DiRT 3

I'll admit, if it weren't for autocross, drifting and rally auto racing would be dead to me. Being a car enthusiast, I'm always playing the latest driving/racing games and finding one that really stands out is a rare occurrence. I'm quite fond of Codemasters' Colin McRae: DiRT series and the latest iteration, Dirt 3 , is truly a winner in my book. Building upon the solid racing formula that made Dirt 2 a success, the developers were able to create an even more accessible and challenging driving experience—while omitting the heavy action sports influence that I felt dragged the last game down. The result is a more finely-tuned Dirt that appeals to a more mature audience, and to those who want a more professional atmosphere that's not so bold. That's right, Colin McRae: DiRT 3 is more like the first game in terms of subtlety and its visual design is the right mix of new and old school.

From a distance Dirt 3 looks a lot like it's predecessors, and it is very similar, but there are a number of improvements and additions that make it stand out. One thing is for sure, it's the best-looking game in the series and the audio is best in class for racing games. The sounds of highly-tuned engines will resonate off canyon walls and under bridges and tunnels. Along with a few little enhancements, the title benefits from even richer graphics and is probably one of the most visually appealing racing games ever developed. The weather effects, which come in the form of rain and snow, look photo-realistic and the dust and mud collect nicely on tires and lower body panels. The addition of a few snow covered courses provides a fresh new element to conquer and mixes up the surface types and encourage tuning. There are also enough vehicle categories and disciplines to last you awhile, and the classics and new favorites are all there.

The one thing that really makes Dirt 3 shine is the implementation of gymkhana events, and the freestyle form of driving they provide. The purpose of these types of events is to really test players' driving abilities and to challenge players to refine their skills. In gymkhana, drivers need to navigate closed courses filled with jumps, drift gates, breakable blocks, and other obstacles. There are a few different types of gymkhana events but all require precision driving techniques such as getting the car sideways and spinning it around like a top. If you're familiar with Ken Block's gymkhana trials videos, then you probably know what I'm talking about. There are numerous arenas or “playgrounds” that are set up for gymkhana events and once you get the hang of driving them, they are easily the most enjoyable events the game has to offer. Dirt 3 even features a free-play mode where you can practice and complete little side missions to gain bonuses.

Crossover race courses have also been introduced in Dirt 3 . These types of events take place on tight two-lane circuits and pit 2 drivers against each other in a frantic blitz. Racers will start in opposing lanes and one full lap is completed when a driver completes both sides of the course. The lanes will frequently cross over each other via bridge or jump and, since the total distance for each racer is the same, players will need to quickly navigate through tight corners and narrow bends without knowing the exact location of their opponent. While this type of racing is not new to rally games, it is a welcome addition to the Dirt franchise and mixes up the action even more. Crossover matches are intense and provide a real test to those who think they have what it takes to win without error.

Overall, Colin McRae: DiRT 3 is the best game in the series, and should appeal to anyone with an interest in auto racing. The decision to cut out the overwhelming action sports atmosphere is a good one and bringing the game back to its subtle roots works very well. Codemasters have found a near perfect blend of new school racing jargon and traditional rally shoptalk to give the game a more mature mindset. The visual design still holds a very modern feel, but it's not so extreme and the simpler interface is very fitting and original. Controls feel sharp and the driving is responsive and clean. Depending on your experience and skill level, the game offers a variety of driving aids to help with the mild learning curve, however you won't get the full effect in which the game is intended. The only real drawbacks in Dirt 3 is the lack of actual tuning and that there is really no customization other than prefabricated liveries. However, these are not enough to offset the solid driving mechanic and the hours of racing action the game offers. The tour mode features a huge number of events and a wide variety of race types to choose from. All-in-all, Codemasters' Colin McRae: DiRT 3 strives to be the biggest, baddest, and dirtiest Dirt yet!