for high-speed ovals need not apply.DiRT 2's graphics have seen a huge improvement from the original DiRT, and are even a little better than the already excellent looking GRiD. The game's crash physics show accurate damage to every part of the car, making every wreck and bump feel unique. The high speeds and erratic nature of rally tracks means you'll be seeing a lot more of these physics in action. Watching your truck barrel-roll across the road before smashing into a rock outcropping never loses its appeal.