Some days you realize that, even as someone who started playing video games back whenDuke Nukemwas a platformer, we all have blindspots. Until a recent preview event, I was under the impression that the entireColin McRae Rallyfranchise was more akin toForza MotorsportthanHorizon. I’m not sure how I’d missed thatCodemastersmade their ownRallyversion ofForza Horizonwith theDirtline, but I’m extremely happy to find out howtruly dumb I am. Of course, I’m sure many of you knew that before I did anyways.
Moving right along, recently I got to check out one ofthe new modescoming toDirt 5when it launches later this year. Sadly, it wasn’t thenew career mode. Instead, I got to dip my toes into the new Playgrounds mode.
From the second I loaded it up, Playgrounds reminded me a lot ofGrand Theft Auto Online. Essentially, it’s a course-builder that lets players build their dream tracks and then let the community play them. It’s incredibly colorful and has three different challenge types to provide some variety to what you’re doing.
[pullquote]“Essentially, it’s a course-builder that lets players build their dream tracks."[/pullquote]
The reason I say it reminds me ofGTA Onlineis that the courses often get truly wacky in the same way Rockstar’s game does. These aren’t your typical rally tracks. You’re swerving between school buses, jumping through flaming hoops, and drifting all over the place. Even though there are only a few courses available right now, it’s a ton of fun. And, once the entire community can get in, I expect it will only get better.
The three challenge types on offer are Gymkhana, Smash Attack, and Gate Crasher. From my time with the game, Gate Crasher seems the most prevalent. This is your basic racing gameplay. It’s probably best described as a mix ofGTA-like visuals, classic rally gameplay, and a touch of Trackmania. You’re trying to make your way through a course of checkpoints as you move toward the final gate. At the same time, you’re competing on leaderboards to set a high score.
One of the things that gives the mode some extra spice is there’s no set order for the gates. Most of the time, the designer has a track in mind. Every once in a while though, the course is more of a free for all. Figuring out the puzzle of the best line to set a high score was always a fun one to solve.
The one thing I’d love to see for Gate Crasher would be some form of a ghost car to compare yourself to while on the track. Even if it’s just your best run that you’re racing against, I think it would add a lot to the competitive side of the mode.
[pullquote]“IfDirt 5can deliver a good career mode, this might overtakeForza Horizon 4as my racer of choice."[/pullquote]
Gymkhana is more of a trick attack mode. You have a set amount of time to score as many points as you can from jumps, drifts, and various obstacles. I wasn’t as taken with this one, but I can definitely see other players loving the mode.
Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, Smash Attack stages aren’t quite working in the build. That said, the mode is all about wrecking as much stuff as possible to score points. I’ve always loved blowing stuff up, so I expect to have a ball with this one.
Obviously, we’ll have to wait to see how the other modes pan out. However, if everything else is as fun as Playgrounds, I can’t wait to finally play my firstDirtgame. And, ifDirt 5can deliver a good career mode, this might overtakeForza Horizon 4as my racer of choice.
Dirt 5launches October 16 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The game will come to PS5 and Xbox Series X later this year. Then, it comes to Stadia sometime in 2021.
