Colin McRae: DiRT 2 

A diverse and intense rally experience

Colin McRae: DiRT 2 is an intense, visceral rally experience that updates the series by injecting a more American approach to off-road racing to the detailed realism series fans will be used to.

This demo allows you to try two events, a circuit in Baja California, and a stage event in Morocco. There is no online play in the demo. To get the most out of Colin McRae: DiRT 2 you'll need a fairly high spec PC, but if you turn down the graphics settings it's still really good fun.

The worst aspect of Colin McRae: DiRT 2 is presented as the game starts. The over the top menu system, presented in a 3D trailer that's supposed to be your home. While it looks good, it makes getting into a race much longer than necessary. Choose an event and a car, and eventually you'll be launched into a race.

Thankfully, despite the front end, the actual racing is great. Vehicles look fantastic, and damage is applied really well. The sense of speed is excellent, and the cars really feel like they're on the track. It's best played with a joypad or even a wheel - in fact while keyboard is supported it's really not much fun! The graphics are great, and the sound effects are crunchingly realistic. The demo's not too easy, either so you get some replay value for this big 1.3 gigabyte download!

Some people may not like the new in-your-face approach in Colin McRae: DiRT 2, but the driving itself is still great and whether it's realism or arcade action you're after, there's plenty to love.

Strap in and hold on for Colin McRae: DiRT 2, one of the most exciting driving games you'll find in the PC!