Dakar Desert Rally

 PlayStation 5
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Gaming Nexus
    Oct 18, 2022
    85
    Dakar Desert Rally is one of the most accessible rally racing titles on the market. Combine that with gorgeous locations and thrilling driving, and you have a game with something to offer all racing enthusiasts, regardless of their niche.
  2. Softpedia
    Oct 24, 2022
    75
    At the end of the day, Dakar Desert Rally is a mix of good things and bad things, but on quite a lot of occasions, I feel like the game is still a work in progress. Sure, it’s hard to hit all the right spots from the very beginning, but aside from an enjoyable Dakar racing experience, the game needs refinements in many key areas. There still are a few performance glitches here and there, and the AI is ridiculously stupid every now and then, as it has absolutely no problem pushing you out of the track if it can’t get past you. The game system also requires more polishing. If there’s something you can truly enjoy, it’s the pure off-road experience on dunes, in water, and so on. The scenery is beautiful, so if you’re not playing the game to win races, you could have an absolute blast with this game. Otherwise, you may end up disappointed.
  3. XGN
    Oct 17, 2022
    75
    This game is very ambitious and to some extent is able to fulfill that. The environment is gorgeous and driving through the different areas each have their own challenges. The game doesn't fully feel finished. Technical issues ranging from superficial to gamebreaking and some key functions are simply missing. The AI really isn't very good, and the game really needs the promised photo mode and free roam. The game really has potential, and if the promised additions are there, it might be able to deliver.
  5. Jeuxvideo.com
    Oct 6, 2022
    75
    Despite a lack of content, perfectible driving and unsophisticated opponents, Dakar Desert Rally comes to dust off the automotive genre with style. Based on the sumptuous landscapes of Saudi Arabia, Saber Interactive's game displays a remarkable achievement and should delight those looking for a different racing game. If the developers have kept the requirement of Dakar 18 (with co-pilot, compass, roadbook, etc.), it is now possible to try out Sport mode and its arcade approach. Thanks to these additions, Dakar Desert Rally opens up to a wider audience without cutting itself off from purists. With its impression of successful speed, its panoramas and sumptuous effects and its huge map, there is plenty to have fun while waiting for possible extensions. Undoubtedly the automotive surprise of this fall.

Awards & Rankings

93
#93 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2022

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 3 out of 18
  1. Jt0429
    Oct 5, 2022
    7
    Good-
    Outstanding graphics; Great variety; Flexible difficulty.
    Bad- Frame-rate issues; Irrational physics. Thoughts- At its core,    Good-
    Outstanding graphics; Great variety; Flexible difficulty.

    Bad-
    Frame-rate issues; Irrational physics.

    Thoughts-
    At its core, Dakar Desert Rally does have more going for it than not. With equally gorgeous and gigantic racing environments to enjoy, intuitive management systems, and it’s obviously unique position among other modern big-budget racing games, it’s certainly nothing to sleep on. Most racing fans should give it a look at the very least. Getting hung up on a small handful of little things might slow it down a bit, but for most, I suspect Dakar Desert Rally will provide at least some, if not many hours of fun.    … Full Review »
  2. mirzwithoutYou
    Jun 26, 2023
    8
    I've been on the hunt for a good off-road exploration game since ATV Offroad Fury on the PS2. Snowrunner came close but was too slow andI've been on the hunt for a good off-road exploration game since ATV Offroad Fury on the PS2. Snowrunner came close but was too slow and technical for what I was looking for. Dakar, especially with lots of patch fixes now and the addition of Free Roam mode, is finally scratching the itch I've had! Gorgeous visuals, massive environments, and most importantly, satisfying physics that tow the line between authentic realism and arcadey fun. Docked a few points just because some of the menu navigation can be a little confusing, and in the career mode it's not always clear which races and vehicle classes you should be prioritizing.… Full Review »
  3. Ardho
    May 6, 2023
    6
    Dakar Desert Rally combines a lot of modern features that great racing games need, but occasionally gets in its own way with technical issues.
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