My review: 8/10 same as IGN
This is basically Grid 2. It plays EXACTLY the same with some minor differences.
Presentation is better imo.
Graphics are the same, if not a tiny bit better. Sceneries are WAY better than grid, which is just track racing. This is more offroad racing, hence the name, so you get better sceneries. GOOD graphics imo.
Music: I actually like the music, one suck sucked and 1 song was better than the rest, but overall not to annoying to turn it off.
Improvements to the track designer are a plus. There are more things (tiles, whatever) to put into your own tracks.
There are more events to do, like a long jump where you have to land good.
There are jumps in the races, and this game gives you more sense of speed imo.
You got Career play, Quick Race and Time Trial. Career has you go to different country over the globe, and different events in each country. Same old, same old.
Multiplayer Multi-Card AND single card play. Which is good.
Downside is that there is no WFC which would be awesome.
Controls are a bit different than grid, so you have to get used to it, it's more drifty, for better or for worse, your call. I like both. It also gives more attention to not hitting cars, cause it will slow you down.
If you liked grid, you'll like this. Buy it. Pick up this game a try it at least.