Dirt 2 perfects the first game's formula with even more varied worldwide tracks, trendy X-Games atmosphere and refined driving sensations. The best Dirt on PS3, accessible and thrilling.
Your verdict
Category
Racing2 players12+
Split screen
Description
Codemasters rally simulation with new extreme disciplines and spectacular circuits, second Dirt entry. Published by Codemasters, released in Europe in September 2009. Rally, buggy and Landrush, pro drivers with personality, competitive online multiplayer mode and rock soundtrack. European version.
Colin McRae - Dirt 2 review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
Almost photographic reproduction of the cars, realistic circuits and natural light: Codemasters' racing reaches a cutting-edge realism. The care for mechanical detail and the brilliance of the environments impress at every corner. This visual rigour, elegant and polished, illustrates the studio's exigency in simulation.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
Spectacular rallying across varied terrain, where snappy driving and controlled drifts deliver an exhilarating sense of speed. The festive vibe and dynamic interface give each race a unique character. Accessible yet demanding, this off-road racer blends adrenaline and style with dazzling success, ideal for fans of off-road driving.
The Japanese version of Colin McRae Dirt 2, Codemasters' arcade rally, a release markedly less common than the Western editions on a market where the genre is little followed. This edition appeals to fans of Japanese runs of a Western racing license. Its interest lies in this local run rather than strong value.
Better with friends
Spectacular rally and off-road where controlled drift over dirt, gravel and snow gives the duels all their flavor. The competition plays out to the tenth of a second, in consistency and bold racing lines more than luck. The original online is no longer assured, but local split-screen and the hunt for best times among friends sustain a healthy, stubborn rivalry.
Is Colin McRae - Dirt 2 still worth playing in 2026?
Dirt 2 remains one of the most enjoyable rally games on PS3, and its balance between accessible simulation and arcade fun has aged remarkably well. The driving, precise yet forgiving, delivers immediate thrills across varied tracks the world over. The festive X-Games-inspired styling, sometimes deemed flashy at the time, today lends an endearing period flavour. The solo content is generous and the rewind system eases the learning curve. For anyone who loves off-road racing without the stiffness of pure simulations, this title keeps all its appeal.
