I love to get DiRTy. I understand that sentence reads like the introduction to a poorly-proofed online dating profile, but it’s actually the most fitting way to express how much pleasure I get from playing Codemasters’ current generation rally titles. Both 2007’s Colin McRae: DiRT and 2009’s Colin McRae: DiRT 2 were products of undeniable quality, replicating the thrills, spills and authenticity of off-road racing with unparalleled panache.

Though I am biased; truth is, neither was definitive. While DiRT successfully wowed loyalists to the well-respected motorsport, its lasting appeal was marred by a humdrum online component. DiRT 2 did well to correct this, delivering a wealth of multiplayer options as well as an engrossing single-player experience, but it was criticised for adopting a dude-heavy X-Games theme and providing comparatively less rally content than its predecessor.

On May 24th DiRT 3 parked up, bold and proud, begging to be test driven. Curious to find out if the British development studio has learned from its past mistakes, I happily obliged…

Narratively speaking, the game has little narrative to speak of. Basically, you’re an aspiring unknown to the world of rally with dreams of attaining international stardom. Your articulate English business agent Ellie signs you up to a four season contract, and with guidance from her, over-zealous American PR consultant Christian and deadpan Aussie mechanic Jack, you’ll speed your way through a wide range of transatlantic tournaments and championships before reaching (and ideally conquering) the DC Shoes Superseries.

DiRT 3’s progression paradigm is based on a straightforward levelling system that awards reputation points for podium placements, and the completion of mid-race objectives like smashing lap times, drifting predefined distances or crossing the finish line unscathed. As players make a name for themselves they’ll climb the ranks, earning entry into new competitions and prompting distinguished sponsors to take an interest in endorsing them. In addition, new vehicles will unlock for use in later stages, and there are plenty to choose from. Old favourites from the original DiRT, such as the Fiat 131 Abarth, Toyota Corolla GT-Four and Lancia Delta Integrale, return to feature alongside today’s Fiestas, Imprezas and Evos, and the satisfying blend of simulation and arcade physics provided by Codemasters’ EGO engine means that all cars are great fun to ‘hoon’ around in.

Series veterans will feel right at home with the weightiness and responsiveness of roadsters. For newcomers, the title’s unique handling model might take some getting used to, and with every bump, scrape and collision threatening to cripple their ride’s performance the learning curve is fairly steep. Fortunately, there are a number of assists available to help beginners find their feet, including stability control, throttle management, ABS and a dynamic racing line. Plus, the developer’s trademark Flashback function has been carried over from previous games, so should an unanticipated camber catapult you into unsuspecting onlookers you can hit Replay, rewind time and amend your approach. You’ll sacrifice reputation points each time you do this, but it’s a small price to pay when the only alternative is to reattempt that arduous Trailblazer route from the start line.

That said, repeating an event is the best way to soak up the torrential rain that lashes against your windscreen as you skid around Michigan’s gravel circuits, the blinding sunlight that cascades onto Norway’s autumnal woodland, or the gentle snowfall that kisses your chassis as you plough through Finland’s wintery passes. If you can’t see where I’m going here, DiRT 3 is a presentation powerhouse. Spectacular draw distances will frequently lure your eyes from the road ahead. The cheering spectators, roaring engines and growling exhausts will overload your eardrums, and even the main user interface, an arrangement of floating pyramids that elegantly unfurl when selected to reveal race details, has a certain “ooooo, ahhhh” factor.

A la DiRT 2, players will participate in an assortment of disciplines during the course of their career, from traditional point-to-point rallies to frantic eight-man landrushes, but the spotlight belongs to Gymkhana. In this autocross-inspired event type, drivers are challenged to conquer a series of special circuits and obstacle-littered arenas by stringing together reversals, spins, powerslides, jumps and donuts against the clock. Be prepared to have your patience tested, as until you find your groove you’ll continually skirt into girders, barrel roll through tight turns and bend fenders around lampposts. However, once you’ve got a few preparatory tour victories under your belt Christian will give you unlimited access to an open expanse of land at Battersea Power Station called the DC Compound. It’s jam-packed with ramps, slaloms, pipes and smash blocks, making it the perfect playground in which to practice your advanced driving skills. 

Soon enough you’ll want to show your talent for nailing hairpins and executing thrifty 360s to the world, and for that purpose Codemasters provides a comprehensive suite of online Pro Tour stages and Jam Sessions. If on the other hand you fancy something less conventional, you can defend Battersea from an uprising of cardboard cut-out robots in Invasion, play capture the flag in Transporter, or perhaps try Outbreak, where one zombified player must contaminate the clean until only one driver remains. These weird and wonderful sideshow modes might sound ridiculous on paper, but experience this automotive mayhem first-hand and you’ll instantly appreciate their inclusion. Add a two-player local split-screen mode into the mix and the end result is a complete multiplayer package that’ll occupy petrol heads for months.

Since joining the team at PS3Vault I’ve been searching for the Holy Grail, a PS3 title I feel is deserving of a 10/10 score. Many have come incredibly close, but my quest has been a fruitless one – until now. A harmonious matrimony of DiRT’s mature, professional attitude and DiRT 2’s flamboyant cheekiness makes the series’ third iteration the definitive rally offering. Don’t get me wrong; it isn’t flawless. For one thing the banter between the disembodied voices of your overly-optimistic management trio becomes annoying almost immediately, and for another significant dips in frame rate occur during congested races. Nonetheless, DiRT 3’s few faults are nothing more than tiny blemishes on an otherwise gorgeous complexion.

Meet the Jessica Alba of racing games; she’s captivating, exhilarating, sexy, and you are going to fall in love with her.