This is, in fact, the sequel to the series of rally games that sported Colin McRae's name. DiRT is even more poignant, because around the time of its release, Colin was killed in a tragic helicopter crash that also took the life of his son. The advertisements for the game on TV sported a dedication to the man.

Unlike some of the other endorsed games released over the years, DiRT certainly serves as a fitting epitaph to the rally legend. Any rally aficionado playing this game will find themselves moved anytime one finds oneself racing against the great man. Somehow, the satisfaction of beating his virtual self is tempered by the realization that he is no more.

The game takes leave of the normal dedicated format and encompasses all sorts of dirt-based racing events rather than just rally. This gives the game a great deal of variety and provides the gamer with lots of events at which to excel. Some of them are more light entertainment in contrast to the serious sport of rallying, but nonetheless, they are a welcome addition. Rallying, as one might expect, is the most difficult of all the various events in this game. The tracks are tight, and the speeds are pretty high. As you open new tracks, they get pretty hard rather quick, even on the lowest setting.

Other events that are quite enjoyable are Corr-based pickup trucks and buggies. These events are fast, furious and raucous. If you can manage to get around the track without losing any body work, it's quite a feat. Also great fun is events such as rally cross, which is a mixture of dirt racing and pavement. Racing in the rain in England is good fun and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

There also are classic rallying and rally crossover — a offshoot of the special events that used to end some rallies and consist of two rally cars racing against each other and the clock on a tight circuit surrounded by an audience; sometimes in a stadium sometimes not. Then there are the odd rally raids, which involve everything ranging from Corr buggies through highly modified SUVs and pickup trucks to Dakar-type support trucks. Rallying stages and races can range from all tarmac to all dirt. Then, of course, there is the famous hill climbs, which see you heading up a mountain at high speed, trying not to fly off and total your vehicle.

There are over 40 cars to purchase and race. Money is gained for each race depending on how you place and what skill level you are racing at. There is plenty to keep you going in this game. Once you have finished the career pyramid, you can race in individual races in the various types, and the hardcore player can do the entire World Rally Championship.

Graphically, DiRT is an impressive game — one that, for a change, fully takes advantage of the Playstation 3's graphical oomph. Whether you prefer to race with a cockpit view or above and behind, this game looks good. There are no glitches or twitches as you are playing this speedy game. The cutscenes look great and never bore.

Now, many avoid racing games because of their relative short playing span or cheesy physics. If you have not liked racing games, I would recommend you give this game a try. It's probably the best racing game there has been for a very long time. There is something in it for everyone, and more important, until you get to the later stages, it is almost impossible to get stuck where you can advance no further. The various types of races keep things interesting as well, with something for every mood — ranging from the high-speed bumper cars of Corr to the tactical precise milieu of the modern rally race.

If I were forced to point out a few annoyances, it would be rather fun to be able to play the complete Corr series or any of the other racing types, but it's not possible in DiRT. It is possible that Codemasters was looking to see if the other types of races were popular with users before expanding them. I hope the next version allows one to drive in the various series based on the events in this game.

There may be rally purists who think that the franchise has been compromised by the inclusion of these other races and the lack of concentration on rally. To me, it makes for a well-balanced game that can assuage all your (DiRT) raving moods. The game does not take itself too seriously, and that has to be a good thing.

DiRT is the best racing game I have ever played for any platform. It's a game that takes advantage of all the PS3's power, is fun to play and has legs. What else could you possibly need?