DiRT Rally (Xbox One)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Release Date (NA): April 5, 2016
- Release Date (EU): April 5, 2016
- Release Date (JP): April 5, 2016
- Publisher: Codemasters
- Developer: Codemasters
- Genres: Racing Simulation
- Also For: Computer, PlayStation 4
Game Features:
A Racing game with extreme depth
Sim racing is highly complex and technical, and DiRT takes no exceptions to these requirements. Every decision you make on the track can affect you in the long run, from sharp turns that end up flipping your car and costing you all your time, to losing traction and dunking yourself into the nearest sand pit. Where arcade racers have claimed technical precision in the past, DiRT rally exceeds and goes beyond the expectation of what it is to be a simulation racer.
In fact, treating DiRT like a game may very well be what send you over the edge and loses you the race. DiRT Rally sets rules and boundaries that are either followed, or broken, which results in win, or loss. Rally driving in DiRT is as accurate as it can be to the real sport, and DiRT is completely unforgiving if you don’t respect its rules. Now that I’ve emphasized that enough for you, let’s get into what makes the game so complex.
Mechanics
Precision, concentration, adrenaline and excitement control your vehicle in DiRT, along with some handy instructions from your pit crew. You begin DiRT with some lovely 1960’s vehicles and a small team, and try to work your way from small beginnings to larger possibilities. There are no rewinds to save you from making mistakes, which is why listening to your crew and making decisions makes all the difference.
Hiring a good crew is just as important as well, as they will be as familiar as you are with your vehicle of choice. The AI crew can adapt and almost level up with the car the more time you spend with it, and in doing so, will be able to further instruct you on the field.
This subsequently means that rather than picking up a ton of random cars and trying them all out, you’ll more than likely spend an enormous amount of your time fine tuning and tweaking your precious vehicle over time to get the best qualities out of it.
And with upgrades, comes attachments, and with attachment, can come tragedy. Don’t think that you can simply reset your mistaken crashes so easily. Every collision will cost you credit, every reset will cost you credits, and every mistake costs you time, and credits.
Every track and every race should literally be studied before-hand to plan out your turns, when you can accelerate vs when you’ll need tight turns and precision, and so much more. Your plans will make or break your race, and can result in you finishing strong, or in pieces. Your credits are on the line after all, and are the only means of upgrading your car, purchasing new cars, and progressing through the game.
Everything Else
Driving in DiRT rally feels incredible. The controls are tight and responsive, as are the physics of the game. The environments are gorgeous and intimidating, from small dirt tracks with trees posing a threat throughout the course, to icy alps and their slippery, treacherous roads. Learning and understanding your vehicle of choice is the main goal of this game, and knowing when to throttle, when to brake, when to accelerate, are all key aspects of the game.
Aside from the standard campaign, you also have access to online modes, FIA World Rally Cross, which can be played solo or online, and leaderboard challenges.
The visuals are breathtaking, even on console, and the Xbox One manages to show off crisp and amazing displays in 1080p visuals. Every dust cloud, thrown up snow, and speck of slinging mud from your tyres is rendered in gorgeous detail, and the cars themselves look just as sleek and impressive.
Verdict
- Amazing Visuals
- Deep and entertaining mechanics
- A bit overwhelming in its offerings
- Difficult for beginners
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