Dirt 3 is a racing video game developed and published by Codemasters for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It is the eighth game in the Colin McRae Rally series. In September 2011, there were reports that a network security problem on the website of an AMD promo had resulted in the loss of 3 million Dirt 3 keys to the public for use via the Steam platform that have then been posted in various places around the internet.
Gameplay
The main mode sees players earn reputation points in various events to gain the interest of sponsors who provide them with new vehicles. Flashbacks return from , which can be used up to five times in any difficulty, but cost reputation points to use. A new gymkhana mode puts players in obstacle courses, challenging them to perform various tricks to earn points. Featured in the game are various party modes, involving events such as smashing wooden targets, spreading a zombie infection, and a capture the flag-like game mode. Other new features include a Hardcore mode which limits players to the cockpit view with no driver assists, the appearance of rain and snow, and the ability to upload replay clips directly to YouTube.
Reception
gave the game a score of 8.5 and an Editor's Choice award, praising the gameplay and online functionality while criticising some of the design choices. GameTrailers gave the game a score of 9.2, praising the gameplay and presentation, although criticising the limits of the YouTube functionality. GamesRadar gave the game a score of 9/10, praising its impeccable gameplay though noting slightly lower structure presentation compared to the previous game. Official Xbox Magazine gave the game a score of 8.5/10, hailing its impressive car design and smooth handling, while criticising the lack of dynamism in the surfaces and poor social features. Following reports that the PC version of the game was unplayable due to the game's reliance on the now defunct Games for Windows – Live software, a spokesperson for Codemasters issued a statement on the Steam community in January 2014 stating that Codemasters were in the process of removing Games for Windows – Live from the game, and would announce completion of the task at a later date. On 1 April 2015, the work had been completed and GFWL had been removed from the game. The game was one of the November 2015 Games with Gold free games, the first of the promotion to be playable on Xbox One through backwards compatibility.
Complete Edition
A 'Complete Edition' of the game was announced by Codemasters on 9 February 2012, with a trailer released on YouTube on 8 March 2012. Consisting of the game and its associated DLC packaged together, the Complete Edition adds several tracks and vehicles. It was released Friday 9 March in Europe and 20 March in North America. On 8 January 2015, Feral Interactive announced the Complete Edition for Mac OS X. On 13 January 2015, justbiglee, a Community Manager on Steam forums confirmed that all existing owners of Dirt 3 on Steam will get the Complete Edition of the game for free. Dirt 3: Complete Edition was released for OS X by Feral Interactive on 29 January 2015. On 1 April 2015, the GFWL-less DiRT 3 Complete Edition has been released on Steam on PC. The Complete Edition was removed from the Steam marketplace in early 2017 presumably due to expiring licenses for the cars.
