:)) Rally (review for Win 8.1 - 64 bit, steering wheel and FFB)

I was looking for a reasonably-to-use end rally simulation for PC with FFB steering wheel operation and have become more than find with Dirt 3. The game covers from beginner from up to semi-pro (switched off all driving aids and the highest severity) everything. And still run well in 2015, even under Win 8.1 and Internet multiplayer and Windows Live Account (Games for Windows Live). It is a complete conversion to Steam promised by the manufacturer Codemasters. Leaving I would it not.

Since I also have 2 Dirt owned, here are a few comparisons are made. By the way: Dirt 2 works to my delight :) yet.

Initially I let Dirt 3 run in the current, carelessly implemented Steam version. Even when operating on Steam a Windows Live account is necessary. The trouble is that, although the MarketPlace offer files for download, can also be purchased in the Steam version no extensions. So if more routes (Japan (Rallycross) and some very nice converted rally routes in Monaco) and some new vehicles would should, by all means try the Complete Edition to relate. These are available on Steam (yet)!

Dirt 3 is with me on a Windows 8.1 - 64-bit system, Intel i7-4820K 3.9 GHz, 16 GB PC3 12800 DDR3 RAM and an AMD R9 280X graphics card (1100 MHz slightly overclocked) on 55 inch TV with 60 Hz 1920 * 1080 resolution in all graphics settings to stop completely butterweich playable without any stuttering with DirectX 11.

Graphic

The graphics are even today in 2015 still really good. On the 55-inch TV in Full HD resolution can convince 11 mM after yet fully taking advantage of DirectX, although Dirt 3 is already several years old. All routes (landscapes with shrubs, trees, cities, etc.) are worked out detail. Great attention to detail can be seen on the included animations. Shrubs and trees move easily, moving, animated spectator individually, flags and lighting effects. Almost all routes are available for day and night tours. Weather conditions can be set up to really ghastly, the sight totally preventing downpours. The weather conditions have an effect on the controllability and the Force Feedback. Amazing how vague can be a control in the rain :))

The menu

is functional, but a bit plain with a little animation. Since Dirt 2 had extremely more to offer, because the menu already offers Spielathmosphäre there. OK, all the menus and options are easily accessible.

The game scenario and vehicles

There's Rally, Rallycross, gymkhana, DC Compound. For every taste, ranging from individual race career mode to (still functioning) Multiplayer. Some need only be driven freely in Career Mode before a choice is possible. Usual procedure ......

The vehicles are plentiful and each is actually running a little different and rudimentary options for changing the vehicle physics are present. However, I am not a screwdriver and therefore can not comment.

Difficulty levels

A total of 6 levels of difficulty can be selected, where the most violent really is very demanding when switched off driver aids. In addition, individual driving aids can still be enabled or disabled. The damage simulation is satisfactory, but limited to (Codemaster typical) mostly on a fast no longer properly functioning steering.

The artificial intelligence

is well implemented for a rally simulation. In Rallycross can convince (Rempler belong to Rally Cross to). Nothing to complain about. AI drivers commit mistakes to spectacular accidents. Races with AI opponents act by much more alive and real fun.

Shortcomings or downer

Since Dirt 3 or Grid 2, there are the annoying clutch problem. It often happens that when using an H-circuit uncontrollably runs to Neutral during the game of the transition. When using a sequential circuit This does not occur.

The second shortcoming is that after starting only 30 Hz refresh rate is active, although 60 Hz is set and the hardware are also possible. Workaround: In the graphics settings every time you restart the program switch once frame synchronization and reset again. Then everything runs as smooth as silk to 60Hz.

Games for Windows Live is officially shut down, but for old games still in function. The GFWL installer in Dirt 3 is outdated (also applies to the version of Steam). A special customized version is available from Microsoft xbox.com on the page. After having completed the installation of Dirt 3 is possibly the non-functioning GFWL client to remove and replace with version from Microsoft. And miraculously work GFWL games again with all the trimmings (including Dirt 2).

The multiplayer mode

there is the Local Area Network and Internet, and Split Screen. It is interesting to the game via the Internet. The servers are still active with the prior review and one finds there is always a lot of players roadworthy for jam sessions. Pronounced positive is the fact that obviously there move only true fans. Driving takes place therefore very disciplined. Hardly troublemakers or cheaters, which negatively affect the gameplay by Rempler orgies, immoderate disabilities or cheats.

The Force Feedback

is just gorgeous :)). Each sod, surveys, cracks, dents road, pavement etc. generates its own FFB effects. A grin is barely rid of my face. The FFB is a lot better than in Dirt 2. Anyone who is not afraid, can outside the marginal settings of the menus in the associated XML files in the Force Feedback of Dirt 3 Installation tease out the last of the FFB through manual changes. Ua the switched-off by default FFB needs for the road surface, shifting passages etc. reactivated. Otherwise, you drive like on a glass pane. For all have questions, I can be reached on the instrument deposited in my profile mail address.

The steering wheel with steering wheel is very precise. Vehicles can be controlled very well and the degree of realism (with disabled driving aids) with active FFB is in my opinion highly.

For all Fanatec CSW V2 owners I left at virtualracing.org in Setup Forum in thread Fanatec CSW V2 control files for some Codemaster title a guide to make the CSW V2 for Codemaster title prior to publication of the CSW V2 fit.

Summary:

Dirt 3 mM to the best currently available Rally simulation for PC operation and I can only recommend. I love it even after a long time with the steering wheel, shift knob and pedals a lot of fun. But for the above shortcomings, there is a rich star deduction.