DiRT 2 – Part Sequel Part Amalgamation.
A while ago DiRT hit the scene along with GRiD as Codemasters’ entry into the next gen racing platform, being next-gen rebranding of Colin McRae Rally and Toca Racedriver respectively.
Dirt was a super solid racer that made up for its lack of online modes with a deep, varied campaign and slick graphics.
Grid came out later on, and had beautiful visuals and completely solid online play. Its attention to detail, superb AI, respectable licensed vehicle library and detailed, open-ended campaign made it a masterpiece of the racing genre. There really was something for everyone.
Despite the disappointing none-racer titles that came out under the Codemasters banner, it was clear that when it came to cars racing other cars, these guys knew what they were doing.
Then Fuel came out.
Fuel was an immense disappointment, developed by Asobo, the idea of an open world racer was tempting and as details arose it sounded better and better, but alas, nothing came together. Environments were bland, vehicles weren’t varied enough, and it just felt clunky and plain. Codemasters had a lot to live up to with Dirt 2.
However, I'm happy to report that Dirt 2 is a total return to form. (Thankfully) developed in-house, CM took everything that worked with Grid and essentially applied it to Dirt, with noted improvements and additions upon what their two previous staple titles did well. The game is immediately familiar in terms of feel and control, with an even mix of arcade and realism that both Grid and Dirt did so well. The enemy AI has character and feels very alive, and the career mode is as deep and open as is to be expected from the pedigree. Tracks are in far more varied environments than ever before, from lush Malaysian deserts, closed off, urban roads laden with mud and dirt, vast, open deserts to scenic countryside. Cars get muddy and wet; the damage is realistic and pretty. As with Grid pieces that fall off cars become hazards that stay on the course the entire race. Driving in first-person is rewarded with stunning water-splash effects and dash-board toys like Hula girls and googly eyed skulls.
New race modes are not incredibly original, but take from the right places (the Codemaster guys have been playing a lot of PGR4) and alternate paths on maps feel intrinsic and flow well.
If there’s a big stain on this white sheet, it’s the lack of real innovation here. While the title is totally solid, it feels like more of a combining of the two CM Racing franchises, and not enough of a straight up sequel to Dirt. The overabundant in-game advertizing and abysmal Nu-Rock soundtrack would be more forgivable if it felt fresher, but this isn’t new ground they’re treading. It’s an improvement to be sure, but they aren’t bringing anything new to the table so much as polishing it up real nice and throwing a big Monster Energy Drink sign under it all.
But Having actual rally car champs like Dave Mirra and Ken Block adds an air of credibility to the actual rally sport aspect of the game, the voiced name stuff is still awkward, but less creepy than it was in Grid, and the first-person style menus from Grid are back in full force and make the stuff between races painless, immersive and interesting.
Dirt 2 is a great game. Its flaws are as trivial as its victories are important. Newcomers to the franchise should definitely start with Dirt and Grid before they dive into this, but seasoned vets of Codemasters’ slick, stylish, deep pedigree of racing games is in full form here... I guess I just wish there was more surprises.
