DIRT 4, the latest rally offering from Codemasters, is a real gem and should be on the list of any fan of driving games.

The graphics are top notch with realistic lighting, whether it be sunlight bouncing off the car surface or heat haze in the distance.

And the way that the cars become caked in mud and dust and look like the really have been thrown around a bit is really impressive.

The sound really is brilliant too with the crack and pop of the exhaust as you blast along the tracks, coming across cattle grids and water splashes, all adding to the fun.

There are five countries in the Dirt 4 tour – Australia, United States, Spain, Sweden and my personal favourite, Wales.

It would have been nice to have the likes of Monaco and Finland in there, but there is enough variation between gravel, tarmac and ice with what is included.

The career mode is a descent affair with plenty of progression and the chance to build up your car collection. There is a good mix and you can add members to your support team as you progress through the ranks.

There are also two game styles in Dirt 4 – ‘simulation’ and ‘gamer’ – and both feel quite different when playing. As you would imagine, simulation has the more realistic feel to it, but I found gamer to be the easier option if I just wanted a quick blast down a Welsh hillside.

Also included is a rally cross mode that allow you to go up against other competitors on a number of tracks around the world. There is also the Dirtfish rally school, where you can hone your skills before heading out onto the various stages.

MARK PRICE