Dirt 5

DIRT 5 is one of the most joy-inducing racing games of this generation. Nothing quite compares to hurtling around a muddy track in an exotic locale, using the handbrake to get the back end out around sharp corners and trading paint with opponents as you fight for positions, all while navigating bumps and breath-taking jumps. The dirt being thrown up by tyres realistically accumulating on your vehicle until it’s a mess only adds to spectacle of it all. This is a showy game, but one that also has perfectly-honed physics, making it challenging but accessible to all. And while some of that magic i...

Dirt 5 is the perfect racing game to launch the new generation of consoles: a thrilling arcade off-road racer that doesn’t skimp on visual flair.

Dirt 5 is an excellent racing game that manages to combine impressive visuals with exhilarating racing.

Dirt 5 represents a complete about-face for the main Dirt series, shedding virtually all semblance of simulation in favour of an unabashed, arcade-inspired racing experience that draws from just about every influence you can name except its direct predecessor. It’s not especially deep, and there isn’t as much variety in the career mode as it claims, but it’s fast, frantic, and extremely handsome, and the wild and wacky stunt track editor truly has its hooks in me.

Putting it all together, Dirt 5 is a content-rich, diverse arcade racing game that is unlike anything else among racing titles this year. Codemasters’ new direction in the Dirt franchise might not be what veteran off-road enthusiasts would’ve expected. Still, Dirt 5 accomplishes its mission of expanding to a broader audience with engaging arcade-y gameplay, and sets the series off on an exciting new path.

Dirt 5 continues Codemaster's tradition of creating some of the finest racing games around that have neither the words "Gran," "Forza," or "Speed" in the title

DIRT 5 is a celebration of off-road racing that is crammed full with plenty of worthwhile content. It’s simplistic story while throwaway for some provides decent fun, and the variety of different racing modes ensure that the long career mode doesn’t get stale. Additional modes such as Arcade, Online and Playgrounds guarantee that even when you’ve cleared the Career that there is still plenty more entertainment to be had. Despite the occasional bumps in the road with performance and lackluster events, DIRT 5 is a great racing title that is deserving of your time.

Though the various visual modes require some work, Dirt 5 is nonetheless a breath of fresh air for the long-running rally racing franchise that widens the audience duly and marks a commendable debut for the franchise on PlayStation 5.

Republished on Wednesday 29th December, 2021: We're bringing this review back from the archives following the announcement of January 2022's PS Plus lineup. The original text follows.

That lack of challenge and sense of progression won't be for everyone, and might even put off Dirt veterans, but Dirt 5's a varied and beautiful racing game that's a blast from event number one.

Codemasters' latest ventures down a well-travelled track.

DIRT 5 is a new terrain for Codemasters and it's hard to say that it follows in the line of the previous series. This is meant for casual players to pick up and play and have fun. In this regard, it mostly works. On the surface, it feels like a love letter to off-road racing enthusiasts that like multiple ways to race outdoors. The varying locations mixed with varying weather and day-to-night transitions help things feel fresh. The AI, however, bogs down the experience. The Career Mode ends up being a repetitive experience that features a podcast that feels tacked on. Multiplayer in DIRT 5 cur...