DiRT 4

DiRT 4 continued the successful line of rally simulations from Codemasters, and on Xbox One it introduced, among other things, the Your Stage system, which could procedurally generate a practically endless number of rally tracks based on specified parameters. Players could set the length, terrain type, and weather, and the game would then assemble a unique route on its own, a significant step up from the traditional limited number of hand-designed stages that genre fans were used to and had eventually memorized by heart. Thanks to this, no two runs through the same location were ever quite the same, which heightened the tension even on repeat playthroughs.

The game returned to a more demanding, more simulation-oriented driving model after the criticism that had accompanied the previous, more arcade-like installment DiRT Showdown, and offered a wide range of vehicles from classic rally specials through rallycross to buggies and American-style trucks. The career mode guided players through various motorsport disciplines, while a dedicated Joyride mode was used for free driving and stunts away from the pressure of racing against the clock. Vehicle sound design and co-driver pace notes announcing upcoming corners had long been strengths of the series, and DiRT 4 didn't disappoint in this regard.

On Xbox One the game visually benefited from richly detailed environments, from muddy forest tracks to dusty desert stretches, and dynamic weather that changed surface grip in real time and forced players to adapt their driving style on the fly. Reviews at the time praised mainly the generated-track system and the return to more demanding handling, though some players complained about the lower overall number of hand-designed locations compared to older installments. Today, DiRT 4 remains a popular choice for rally fans who appreciate the combination of a simulation-oriented approach and near-endless replayability.

Why play it: For rally fans wanting a combination of a simulation-oriented approach with near-endless replayability, DiRT 4 offers a generated-track system and dynamic weather that changes surface grip mid-drive.