Review: Dirt 3

    Since 1998 Codemasters Colin McRae Rally/Dirt franchise has been a critical and commercial success. It has also been noted as being the series that brought realistic type rally racing to computer and console gamers.  Codemasters last effort (Dirt 2) tried hard to cater to the masses, and ultimately disappointed it's longtime followers.  Almost 2 years have passed since the release of Dirt 2, and Codemasters promises PC, PS3 and XBOX 360 owners a return to it's rallying roots. Is this version of Dirt worth your hard earned cash, or should you just drift on by?

     Rally racing requires that drivers possess many skill sets like quick reflexes, precision, and the ability to read and react. Even though Dirt 3 is not a true sim it does a marvelous job of putting you in the drivers seat, letting you experience the essence of rally racing.  Newcomers will quickly become frustrated when they first try this game, not because the game is flawed, but because their driving skill is.  Professional rally racing ain't easy, and neither is Dirt 3.  Thankfully Codemasters has place at your disposal various driving options and car customizations so you can tailor your driving involvement.  With practice you will begin to learn the various driving techniques that will allow you to easily navigate Dirt's beautifully rendered terrain.

   In case you didn't already know Dirt 3's graphics are simply stunning, everything on screen looks great.  Accurate car models will reflect Norman Rockwell like environments on their hoods, while rally spectators dash across the tracks as they try to avoid being hit, weather effects will impair your driving, and Codemasters has created a physics engine that animates some of the best car damage you'll ever see.  Not to be outdone Dirt 3's audio is quite mesmerizing.  The automotive sounds are immersive, and the soundtrack could find a home on the Billboards charts.

    Dirt 3's replayability is high, the career mode has been improved to include many more rallying events than Dirt 2.  Codemasters has included plenty of cars, tracks, time trials, multiplayer modes, and racing disciplines to keep gamers happy, there are also several DLC packs available and the game notifies you when new content is on the way.  The A.I. in Dirt 3 is outstanding as well, producing remarkably skilled opponents that will not only challenge, but find a clean way to beat you.  Dirt 3's only true weakness is it's accessibility. Casual gamers may find the learning curve too steep to stick with it, while hardcore sim racers might pass and continue waiting for something more Richard Burns Rally like.  In the end Dirt 3 is a highly recommended title, that no true racing fan should be without.