Codemasters has released the first gameplay footage of DiRT Showdown.
The game takes place in Codies' extreme-sports-enthused "theatre of racing," with new stunt- based Hoonigan events on offer, as well as Need for Speed Autolog-style challenges you can send to your friends.
Controversially, handling has been changed for "a simpler arcade feel that should make keeping your car on the track and performing outrageous stunts much easier."
Speaking to CVG after the game's announcement, Codies designer Mike Chapman claimed the racing franchise has "outgrown a single game" and promised it will return to pure rally gameplay with the next numbered instalment.
Comments
11 comments so far...
svd_grasshopper on 27 Jan '12 said:
'a more simple, arcade feel'?! WTF... could it go anymore down that route? within a couple of decades, actual skill will have de-evolved to the point of extinction. sadly the cash is at the mass market - who are happy enough just to gaze into the screen and press buttons on command and be taken on a virtual tour.
am i right however in thinking this crud paves the way for a more serious independent dirt game with actual physics and rallying?
MrStillwater on 27 Jan '12 said:
Would be more accurate to call this "Dirt: Cash-in" surely? This seems more like it should be DLC for Dirt 3 than a separate game. I can only hope they're just putting out something simple to keep their cash flow going while working on Grid 2.
Blue Odeyssey on 27 Jan '12 said:
How can you say this is a cash in? So they decided to introduce a different format to the Dirt series to appeal to a new audience, what is wrong with that when those who like the proper Dirt games will get a full rally simulator in the future. We as gamers always claim we want variety and then when a developer decides to actually do something new we lambaste them for it, how many games are available in the demolition derby genre? I think its about 3, that't it! I for one can't wait for this and if it produces even the fraction of the fun had on Grid's Michigan Demolition Derby I will be satisfied.
davie43 on 27 Jan '12 said:
I loved the Gymkhana stuff in Dirt 3 and I'm still playing the Destruction Derby events online in GRID despite the fact there's only two tracks so this is a no-brainer for me, I'm looking forward to it.
I also love the serious rally stuff so I don't mind waiting for Dirt 4 for that.
Mobius01 on 27 Jan '12 said:
Again svd, you hit the nail right on the head. If the handling were any simpler, my 2 year-old would be able to play it.
And for for the love of sanity, no more Ken 'dude that's awesome' Block!
They did mention as much. If they went back to the style of the old Colin McRae games I'd snap one up without hesitation.
KK-Headcharge78 on 27 Jan '12 said:
What is it with people, iof they were saying it will be a genuine rally sim and then release an arcade racer I could see the point but they ain't doing that, they are trying to expand the series and clearly cannot ignore the market for arcade racing.
collyboy187 on 27 Jan '12 said:
I have been really turned off by the route the Drit games had taken of late, so I for one am really happy that this game exists. No longer is there a compromise between proper rallying and gymkana p**sing about destruction derby xgames bra s**t. This game can cater for the over the top x-treme stuff, and the next dirt can do a more sim based off road thing. As its a pure arcade game it looks fun without annoying me by trying to be a rally sim aswell. Reminds me of Flatout in this trailer and I loved those games. Glad to see Codemasters have found a way to cater to those of all tastes.
MrStillwater on 27 Jan '12 said:
Umm, because this is pretty much the exact same game engine, using the same game modes and same cars that they've already released in Dirt 3. This is basically a map pack being promoted as a new game.
Blue Odeyssey on 27 Jan '12 said:
You could say that about COD and many other games in the industry (Assassins Creed, Fifa etc) . SO what your saying is you can play Demolition Derby on Dirt 3... cool I will be all over that! Can't wait to I get home and try it out. (Sarcasm over) It does not have the same game modes, it may use the same cars but then so do most games, if your playing a Dirt game for the unique cars your driving I think perhaps you need to look at another series. How many games change engine between sequels... not that many. Your entire comment is nonsense my friend.
jm3811 on 27 Jan '12 said:
Reminds me when Ratchet and Clank stopped being fun and became a bolt fest. I never liked Dirt anyway apart from the rally stages in the first game.
Still got my Burnout 2 hopefully.
whalefat on 28 Jan '12 said:
For realism you cannot go far wrong with colin mcrae rally 2005 on psp.This had more of a realistic feel than todays efforts.The Dirt series are arcade games-no more than that.Great graphics yes, but crappy handling.I want to feel I am fighting the terrain and the elements on each and every corner,not trying to keep a TOO fast floaty car from going off the track at every bend.(GYMKHANA in Dirt 3 the exception).If we could only bring back Colin Mcrae(R.I.P),he would sort it out!!