LW Mag LW Magazine
Game Name: DiRT 3
Platforms: PS3 – R599.00; XBOX360 – R599.00 and PC – R399.00
Score: 90/100
Fun Factor: 5/5
Wow, Wow, Wow! Codemasters hit the nail on the head with this arcade-style, adrenaline-pumping just-plain-awesome DiRT 3. This rally game is jam-packed full of events, tracks, vehicles and styles of racing, not to mention the huge array of sponsor branding which gives the game that authentic feel and that much more credibility.
Playing the game is an absolute blast! To start off, you’re a professional rally driver with a team manager and co-driver, entering the world of racing. There are four seasons in which to race which consist of plenty of events from Rally to RallyCross to Head 2 Head races which take place in a variety of locations from Kenya to Monaco and include Summer and Winter X-Games. Racing and earning driver reputation points unlock new events, races, cars and liveries. When enough points are earned the next season will be unlocked and eventually world tours are unlocked for each style of racing.
Gymkhana – a racing style invented by rally superstar Ken Block is also incorporated into DiRT 3 where you have the chance to rack up points by doing a display of tricks, such as doughnuts, drifts, spins and jumps on specifically built Gymkhana circuits. This style takes a bit of getting used to in terms of controlling your car perfectly but once mastered, is one of the most enjoyable disciplines in the game. You can then venture to the unlocked Gymkhana event locations and express your driver abilities to your heart’s content.
Rally, RallyCross, Raid, TrailBlazer, Heah 2 Head, LandRush and Drifting are all a part of the racing experience and the locations and tracks in which you take part in these events are plentiful and just keep unlocking with each race win. Racing starts off fairly quick and easy and as the game goes on, the courses get longer and the competition faster, leaving you with your adrenaline pumping and palms sweating.
A feature brought over from DiRT 2 is the Flashback option, where you have the opportunity to pause the game when you have wrapped your car around a tree or made a mistake in a corner (losing a position) and rewind that section to try it again. Driver reputation points are earned by your position, bonus tasks completed successfully within an event, and by how many Flashbacks are used. Handing differs from race to race with different racing surfaces like gravel, tar and snow and the vast variety of vehicles to choose from, thus keeping you on your toes at all points during the game.
DiRT 3 is a must-have game and definitely won’t disappoint. The graphics are awesome and attention to detail is spot on. Enjoy getting into the driver’s seat and kicking some ass on the dirt!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX_JSw8iAeQ&feature=channel_video_title
