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FIRST TEST DIRT 4
Three top buys rated. Plus latest books and games
Price: TBC Available for: XBOX/PS4 (released June 6) Rating:
Ex-world rally champion Petter Solberg and current contender Kris Meeke have helped to develop new DIRT 4 by Codemasters.
The video game uses the same race engine as 2015’s hardcore sim DIRT Rally, but has a host of sliders to tweak difficulty as well as a new Rally School for casual gamers.
DIRT 4 adds tracks in Australia, the US and Spain, and also includes new cars. And although the full lineup is under wraps, the Mistubishi Evo VI has been confirmed.
The biggest upgrade is the Your Stage mode, which lets gamers choose location, track length and difficulty. The in-game engine then creates a unique track layout. DIRT 4 retains the FIA World Rallycross World Championship’s official licence, and there’s also a feeder series. A new Land Rush mode with highspeed buggies is also new.
Auto Express got behind the controller of a pre-alpha version of DIRT 4 to try out the new modes. We rated DIRT Rally highly, but after only one stage it was clear this is better.
For hardcore fans there’s still the option to go full sim, but the bespoke difficulty settings make it easier to pick up and play. Your Stage was particularly impressive, too, producing countless options within seconds. This feature will give the game greater longevity.
The Land Rush mode will be a welcome addition to those wishing to battle friends on the same track. It adds a fun feel to the title that was perhaps missing in DIRT Rally.