[PG Review] DiRT 2

[Black Viper]

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[/FONT] [FONT=&quot]PROVISO/DISCLAIMER: This review is based on PC version of DiRT 2 only, I cannot say anything for other platforms, if you find any mistake or exclusion in this regard, please do inform me and I'll update my review thanks.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]The Good[/FONT]

• [FONT=&quot]Stunning graphics.
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• [FONT=&quot]DirectX 11 support.
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• [FONT=&quot]Authentic sounds.
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• [FONT=&quot]Long and interesting career mode.
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• [FONT=&quot]Real time car damage.
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• [FONT=&quot]Several rally modes.[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Variety of difficulties for all kind of players.[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]LAN multiplayer.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]The Bad[/FONT]

• [FONT=&quot]Minor pauses on occasions.[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Controls seems difficult at first.[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]No weather variety.[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Could have some more cars.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Do you have a desire to drive through odds like sand, grass, dirt, mud and water? If these are the things you wish in your dreams, then DiRT 2 can satisfy your hunger. Codemasters are famous for their rally racing games and in today’s review we are going to see how they fulfill our expectations with DiRT 2. DiRT 2 is not a direct sequel of DiRT because it has no relation with it however it is another game in Codemaster’s rally racing franchise. It has its own career mode, cars, tracks etc… and we can easily say that DiRT 2 is bigger and better.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]The most prominent thing you’ll notice in DiRT 2 is the insane amount of visual detail. Codemasters always pay special attention to graphics in their games. PC gamers are lucky here because Codemasters have integrated DirectX 11 support in DiRT 2, so if you have DirectX 11 hardware then you’ll love DiRT 2. It does not mean that DiRT 2 looks bad on previous generation of DirectX; Codemasters did an amazing work in creating scalable graphics. They always find a way to make PC gamers happy by making their games graphic marvels, even if exterior is more preferred way of playing DiRT 2, Codemasters did a remarkable work creating interiors as well.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]DiRT 2 is powered by Ego engine and I think it’s a very scalable engine; there are many things that you can adjust in PC version like resolution, anti aliasing, details of objects, trees, particles, reflections, water and many more… This makes DiRT 2 accessible to every PC gamer and yes you don’t need an uber ninja kind of rig to run this game, you can fine tune many settings to create balance between performance and quality.[/FONT]

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[FONT=&quot]Even if you don’t have DirectX 11 hardware, Dirt 2 looks extravagant.

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[FONT=&quot]DiRT 2 does not have a feeble career mode like DiRT in which you just have to complete pile of races and nothing else, the career mode of DiRT 2 is more lively and makes you feel like you're a real rally racer doing a tour of world. With your own caravan/RV, co-drivers, helpers, variety of countries to visit, renowned rally drivers and of course special events; you’ll like the career mode of DiRT 2 more than its precursor. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Like in DiRT there are many rally modes available in DiRT 2, it ranges from traditional rally racing with a co-driver to rally cross, raids, land rush and special modes like gate crasher, domination and last man standing, You’ll find everything in DiRT 2 to satisfy your gusto. Also there are many difficulty modes available in DiRT 2 so it’s a game for players of all skill levels, whether you’re a novice driver or a seasoned racer; you’ll find DiRT 2 challenging and satisfying. Like I said before there is a caravan in DiRT 2 in which you live and do stuff like getting ready for next events, watch your statistics of career mode, select your co-driver, look at achievements, go into multiplayer and some more… You can also go out of your caravan into podium to buy new vehicles, watch your current vehicles from different angles, apply reward items to your vehicles, and more…[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Completing the races will unlock some cool reward items that you can apply to your vehicles in podium, such items include huge variety of liveries, air fresheners to hang in your car’s back mirror, cute hula girl to decorate on your car's dash board, new horns etc… Completing the races will also grant you experience to level up and this leveling will unlock new events and countries in career mode, with each successful race you'll also get some amount of cash to spend on your vehicles and to buy new ones as well.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]You’ll see some powerful vehicles in DiRT 2 but I think Codemasters should increase the number of vehicles in their rally titles, still it can’t be regarded as major downside of DiRT 2 and you’ll like the vehicles it has. Tracks are equally impressive in DiRT 2, you’ll see a wide variety of tracks filled with lovely sights, you’ll have to drive through deserts, savannas, small villages, and water filled passages that will make your ride very dirty. You are going to love all those tracks… I can assure you that.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Co-drivers are also very intelligent in DiRT 2; they’ll guide you nicely and safely through stupendous odds, just listen to them carefully and you’ll perform very well, fellow drivers will also comment on your progress and slowly regard you as a legend. In other words all these small things make the career/tour of DiRT 2 really amazing.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Another notable feature of DiRT 2 is flashback; this is a mode in which a little rewinding of race can be done so that players can rectify their mistakes or avoid terrible accidents. Number of flashbacks provided can be decreased by increasing difficulty.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]The only thing which I didn’t liked in DiRT 2 is that there are no weather conditions challenging your driving abilities, considering the fact that it’s a rally game this can be considered as one small downside of DiRT 2 because I like to drive in rainy weather, I think you also do… right?[/FONT]

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[FONT=&quot]You’ll experience the thrill of rally racing in DiRT 2.[/FONT]​

[FONT=&quot]The controls of DiRT 2 seems somewhat difficult in the beginning specially when you are playing with a keyboard (can’t say anything about controllers), maybe it’s because we are not used to of Codemasters style of driving or maybe we are spoiled by Need for Speed type of controls… anyway in the beginning you’ll feel that cars slip way too much in DiRT 2 like there is some slippery fluid at work on track but once you’ll get used to of controls these unnecessary slips and drifts will disappear. Acceleration alone won’t work in DiRT 2; you have to train yourself in perfect combinations of acceleration, brakes and steering.[/FONT]

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[FONT=&quot]Oouch... Too much of acceleration will end up in accidents.
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DiRT 2 boasts an impressive real time car damage feature, smack your car into a rock and see how it will affect your ride’s look and performance however if you feel it’s too much of a reality fuss for you, you can limit the penalties of striking your car to visual appearance only. This is good for those who don’t like to sacrifice performance even if their ride looks like shapeless mass of metal.

[FONT=&quot]Sounds are very authentic in DiRT 2, from engine sounds to car smacking and voice acting, you’ll listen some high quality sound in DiRT 2. Like its debut precursor DiRT, DiRT 2 also has the Blue ripple sound’s Rapture3D engine which enhances the sound experience even further. You can adjust many settings in Rapture3D’s interface to fine tune your sound experience, this interface is provided in a separate program outside the game.[/FONT]

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[FONT=&quot]Get ready for some powerful engine sounds and noise of scratchy wheels.[/FONT]​

[FONT=&quot]Music does not play an important role in DiRT 2 because there are no music tracks during races but don’t worry you can listen some nice music tracks during replays of your races. Speaking of replays it is worth mentioning that replays are fun to watch in DiRT 2, you can see your own driving from a variety of camera angles and those mind blowing visuals make it even more exciting.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]While I admit that I don’t have the full experience of DiRT 2’s multiplayer but I have played a few races in LAN with friends and it was a great experience filled with fun and aggressive racing. I think having the LAN functionality is itself a plus point of DiRT 2 because it’s always nice to have a little LAN party with friends, however if you are looking for online play then you have to sign-in on GFWL online account so I am out of luck here and that is why I say it is good to have LAN.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]There is a minor annoyance of small pauses during races but that can be ignored reflecting on the fact that overall performance of DiRT 2 is bug free, smooth and compatible.[/FONT]

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[FONT=&quot]Don't forget to say dirt(ee) goodbye to your adversaries once you overtake them.[/FONT]​

[FONT=&quot]Conclusion[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Overall DiRT 2 is a great game and valuable addition in Codemasters’s rally racing franchise, it is a mix of arcade/simulator type of rally racing and knowing the fact that there are no other rally titles in game industry; DiRT 2 is a marvelous and satisfying experience. Like always Codemasters have excelled in technology and made PC version superior and worth getting. If you are weary and tired of traditional racing games, then DiRT 2’s fresh outdoor environments and exceptional experience will make you one happy driver. There are some minor shortcomings but they can be overlooked easily considering the engaging experience.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]I hope you enjoyed my review.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Value/Worth: 8.6/10[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]DiRT 2 has many difficulty modes and settings that can considerably increase or decrease the level of challenge for you, it also has a very long and satisfying career mode so it won’t bore you easily.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Graphics: 10/10[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Spectacular visuals, scalable engine and hot DirectX 11 support in PC version makes this game a graphic marvel. DiRT 2 is capable of making strong impression with its beautiful graphics.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Sound: 9.0/10[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Sounds play an important role in every game but when it comes to a racing game, genuine sound is a necessity and DiRT 2 proves itself in this area.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Gameplay: 9.0/10[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Unique rally racing gameplay and loads of different modes makes DiRT 2 a game to get and remember. Somewhat difficult controls can be mastered eventually.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Multiplayer: 9.0/10[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Can’t say anything about online multiplayer but LAN play is filled with fun and it is a worthy reason to keep playing this game.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Lasting Appeal: 8.8/10[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]There are no other competitors in the area of rally racing so DiRT 2 makes a good lasting appeal and it will make you one proud rally racer.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Overall: 9.0/10[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]If you haven’t played DiRT 2 then you’re missing a great deal in racing titles and wonderful experience of rough rally driving.[/FONT]

Review compiled by:[FONT=&quot] Black Viper[/FONT]

NOTE:[FONT=&quot] For PakGamers use only.[/FONT]

 

[Syavash]

Good review

Gotta play this game. I am an old racer but new to the Dirt series. Time to see if it can give Gran Turismo a run for its money

Should point out that the replay feature in GRID and Dirt sucks balls. If they go to so muchh trouble to make the game realistic why the hell do they add a stupid time travel feature?

I mean that doesnt build up the tension for a important race, if I had made it, I wouldnt even let players replay from the start! Once you start a race you should bear with the result and improve ur self not use time travel. Well thats my opinion and I'm sure 90% people dont agree with me lol

 

[theDarkDisciple]

A rightly-given 10 for graphics and 9 overall. The graphics, detail and the environments are absolutely stunning, even though Im probably playing it in DX9.

 

[Mustaffa]

nah not a big fan of rally, i watch it but no fun in playing it. never played any dirt series. . though i play gran tursimo and if need arises of rally driving, i do it, even thoug its hard. (not my fault. me nfs guy)

looks good, but ah wont play it.

but i do enjoy watching Ahsans frustrated nostrils (lmao)

 

[Ranger Taffles]

Excellent Review! Perfectly written with justice.

 

[Radical]

I am loving this game, its absolutely FUNtastic!

 

[R3Z0N]

Great review BV! waiting eagerly for your next one!

 

[Em0s]

Awesome review bro ! I have just started playing this game and already loving it !

Keep it up ! :wink2:

 

[GoldenHawk]

Another great review mate, good job!

 

[mave3]

Good review..
downloading it at the moment....
i am more into the NFS series then these racing games but still can give it a try!!!

 

[Black Viper]

Good review

Gotta play this game. I am an old racer but new to the Dirt series. Time to see if it can give Gran Turismo a run for its money

Should point out that the replay feature in GRID and Dirt sucks balls. If they go to so muchh trouble to make the game realistic why the hell do they add a stupid time travel feature?

I mean that doesnt build up the tension for a important race, if I had made it, I wouldnt even let players replay from the start! Once you start a race you should bear with the result and improve ur self not use time travel. Well thats my opinion and I'm sure 90% people dont agree with me lol

Thanks mate,

And I agree with you that flashback feature does not allow tension to build up but it is not obligatory to use that feature... right? drivers who don't like it can simply ignore it, I am also ignoring it lol.

A rightly-given 10 for graphics and 9 overall. The graphics, detail and the environments are absolutely stunning, even though Im probably playing it in DX9.

My thanks mate, I also have a Dx 9 & 10 graphics card and Dirt 2 looks amazing on it. However I have seen some comparison on google, and Dx 11 version looks superb. Now these graphics are forcing me to think about an upgrade lol.

nah not a big fan of rally, i watch it but no fun in playing it. never played any dirt series. . though i play gran tursimo and if need arises of rally driving, i do it, even thoug its hard. (not my fault. me nfs guy)

looks good, but ah wont play it.

but i do enjoy watching Ahsans frustrated nostrils

LOL @ your last line,

bro I think you should give it a try. trust me you'll like it.

Excellent Review! Perfectly written with justice.

Thanks bro

I am loving this game, its absolutely FUNtastic!

Ever thought about getting PC version, its double FUNtastic. (just kidding)

Great review BV! waiting eagerly for your next one!

Thanks a lot bro, already working on next one but it will take some days because I still remember one line of GoldenHawk that never show haste in writing a review and always write quality reviews but keep your fingers crossed, next one is coming.

Awesome review bro ! I have just started playing this game and already loving it !

Keep it up !

Thanks mate, glad you liked it.

Another great review mate, good job!

My pleasure mate, anything for PG.

Good review..
downloading it at the moment....
i am more into the NFS series then these racing games but still can give it a try!!!

thanks bro, one small advice though, before you start playing Dirt 2 just forget everything you have learned from NFS otherwise you'll hate dirt 2 controls, specially if you're using a keyboard. Goodluck

 

[abobobilly]

A very nice & well justified review. Two Thumbs up for your nice work bro (2t) keep it up

Agree to that point where you said those Extra Slippery roads at the start do feel a little annoyed at the start but once you get used to the controls, you will feel an awesome driving experience thought out the game.
Those DiRT tracks are much fun than Asphalts.

 

[Syavash]

thanks bro, one small advice though, before you start playing Dirt 2 just forget everything you have learned from NFS otherwise you'll hate dirt 2 controls, specially if you're using a keyboard. Goodluck

yeah NFS drivers seem to think u can go round a corner by just accelerating faster and faster.

 

[AcHa BaChA]

Really well jhob....keep up the good work wiper....

 

[abobobilly]

yeah NFS drivers seem to think u can go round a corner by just accelerating faster and faster.

I am afraid thats not the case with SHIFT. It still isn't.
I am playing both games and I admit whenever i take controls for both games, my Play style changes automatically. Like in SHIFT, cars stick to the roads which are Asphalts (Pure), in simple, Cars have much better tractions and they dont slip off from the road. You just need to keep a balance between the Speed (Accelerator) and Turns.

While in DiRT/DiRT2, thats a different case. Cars still feel like Paper Cars. They tend to slip more. What i felt from my gameplay, is that you just need to Cut the corners in Time, infact You do NEED to make the car Slip every (Possible) corner but you still need to keep the speeds in Control. Not like Shift where you just have to Brake Godamn Hard to cut a 180 Degrees Turn.

 

[Syavash]

Shift is very realistic. Love it. Best racing game after Gran Turismo series.

Maserati MC12 + no driver aids + nurburgring= perfect race

 

[hash94]

nicely written review and the title picture of the review was also great!
now it got good scores from pg reviewers then i must get it!

 

[Black Viper]

Actually the slipping of cars in dirt 2 really annoy you in the beginning but as you master the controls these drifts comes out to be handy and beneficial, you can use them to turn your car easily without loosing much speed.

As far as NFS is concerned, EA is trying to make it simulator now. Because they already have burnout as arcade style game and I say moving NFS to simulator was a good step by EA, considering the fact that NFS was slowly loosing its popularity because of repetitive ideas of street racing game. Anyway the control schemes of Dirt and NFS franchises are entirely different and if you try to use one while playing the other you'll see terrible results lol and begin to hate both games.

@hash94

Thanks for considering dirt 2 after reading PG review.

---------- Post added at 10:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:16 PM ----------

Really well jhob....keep up the good work wiper....

Thanks mate, and lol I am not a wiper of your car, I am a viper who can bite.

 

[MrJayPlays]

Nicely Written bro
Playing this game and its simply addicting to say the least
Currently on 31 level

 

[Black Viper]

Thanks bro