DiRT Rally VR (PlayStation 4) Review

The PSVR update makes the entire game compatible with the VR headset, allowing every mode to be enjoyed in VR. Moreover, it works splendidly, with no meaningful compromises to visual fidelity. Instead it provides that extra level of immersion that racing games are crying out for, giving the cockpit view an authenticity that changes the experience to feel a great deal more like you're actually driving a rally car. It's wonderful.

Cockpit view isn't the only option either, with multiple other camera angles also available. It's a much-appreciated alternative to the somewhat hardcore cockpit angle, but at the same time, these other cameras do distract from the immersion a little. When you're behind the wheel, however, with the co-driver calling out the turns to the side, the mud, rain, grit and snow staining the windows, and the sight of the track revealing itself as you speed forwards, that extra depth perception and 3D audio brings the racing to life like never before.

It's slightly easier too; DiRT Rally has quite the notoriety for its difficulty, but tackling it in VR helps you read the tracks and sense the momentum of the car to a far more accurate degree, allowing for a slightly smoother learning curve. That said, it's still a matter of mastering consistently good driving. The slightest mistake can often place the top spots too far to reach, and there's a real grind to purchase new cars, new engineers, not to mention the progress of clawing your way to the podium. However, now it's more realistic and personal skills are more transferable. It feels enough like actually driving to allow drivers to channel their real-life experience.

Indeed, PSVR enhances the joy of DiRT Rally considerably. In the Rally Cross mode, checking AI opponents feels so remarkably real it's shocking when you don't feel the collision in real-life. Meanwhile, racing online takes that same satisfaction of seeing other human players make human mistakes and amplifies it when you can't help but turn your head a cackle as you speed past. Sure, it may still put some people off due to its lack of arcade driving controls and options, but for those seeking a true rally simulation, then the PSVR updates brings it as close to the real thing as humanly possible. It's terrific and a must for any driving fans with a PSVR headset.