or me, rally racing is about thinking without having to think. The only way to survive at high speeds on a dusty trail that’s barely wider than my car is to simply do what my co-pilot tells me to. “Left four over jump 100.” But I have to do it without listening – because the second I think too much about the upcoming turn, I let go of my racing instincts and inevitably screw up my run. This grey zone where instinct and intellect co-exist to produce fluid, breakneck racing is right where Dirt resides. The game’s emphasis on pure racing has already helped make it a hit on the Xbox 360, and this version is no less accomplished.

Dirt is about celebrating off-road racing in various forms. Its tiered pyramid career structure is filled with rally races, bouncing and barreling trucks, and other racing delights. I like being able to choose what I get to race to earn a promotion to the next pyramid stage, but it’s apparent early on that Dirt very quickly lays all its cards down on the table. Because elements of the game such as buying cars and trucks for your garage are underdeveloped, Dirt – as fun as it is – ends up being a very what-you-see-is-what-you-get experience. Unlike Juiced 2, for example, Dirt’s failure to make even buying and upgrading hot cars alluring is a mistake that keeps gamers from being tightly connected to the game, and which prevents it from being great. This de-emphasis on the cars is also evident in the fact that many of the rides feel alike no matter what racing surface you’re on.

Despite its limited focus, Dirt’s single-minded pursuit of racing serves the game well and creates a strong foundation for the future. I guess I can’t blame it for tuning out the rest of the world while it whips around dusty tracks at scary speeds. As we know, getting dialed into the zone is everything.