26 | September | 2009 | "DESTROY ALL FANBOYS!"

Platform: PSP

Developer: Sumo Digital

Publisher: Codemasters

# of Players: 1 (Wi-Fi: 2 – 4)

Rating: E 10+

You’d think the portable versions of the stellar console and PC rally racer DIRT 2 would cater more to novice players and in regards to a good chunk of the Nintendo DS version, you’d be right on the money. PSP owners, however, get quite a challenging bit of off-road action in their version of the game thanks to Codemasters and developer Sumo Digital. If you go into this one expecting a total cakewalk, you’ll be wanting to turn your PSP into a Frisbee-SP after about ten or so minutes of smashing into walls and cars at breakneck speed. However, take time to master the controls and the game becomes quite a bit of fun. The overall presentation could have used an extra coat of polish, but we’ll get to that later.

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Platform: Nintendo DS/DSi

Developer: Firebrand Games

Publisher: Codemasters

# of Players: 1 (Wi-Fi: 2 – 4)

Rating: E (Everyone)

Official Site

Score: B+

While the portable versions of DIRT 2 couldn’t be more different from each other in terms of content and overall level of difficulty, the Nintendo DS version of the game actually outstrips the more powerful PSP by miles in terms of bang for the buck. Both games are solid, thrilling arcade racing experiences with the PSP definitely beating the DS code in terms of challenge and overall learning curve. On the other hand, the ability to create your own tracks, customize and upgrade cars gives DS owners endless variety long after they’ve completed the main game. Firebrand Studios has put together one of the best DS racers to date that comes highly recommended whether or not you’re a rally fan.

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