DiRT 2

The portable version of the great PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 race game. It has a few different tracks, nice graphics and nice audio. Not the best racer this year, but a game that can provide a lot of fun.

If you're a patient racing fan who doesn't mind the old-school style racers in which a single mistake at any point in the race can cost you the win, then you'll be able to look past Dirt 2's frustrating moments. However, if you're easily miffed, this probably isn't the best game for you.

With DiRT 2 you can have fun for a short time, but there’s no innovation and it’s not technically perfect. If you have the option, you should buy the console version.

If it’s the exotic locations and fun at high-speeds that you are looking in your PSP racer and shedding an additional $10 isn’t an issue, we suggest you go for Motorstorm: Artic Edge. There are worst racers for the PSP out there but in a year where Gran Turismo, NFS Shift and Motorstorm: Artic Edge stand out in their own way, DiRT 2 collects the dust. No matter how you shake it, DiRT 2 makes little baby Jesus cry.

Imperfect handling and shallow gameplay leave DiRT 2 in the dust of more compelling, competent off-road racers.

No, DiRT 2 isn't filled with the same awe and wonder as the console versions. That's obvious. However, if you can look past the speed bumps, you'll see it's a moderately enjoyable racer.

A poor game, with a ridiculous AI and a driving feeling close to zero. Too bad, because the home version wasn't so bad after all. There's definitely better on your PSP, if you like racing.

By and large, Dirt 2 is an unremarkable and mostly boring racing game, and the more you play it, the worse the flaws get.

Unfortunately Dirt 2 on PSP is a game you should probably avoid.

Do: Buy Dirt 2 for the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360. Don't: Buy Dirt 2 for the PSP.

How the hell is this considered good enough on a system that just got Gran Turismo? [Dec 2009, p.81]