Power hungry hybrid that ticks almost all the right boxes
Unless you have a monster of a machine (I'm talking a Crysis ready wench), a 360 wired pad or a steering wheel go for the console version. The frame rates on my Nvidia8800GTS 640mb were quite appalling when racing against multiple A.I opponents; furthermore when you set the graphics options down to playable levels there really is negligible difference between the console versions and the PC.
As for gameplay, everything that was right in previous McRae outings has been rolled into one well oiled machine. The numerous disciplines, the way each car feels slightly different, the optional but thoroughly engaging engineering options great co-driving and attractive graphics make this game the best hybrid off-road game to date.
That's not to say it is perfect however. The way the career mode is setup feels a little disjointed and switching from discipline to discipline is engaging but also frustrating on the higher difficulties where you are forced to change the way you drive on the fly and a few moments of trial and error ensue. Another annoying factor is that this game is only McRae in name. The name voice over is done by Hill climber Travis Pastrada, and whilst this is obviously done to appeal to the North American audience his overly enthusiastic voice grinds allot, however there is not an option to silence him alone, seeing as the Co-driver element is linked to his sound options.
The biggest annoyance in DiRT is the frame-rate. On the PC, as previously mentioned it stays steady when competing in solo events e.g Rally and Hill Climb, however as soon as you play multiple opponents the frame rate drops to almost unplayable levels with turns being taken to late or early to try and compensate for the snails pace. This problem is alleviated on the console versions, with the PS3 being the smoothest to date.
All the annoyances however do not detract from the overly enjoyable experience that is Colin McRae DiRT. This is the best rally game around.