DiRT Showdown

 Xbox 360
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 62 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 62
  3. Negative: 18 out of 62
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  1. Walternate
    Dec 14, 2012
    4
    As much as I love the other DiRT games, it pains me to say that Showdown really was a let down. The uninspired tracks and modes made it feel like a discount version. And the lack of licenced cars. It does look pretty, but that doesn't really save the game from feeling like a cheap money maker by Codemasters. Considering the usual standard of Codemasters' games, this title really doesn'tAs much as I love the other DiRT games, it pains me to say that Showdown really was a let down. The uninspired tracks and modes made it feel like a discount version. And the lack of licenced cars. It does look pretty, but that doesn't really save the game from feeling like a cheap money maker by Codemasters. Considering the usual standard of Codemasters' games, this title really doesn't qualify as a DiRT title.… Expand
  2. Setzera
    Jun 25, 2012
    10
    Yes, it has some issues. There is some lag online at times, and some glitches. However, this game has to be the most fun derby game in a very long time, and not only that, but you can go online and have crazy matches. I think this game is severely underrated because it has the Dirt name, which disappoints previous Dirt game fans, and scares away people that didn't like Dirt 1-3. DemosYes, it has some issues. There is some lag online at times, and some glitches. However, this game has to be the most fun derby game in a very long time, and not only that, but you can go online and have crazy matches. I think this game is severely underrated because it has the Dirt name, which disappoints previous Dirt game fans, and scares away people that didn't like Dirt 1-3. Demos are out on all platforms, and even though there isn't much to see on them, anyone who likes smashing cars owes it to themselves to play at least the demo if not the full game.… Expand
  3. SuperNacho
    Nov 13, 2012
    10
    It's really awesome!!! You feel this cool atmosphere of the competition with great music, from rock to dubstep. You can compete in different events, like derby and stunts.
  4. MegWhiteley
    Jun 14, 2012
    9
    DiRT Showdown the new game of the DiRT saga, and I need say: wow, the game is fantastic, but is not perfect, have some mistakes, is same than the others, have other great points. The game is really funny, have much amazing things. Great game.
  5. agent101
    Nov 13, 2012
    10
    Don't read other comments, this game one of the best racing games ever made with very cool soundtrack and graphics, interested cars like Ferrari P and more more!
  6. JDConspirator
    Aug 1, 2012
    7
    In many respects, Dirt Showdown is a divergence from the rally racing core that has defined the series since its inception in 2007. Edge of your seat control has been replaced by a simplistic handling model, perfect for arcade racing. Hence this is more like Destruction Derby than Dirt. Whilst doubts were surfaced beforehand as to the competancy of the collisions, the game still remainsIn many respects, Dirt Showdown is a divergence from the rally racing core that has defined the series since its inception in 2007. Edge of your seat control has been replaced by a simplistic handling model, perfect for arcade racing. Hence this is more like Destruction Derby than Dirt. Whilst doubts were surfaced beforehand as to the competancy of the collisions, the game still remains good fun. The damage model itself is lacking, with fairly poor collisions, much akin to hitting a golf caddy in a head on collision as opposed to seeing metal bend and glass shatter in sumptuous ways. As this entry aims for a more casual audience, so do the online options. Getting into a race feels like chaotic fun, which goes for all the destructive based events in the game. Unfortunately Dirt Showdown squanders its epicness somewhat by acknowledging its core DNA. So there are the plethora of rally orientated events including a Gymkhana variant and smash attack modes. None are poorly implemented, but they feel out of place in a game supposedly made for the purposes of carnage. Granted without them we may not see Ken Block's Monster fuelled Ford Fiesta, but the game's heart lies in devastation and adversarial competitiveness. Still despite a bit of an identity crisis and a hollow damage model, DIRT Showdown is still a fun party racer that sits along nicely to the main DIRT franchise.… Expand
  7. Befguu
    Jun 18, 2012
    3
    What a Disappointment the Dirt series has become after it's forefather, the Colin McRae series (they did him an honour in dropping his name). A terrible arcadey mixmash, with horrible physics and dull gameplay, Pick up any Destruction Derby game instead or play out the DD parts of Grid.
  8. jugglaj91
    Jun 30, 2012
    4
    The game can be fun at times if you avoid the Knockout game mode I believe. The races seem fine if not short in length and easy to win. Online can be fun if you remember not to take it too seriously. Overall a fun game but the reason I rate it so low is the rubber band AI and Mario Kart type luck some events require. If you're looking for a few hours of fun I say rent. Otherwise Pass.
  9. rennygeroge
    Jun 21, 2012
    0
    Few racing game franchises produce worthy successors..and dirt showdown is undoubtedly one. Although the game may not be as immersive as previous installments of the series, that should be no reason to avoid playing this game.
    PROS: Varied racing environments, retains good gameplay elements from the series
    CONS: Rubberband Al, races have a sluggish feel, too easy difficulty
  10. pretty__vacant
    Jul 12, 2013
    2
    I'm a fan of arcade racing games, I really like to play them. This was not a joy for me however, as the levels and tracks were very uninspired and left me wanting for the days of Destruction Derby and Vigilante.
  11. sinadoom
    Dec 30, 2012
    6
    Think of Showdown as an arcade game or a large expansion pack for DiRT 3, and then it becomes feasible for around £10. Otherwise it's a bit of a letdown. I love the other games in the series but Showdown is just a compilation of the bits in between the intense rallying. These kind of events make sense as a fun break from the serious and technical driving, but to have an entire gameThink of Showdown as an arcade game or a large expansion pack for DiRT 3, and then it becomes feasible for around £10. Otherwise it's a bit of a letdown. I love the other games in the series but Showdown is just a compilation of the bits in between the intense rallying. These kind of events make sense as a fun break from the serious and technical driving, but to have an entire game dedicated to it is just boring. Don't get me wrong, there's still a lot of fun to be had in Joyride, Gymkhana-style events and 'demolition derby' style events as well as the classic circuit racing and Domination, but as a full title in the series it's not plausible. The only things preventing this game from being a failure are the great development team (Codemasters), the EGO 2.0 game engine and simple design. The driving physics and graphics (specifically the lighting rather than texture detail) are of a high standard, and the pick up and play nature makes it the ideal choice for those who only enjoyed DiRT 3 for Joyride and Gymkhana, since there's no manual transmission but instead there's boost and health. The tracks are straight copies from DiRT 3 but a lot less technical, more straights, shorter and almost no need to ever use the brakes. For what the game sets out to do, it does it very well, with few errors in execution. The concept however, is very childish and too shallow to create a memorable experience. You don't feel involved or rewarded like in the first DiRT game. Instead you have short, repetitive and mindless "racing" and destruction mayhem. The game does have very easy achievements, and ones you will get from normal playing rather than ones you have to go for, so I guess it's rewarding in that sense. The game itself isn't up to DiRT standard. I don't know why Codemasters have been trying to move away from rallying. It's not that they've done a bad job with Showdown, it's just that this spin-off is lacking in depth. Overall I'd recommend it if you can get it for a good price and want a casual, light-hearted arcade game, or if you enjoyed DiRT 3's Party Modes but if you were expecting anything which requires skill and precision; you'd best avoid this.… Expand
  12. gamingisgreat
    Sep 24, 2016
    6
    Dirt Showdown is a decent spinoff of the Dirt series.

    The game is really fun,with all sorts of demolition derbies to take part in.The AI can be cheap at times.My biggest problem with the game is that it is only 4 hours long.There are only 4 licensed cars in the game that can only be used in gymkhana,which is disappointing. The graphics are great,though the framerate drops frequently.    Dirt Showdown is a decent spinoff of the Dirt series.

    The game is really fun,with all sorts of demolition derbies to take part in.The AI can be cheap at times.My biggest problem with the game is that it is only 4 hours long.There are only 4 licensed cars in the game that can only be used in gymkhana,which is disappointing.

    The graphics are great,though the framerate drops frequently.

    The sound design is pretty weak,but the soundtrack is solid.

    Overall,DiRT Showdown is a decent game that is held back by some major flaws.    … Expand
  13. bilbyc0m
    Mar 8, 2017
    9
    DIRT Showdown takes a new attempt at the series by changing producing an arcade racer over the regular simulation, and while most DIRT fans despised the change, I absolutely loved it. This is one of the most fun and simple racing games which controls seamlessly and feels slick all around as all the DIRT games do. DIRT Showdowns best element is the online play which has multiple modesDIRT Showdown takes a new attempt at the series by changing producing an arcade racer over the regular simulation, and while most DIRT fans despised the change, I absolutely loved it. This is one of the most fun and simple racing games which controls seamlessly and feels slick all around as all the DIRT games do. DIRT Showdowns best element is the online play which has multiple modes introduced originally in DIRT 3 such as the stunt mode, tag, capture the marker and many more, as well as the new derby mode and classic racing mode. Absolutely love DIRT Showdown and have spent many hour online playing online in a great community. Also love the soundtrack. Might not be your stereotypical DIRT game, but its fun nonetheless.… Expand
  14. brendo214
    May 30, 2019
    8
    DiRT Showdown is a super fun game, and is a nice change from the previous DiRT games.
  15. Attis48
    Jul 27, 2019
    8
    My stepmother is DiRT, my stepfather is DestructionDerby / Burnout and my 'my' honorable name is DiRT: Showdown. Here's a brief introduction to the lighter arcade gamma released by Codemasters in 2012. The publisher / development studio doesn't need to introduce anyone to racing games.The really big leap was Colin McRae, who was released in '98 and brought to Rally by many they have beenMy stepmother is DiRT, my stepfather is DestructionDerby / Burnout and my 'my' honorable name is DiRT: Showdown. Here's a brief introduction to the lighter arcade gamma released by Codemasters in 2012. The publisher / development studio doesn't need to introduce anyone to racing games.The really big leap was Colin McRae, who was released in '98 and brought to Rally by many they have been able to bring to the market a really demanding and realistic game. Real racing cars, real trails, breakage models, lifelike physics, mud, snow, gravel, in a word everything played in gamma. He followed the sequel every year or two in 2011, but with the release of DiRT 3, something has changed / beyond the name of the Scottish track artist. They did not strictly adhere to the path that the rally genre beat, and the game also featured rallycross, off-road and gymkhana. And it came to 2012 when CM decided to release a looser, more arcade-like, crazy-style game This is how the Showdown side branch was born. In gameplay, there are several game modes to choose from / careers,online,joyride,stb.../, and multiple competition types to be played in one-on-one. There is a traditional lap race, further on in the gymkhana, wreckage arena and Form 8 course, elimination for the last place at checkpoints / and domination, where our goal is to be the fastest in the sections of the given race track.The vision is absolutely no problem, we are faced with elaborate vehicles and environment, in the rainy track the water drops freely into our eyes through the puddles. mass, but still easy to control. There's no reason to complain about the mood either. Most players will like DD's wrecker races, especially while having fun. and fantasy-born monsters out there, a routine gamer relatively quickly kills DiRT. The music section performs brilliantly with stuff, with mostly cozy Burnout rock and college rock, underground bands bouncing through the speaker during playtime. Personally, I was convinced by the game, a niche piece in the previous console generation.

    graphics:8.5
    gameplay:8.5
    warrantly:8
    music/sound:9
    game mood:8.5
    total score:8.5    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

92
#92 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2012
96
#96 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2012
47
#47 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 53 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 53
  3. Negative: 1 out of 53
  1. GameFocus
    Jul 30, 2012
    80
    Dirt: Showdown is a simple, yet fun game with just a few things missing. The change of pace with the encouraged car-colliding is certainly welcomed, and well executed.
    Read full review
  2. Hyper Magazine
    Jul 19, 2012
    80
    Get some booze, get some friends, get some DiRT. Good times guaranteed. [Aug 2012, p.76]
  3. Gaming Nexus
    Jul 12, 2012
    65
    DiRT Showdown breaks new ground for the racing genre. New event types set it apart from other games in its field, but a lack of traditional aspects holds it back from extended player engagement. More tracks and vehicles would have provided a solid premise with the adrenaline rush it needs to maintain the excitement. The game modes don't prevent Showdown from becoming boring after only several hours in, so the thrills are short-lived.
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