Time hasn’t been good to Codemasters. Once one of the best game makers around, with titles like IGI, Colin McRae Racing and Brian Lara Cricket, they’ve now been reduced to a studio that makes only racing titles. Not all is lost though.

Last year’s Dirt 3 proved that they still have the pedigree to put out a slick racer. This year’s, Dirt Showdown goes ahead and adds dollops of variety.

There are new modes, new cars,  and most importantly an intuitive interface that brings it all together. The in-game menus are a joy to navigate. In addition to this, you’re never at a loss in figuring what to do in the game’s many events.

A few seconds in one would be a hint enough what with the overexcited commentator ensuring you get an idea of what is expected of you. And if you’re still clueless, a tap of the button brings up a description of the event and what you need to do.

Shedding the technically proficient leanings of the Dirt series, Showdown focuses on large booming crashes and stunts.

Sure you have events that involve the usual first to the finish line races but most of the fun is to be had in destruction styled events such as Rampage and Knock Out.

Both these events involve pummelling your opponent’s vehicles into oblivion. It’s more satisfying than it should be.

Furthermore, car control has been tweaked. Unlike the main entries into the series, laser like precision and handling aren’t a prerequisite to winning.
 
It’s a lot more easier to play with no learning curve. Within seconds of getting your hands on the game you’d be primed to race.

A bulk of the single-player mode has you competing  in the Showdown Tour, a mix of race and destruction events.

Progressing through the tour grants you cash for new cars and upgrades. Unlike Dirt 3, you don’t unlock cars automatically which means you’ll be leaving a lot of vehicles unlocked so you have a chance to get the best ones.

All the game’s single-player modes are playable online. And the cash you earn competing with friends can be used to trick up your ride in single player or multiplayer as well.

Following the footsteps of Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, there’s a social element baked in too. Called RaceNet, you can compare your progress with your friends and compete to be the best.

Sure it’s only been a year since the last Dirt but the unique art direction gives it a fresh, carnival style that’s pleasant to look at and fun. Showdown is one of the better looking racers around.

Though time may not have been good to Codemasters, that hasn’t stopped them from making a more than solid racing game.