Last good Dirt game. Good luck buying them anymore since EA is removing all older games so people are forced to purchase the latest one even though they are trash

Title: A Masterpiece of Racing Simulation: Dirt 4 Review

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Dirt 4, developed by Codemasters, is a stellar addition to the long-running series of off-road racing games. Released in June 2017, this title manages to strike a fine balance between realism and accessibility, making it a must-play for both hardcore racing enthusiasts and casual gamers alike.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Dirt 4 excels in delivering a nuanced and exhilarating racing experience. The game features two distinct handling modes: "Gamer" and "Simulation." The Gamer mode provides a more forgiving and accessible driving experience, ideal for newcomers or those seeking a more relaxed racing experience. On the other hand, Simulation mode caters to purists, offering a highly realistic and challenging drive that demands precision and skill.

The game's "Your Stage" feature is a groundbreaking addition. This tool allows players to create an almost infinite number of unique rally stages by adjusting sliders for complexity and length. It ensures that no two races are the same, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. This procedural generation of tracks is not only innovative but also adds significant replayability.

Career Mode and Customization

Dirt 4's Career Mode is comprehensive and engaging, allowing players to create their own driver and manage a team. You can sign sponsors, hire staff, and expand your facilities, adding a management layer that enhances the depth of the game. The progression feels rewarding as you advance through different tiers and disciplines, including Rally, Rallycross, Landrush, and Historic Rally.

Customization options are plentiful, from tweaking vehicle setups to altering liveries. This level of personalization ensures that players can fine-tune their experience to match their preferences, whether they prioritize aesthetics or performance.

Multiplayer and Online Features

The multiplayer component of Dirt 4 is robust, featuring daily and weekly challenges that keep the community engaged. Players can compete against others globally, climbing leaderboards and earning bragging rights. The online modes are well-integrated, offering seamless matchmaking and a variety of race types to suit different playstyles.

Codemasters has also included a "RaceNet" feature, which tracks players' stats and progress across all Dirt games, adding a layer of continuity and community engagement.

Graphics and Sound

Visually, Dirt 4 impresses with its realistic environments and meticulously detailed car models. The dynamic weather and lighting effects significantly impact driving conditions, adding to the realism and immersion. Whether you're tearing through a muddy forest trail or navigating a sun-drenched desert track, the visuals are consistently stunning.

The sound design is another highlight. The roar of engines, the crunch of gravel, and the subtle nuances of different surfaces are captured with remarkable accuracy. The in-game co-driver is particularly noteworthy, providing clear and timely pace notes that are crucial for maintaining rhythm and speed during rally stages.

Conclusion

Dirt 4 is a triumph in the racing genre, offering a perfect blend of accessibility and realism. Its innovative features, such as the "Your Stage" generator and dual handling modes, set it apart from other racing games. The deep Career Mode, extensive customization options, and engaging multiplayer ensure that players have a wealth of content to explore.

Pros:

Dual handling modes cater to both casual and hardcore players
Innovative "Your Stage" feature for endless track generation
Comprehensive and rewarding Career Mode
Stunning graphics and immersive sound design
Robust multiplayer and online features
Cons:

Learning curve in Simulation mode may be steep for newcomers
Occasional AI inconsistencies
Overall, Dirt 4 is an exceptional racing game that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned rally veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Dirt 4 delivers an exhilarating and rewarding experience that is sure to keep you coming back for more.

Overall the game is good but a lot is hopefully improved in the next game. The cars feel good to drive (except crosskarts) and I actually prefer driving in the rain. There's some good maps and good cars.

Unfortunately a lot of the maps are repetitive and rallycross championships are just doing the same track 6 times. the narrator and co-driver are annoying (the co-driver sometimes leaves callouts till to late), snow sucks to race in, and there's always 15 seconds at the end of the race where you have to slow for the marshal which I found if you crash into a person skips it.