Dirt 3, Rally, Race & Gymkhana

You might have read that I was playing DiRT 3 at the moment, and if not I'm really really enjoying it. Dirt 3 is from the makers of Dirt, Grid and the F1 series. That's right Codemasters is behind the wheel. Ok sorry for the pun but these guys know racing and more importantly they know how to keep it fun while feeling realistic. This isn't a straight up Sim game nor is it a flashy arcade game. Dirt 3 has the perfect blend of arcade and simulated racing that makes it feel like it's own flavor in the racing genre.

Start out a complete beginner or as a seasoned racer, DiRT 3 will "assist" you with you got it, certain assists. Anything from ABS, TCS, Driving Line or even an Auto Steer option (to help you go straight down the narrow rally tracks that have you flying through the woods) the game will help you if you need it. Turn these assists off though and expect to get the pure rally experience (you can also play with the in-car perspective) or meet it half way, with the option to have a custom setting with some of the assists on like ABS, or most of the assists off like auto braking. Either way Codemaster's engine feels right and you'll be sliding or biting across gravel, dirt, pavement, and snow in a manner that suites your driving style with a smile on your face.

Dirt 3 gives you more rally, going back to its predecessor's DiRT 1 formula but sticking with the competitive X games racing that was introduced in DiRT 2. Gone is the 3D roaming menu system from DiRT 2 and back are the stylish and polished 2D menu system which we saw from DiRT 1. That's one main element about the game, everything feels polished and says quality. The campaign will present you with a variety of options and events to tackle via selecting either Seasons or World Tours to take part in through the menu system. Here you'll have a chatty crew that encourages and shows you the ropes on certain concepts. It's a nice touch although after about the 20th hour playing the game the PR guy can get on your nerves. It's a minor annoyance along with the desire for more locations to race or rally.

It seems Codemasters is going for a bit of a DLC schedule with DiRT 3, which is a nice alternative to what they did with DiRT 2 where the only DLC available were unlock packs, planning on more content being released after the game has shipped. Hopefully we'll see new locations, new events and obviously new cars to race with. Of course if you're feeling in any way inadequate with the single player than you might as well tackle some multiplayer. There are a number of events you can participate online ranging from straight up Rally, Trailblazer, RallyX, Land Raid, Head to Head, Party Modes (fun alternative co-op modes which contrast nicely with single player), and Gykmhana.

Gykmhana is new to the series and well video games as a whole really. It's relatively a new sport, perfected by Ken Block (who has many of his videos on youtube) who worked with Codemasters on the game, having competitive drivers facing off in a tricks competition spectacle in front of an arena crowded audience. Donuts, drifts, jumps and even smashing through foam blocks will all net you a number of points and a multiplier depending on how well you chain the tricks and how varied your run is (reminds me a little bit like Tony Hawk or Skate). This event might not be for everyone as it will definitely put off diehard rally fans but it is a lot of fun acting as a skill practicing event. You'll also have the luxury to use flash backs, which you get for the other racing events as well, so if you make a mistake there is no need to restart the entire event, a simple undo helps alienate rage restarts.

As you can see there is a lot to DiRT 3, with something for everybody. There is a meaty campaign with a variety of events (aside from random sponsor challenges ranging from check point racing to drifting ), a fun "DC Compound" area to unlock that asks you to explore and complete missions (some ranging from donuts around a tire pile to finding all the collectibles in that area), and a never ending online competition that will keep you busy for months on end. Oh did I mention the addictive leveling system and the XP you gain for the expected taking podium finishes but also the surprising optional bonus objectives such as reaching a high speed or not crashing in a rally event (a new bonus objective comes into play online by finishing ahead of other racers who are higher level than you known as beating the odds)?! Buy this game if you like racing games, it will not disappoint. I like to call it the Off-Road "Forza" to friends or people that ask about it.