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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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 Edge of your seat control has been replaced by a simplistic handling model, perfect for arcade racing.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 Edge of your seat control has been replaced by a simplistic handling model, perfect for arcade racing.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
  2. 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
  3. 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

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

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »