DiRT 4

[Nico]

Six years after the third installment, the DiRT series returns to the scene with a new focus.

From the Codies blog:

We're delighted to announce that DiRT 4 will fearlessly race to PS4, Xbox One and Windows PC in June 6, 2017. Hot on the heels of 2016's critically and commercially successful DiRT Rally, DiRT 4 takes the passion and authenticity of off-road racing to the next level, whilst also re-introducing you all to white-knuckle truck and buggy racing in Landrush.

Motorsport by its very nature is dangerous it says so on the back of the ticket. DiRT 4 is all about embracing that danger. It's about the thrill, exhilaration and adrenaline that is absolutely vital to off-road racing. And more than that, it's about loving that feeling. It's about pushing flat out next to a sheer cliff drop. Going for the gap that's slightly too small. Seeing how much air you can get in a truck. They call it "being fearless" and this is what we aim to inspire in DiRT 4.

DiRT 4 features a game-changing system called Your Stage; an innovative rally route creation tool that allows you to produce an almost-infinite number of unique stages at the press of a button. You choose your location and set the route parameters, then Your Stage does the hard work to create a unique rally stage that you can race, share with your friends, and then challenge them to beat your time. Your Stage allows experienced rally players to create longer, more technical routes, whilst newcomers can create simpler shorter routes as they hone their skills.

With DiRT 4, we've sought to combine the levels of thrill and realism from last years DiRT Rally with the fearless excitement, fun, and adrenaline-fuelled races previously seen in its critically acclaimed prequels DiRT 2 and DiRT 3.

Featuring classic rally racing that continues to build on the foundations set by the Colin McRae Rally games, the brutal, fast-paced racing from the official FIA World Rallycross Championship, the crazy battles of racing trucks and buggies, and the outrageous fun of open events in Joyride, players will face challenges from locations that span three continents. We cant wait to tell you more of DiRT 4, so stay tuned for the road to launch weve got so much to show you.

---

It seems like Codies will try to mix the authenticity and realism of DiRT Rally with the variety and fun elements of the past DiRT games. I wonder how the "Your Stage" thing will work, if it will be like a "puzzle" thing with pre-made track pieces or you will be actually able to create new tracks without limitations. Regardless of that, I'm hyped.

[Riqitch8]

I've seen some 60fps gameplay released by Codemasters themselves on a console (wasn't specified), and it looks sweet. I like the fact that (whatever console it is) they've decided to remove the 30fps cap, which I think is a great thing for racing games. In short, I'm also hyped and definitely gonna buy this!

[Nico]

AMA with Paul Coleman of Codemasters: https://www.reddit.com/r/dirtgame/comments/5rnuqk/im_paul_coleman_chief_games_designer_for_dirt_4/

 

Also, the following thing is not actually related to DiRT 4 but these news really hit me hard: http://www.racedepartment.com/threads/pikes-peak-goes-exclusive-to-polyphony-digital-why.131414/

 

Which means there will be no Pikes Peak in future DiRT games for a while. And just when I was starting to get used to it... :'(

[TheOneLibertonian]

DiRT 4 looks promising, and I am very excited for what this game has to offer. I loved both DiRT Rally, and DiRT 3. This might be the best possible blend between the two. I might be picking it up on the first week of release.

 

@Nico: Bummer that Pikes Peak is with an exclusive contract with PD. I think DiRT Rally's Pikes Peak was the best rendition yet in gaming, but why Gran Turismo has to get exclusive licensing? Don't get me wrong I'm very excited about GT Sport, but exclusive licensing is very unfair, and I endured it with Porsche's exclusive license with EA. Thankfully that deal ended and we can see more of Porsche's in our games in the future. But I guess in the end, it's business.

[Nico]

DiRT Show:

 

 

Game is avaliable to pre-purchase for PC (Steam), PS4 and Xbox One.

[Nico]

New gameplay trailer:

 

 

[Brown Sugar]

I just played dirt rally again for the first time in ages, I forgot how difficult it is with a controller. Hopefully dirt 4 has the option of being slightly less realistic than dirt rally while not being as easy as dirt 3. I really like the addition of the stage creator though, the one downside to the dirt games was that they got a bit repetitive after a while with the limited number of stages you could race on.

[Flachbau]

Rally is pretty enjoyable to play with a controller, imo. Way easier than just using a keyboard, although I always used one for DiRT 3. I believe I heard DiRT 4 will have a balance between simulation and arcade in regards to how the game feels.

[Nico]

Well, DiRT 4 got released today and after a very busy day I had the chance to try it a bit.

 

It's definitely an arcade game, even on simulation mode with all assists off. There are some simulation aspects on the driving, but it feels way less genuine than in DiRT Rally, in my opinion. A lot of people are complaining on RaceDepartment, and many asked for refunds. I don't think I'll follow that path, but the game feels closer to DiRT 3 in some regards. There's the licensed music which in my opinion is a step back, and a clear way to tell which kind of player is the target of this game. And is definitely not the same target of DiRT Rally, which feels more professional and serious.

 

I'll play a bit more of it when I get the time, but to be honest I kinda regret pre-ordering it instead of waiting for reviews.

[Brown Sugar]

I like it more than dirt rally but that is probably because I'm playing on a controller. Its definitely easier than dirt rally but still quite challenging on the hardest difficulty with no assists. I like the fact you can create your own team like in GRID, however, the one downside is that the graphics seem to have taken a step back since dirt rally but at least the game runs smoothly on release which can't be said for a lot of new releases these days.