Dirt 2 plunders the best bits from two great racing series to create what is essentially Colin McRae: GRID. The quality is so high, you'll wonder how your console is doing this at all, let alone so seamlessly. A racing classic that does Colin McRae's memory justice.
Dirt 2 is prettier than its predecessor, has more varied tracks and a functional multiplayer offering. What it doesn’t have is a focus on pure time-trial rally races, which is really what I expect from a rally game. The other disciplines are fun to dabble in, but I’m old school and want a bit more tradition from a racing game. Dirt 2 is a solid racing game with some really fun events and a slick menu system, but it could use a little less of the arcade action and a bit more of the sim. I think the vast majority of racing fans are going to love what Dirt 2 has to offer, but there will be a few who long for the days when a hill climb was considered the ultimate racing experience.
Dirt 2 may continue Codies' idea of diversifying what used to be a pure-breed rally sim, but this time it does it properly. The handling is superb, weighty and satisfying with every last handbrake turn. The crash damage and overall visual detail is of the highest calibre in games today, and there are so many events you'll be busy for hours. Codemasters got it right, this time.
Minor problems aside, DIRT 2 is everything racing fans will want from an off-road racer. The driving is fast, fun and be tailored to your skill level. Hardcore fans will work hard shaving split seconds off their best times, while novices can still work through the career and have fun with their fiends online. Wrap up this enjoyable rally experience with the best racing game visuals we've ever seen and DIRT 2 becomes a must-buy game. It's too early to give it the crown of racing game of the year, but it'll take something very special to outdo this classy Codemasters effort.
Although DiRT 2 won't satisfy the hardcore's demands for a return to the serious tone of the old-school Colin McRae titles, this is nevertheless a fine sequel to an admirable title. Adding GRID's flashback feature allows the game to hit that sweet spot of accessibility without blunting its appeal, and allied to a plethora of consistently entertaining race disciplines and locations, it's an absorbing and technically accomplished experience from start to finish.
I found that the absence of a co-driver in the demo was a big negative. Not only is the mini-map hard to read it also breaks the illusion. Track racing is all about memorizing each turn and executing with precision over and over. Rally racing is supposed to be more instinctual, but without the co-driver you are forced into memorizing the road to get a decent time.
I understand the co-driver will be there in at least one mode, but I am going to hold off on a purchase until I get feedback from someone other than the magazine fanboys who probably have never seen a rally in their life.
