14 DAY TRIAL // Dirt 3 was released last week by Codemasters, and we've already had a quick look at the intriguing racing game that once again promises to blend simulator gameplay with adrenaline-filled moments that define real-life racing.
While we talked about the array of driver aids available for all players and the pretty decent support for all types of control methods, going from keyboards, to controllers to steering wheels, none of these things would've made an impact if it weren't for the variety of challenges that are thrown at you by the actual game.
Most racing titles tend to focus on a single type of event and rely on the player to accumulate in-game currency in order to buy new cars and access other types of racing disciplines.
Dirt 3 doesn't use that old method, as it allows players to engage in a variety of different racing events, with a variety of cars that are offered to him by sponsors willing to tie their name to his or her skill level.
As such, you'll be jumping from regular rally stages in places like Finland, to the snowy buggy raids in Aspen, to deserts rallies in Kenya, or races through tight and twisted city streets of Monaco.
During these events, you can access a variety of cars, ranging from specialized dune buggies, to a huge number of rally cars, starting with iconic 1960s ones like the Mini Cooper S, to ones from the 70s or 80s, to the unlimited rally class ones like the Subaru Impreza WRX STI or the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X.
The main addition brought by Dirt 3 to the franchise is the introduction of special Gymkhana competitions, where players need to go around unique courses designed to emphasize style over speed, and do tricks like donuts, burnouts, jumps or drifts, to accumulate points.
All this variety makes Dirt 3 an immensely entertaining racing game, which offers a bit of everything to all fans of the genre.
The game is currently available for the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and you can look forward to our review later this week.