Dirt 2: Hands-On With the Wii Version

By BrianEk, GameSpotPosted Aug 14, 2009 12:11 pm PT

A few weeks ago, my colleague Shaun McInnis spent nearly an entire day griefing rally driver Ken Block--or, more specifically, a CPU driver programmed with the name Ken Block--in a preview build of Dirt 2 for Xbox 360. Whether Shaun was intentionally T-boning him into the side of a wall in the...

A few weeks ago, my colleague Shaun McInnis spent nearly an entire day griefing rally driver Ken Block--or, more specifically, a CPU driver programmed with the name Ken Block--in a preview build of Dirt 2 for Xbox 360. Whether Shaun was intentionally T-boning him into the side of a wall in the first corner of a race, or springing elaborate traps that would inevitably involve sharp corners, blind jumps, and horrific crashes, Ken Block paid the ultimate price for hours on end. As an aside, Shaun cackling with such demented glee while he tormented what amounts to an AI routine speaks volumes to me about what a sick human being he is.

As it turns out, Shaun will get a chance to taunt Block--or at least other AI drivers--in Dirt 2 for the Nintendo Wii. I had a chance to take the game for a quick spin yesterday. Here's a few movies for you to check out:

As you can see, the game runs at a pretty good clip--as it should, considering there's only four cars on screen. All of the above clips were taken from the game's career mode, which pits you in races from locales as varied as Japan, Mexico and the USA, racing in rally cars, big trucks, and dune buggies. There are several controller options, including using the Wii Remote and Nunchuck, the Wii Remote by itself, or driving with a classic controller. There's several camera options to choose from too, though the cockpit cam that is my favorite view in the 360/PS3 version is sadly missing here.

The game leans more arcade in terms of car handling compared to its counterparts but there's a decent sense of speed, especially using the hood cam. For more on the game, check out some brand new screenshots.

Dirt 2 will be released in early September, so get your Ken Block griefing techniques ready.

[UPDATE: Codemasters contacted GameSpot today to let us know that there are actually three control schemes for the Wii version of Dirt 2, not one as previously reported. I've since corrected this in the article above.]

23 Comments

  • 03240978

    Posted Dec 7, 2009 10:21 pm PT

    Why is this stupid Wii version under the PC tab?

  • melisa06

    Posted Sep 16, 2009 5:02 pm PT

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  • melisa06

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 7:58 pm PT

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  • jackgodd54

    Posted Aug 27, 2009 9:46 pm PT

    Bummer! I"am a Nob an have long awaited d/2 w/all the pre hype,etc. Now reading these posts i waaana puke or go 2 a diff box,but hey I"am old & new,have the wii so someone out please help suggest a good race mode game f/1 or? No kiddy graphs! thanks

  • hazerlevin

    Posted Aug 27, 2009 1:24 am PT

    it look ok

  • Nomad0404

    Posted Aug 24, 2009 5:34 am PT

    I think one of the problems is that this doesn't seem to have the additional GFX effects that come as standard on the other two current gen machines.

    That makes it look bland/flat. Now if they can add some sparkle and keep the frame rate then it should be a winner. But I wonder if this is how the release will look.

  • 43n1m4

    Posted Aug 21, 2009 5:31 am PT

    The graphics isn't all - but somehow this game looks a bit 'tinny' - the NFS series did the right thing with a more cartoonish look and feel to their new entry in the series for the Wii, compared to Dirt 2, who looks like a stripped down version of the PS3/Xbox360 counterparts. Thats how it seems, anyway. I own an Xbox360, and I feel like the Colin Mcrae series has taken a bad turn with the Dirt games (the first was fun but not up to the level of the previous Colin Mcrae games imo), and Forza 3 is probably the only driving game I'll buy this year.

  • VXLbeast

    Posted Aug 19, 2009 7:37 pm PT

    I agree with you guys, I own a Wii and have seen some games with great graphics. In fact, the Wii has greater graphics capabilities than the original Xbox. This game will probably join the pile of sub standard games us Wii owners have to put up with. I am sick and tired of shovel-ware. We need more people like HVS to take us seriously.

  • VXLbeast

    Posted Aug 19, 2009 7:30 pm PT

    I like driving games with the wiimote, Prostreet was alot of fun. But looking at these videos, I want to wipe my butt with these graphics. Seriously, did they even try? I mean, my gamecube need for speed games looked much better. Will their be online? That would be sweet.

    Anyways, I hope for the best, but looking at this (and hearing those terrible, DS quality car sounds), I am not expecting much.

  • Mokintash

    Posted Aug 18, 2009 7:55 pm PT

    Hope it's good...I've been waiting for a long time for a good racing game for the Wii.

  • zakrocz

    Posted Aug 18, 2009 1:44 pm PT

    Having just watched the videos I was impressed, the gfx look comparable to xbox and ps2, i'll be getting the 360 version and might be tempted to get the Wii version if it's compatible and works well with the Wii Wheel. Its good to finally see the series come to a nintendo home console

  • Fohst

    Posted Aug 18, 2009 12:14 pm PT

    These people are retarded, these graphics are rape compared to the PSx but you can't expect to have hd quality visuals on the wii.

  • campbell153

    Posted Aug 18, 2009 8:25 am PT

    @ Nomad0404 i said it reminded me of ps1 graphics, i didnt say it IS ps1 graphics

  • Nomad0404

    Posted Aug 18, 2009 6:23 am PT

    You guys obviously have no idea what PSone game actually looks like compared to this. Although I have to say I do often get the feeling that DC games looked better.

    Now if they gave us a track editor so we can share tracks a la the DC I'd be very impressed.

  • Vexx88

    Posted Aug 18, 2009 4:45 am PT

    Graphics graphics graphics.

    Whine whine whine.

  • dazzzilla

    Posted Aug 18, 2009 12:02 am PT

    I dont see how it looks bad :S, its very clean and seems jaggy free, Ill be buying the PS3 verison but by no means does this look horrible as you commenters make it out.

  • martin_king18

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 6:31 pm PT

    Damn im a Wii owner, and this game Looke terrible

  • campbell153

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 1:44 am PT

    Reminds me of V-Rally on the PS1 and that is not good!

  • Kenbo325

    Posted Aug 15, 2009 5:01 pm PT

    The Wii version of this game has sounds and graphics that would get embarrassed by last-gen rally games.

  • Leg3nd4ry

    Posted Aug 15, 2009 5:33 am PT

    The videos seem to do it more justice, but judging by that screenshot, this is one ugly game. I know the wii is underpowered but i know its more capable than that garbage.

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