Although many consider the racing genre to be a niche genre in the video game industry, it definitely has produced some incredible titles over the years. If you take that mindset one step further, then rally racing would be considered the ultimate niche sport.

I'm back! I can't believe it's been three years since my last racing game review , but then again, there haven't been a lot of proper racing games released during that time, so I was understandably excited to check out DiRT Rally.

Positives + Massive amount of content + Easily scales between casual and simulation + Fantastic graphics and sound + Great online community

Negatives - Frustratingly difficult until you stumble on a blend of controls and assists that's right for you; - No local split-screen racing

DiRT Rally is a realistic, beautiful-looking off-road racing simulation that's really exciting to drive. Its high level of challenge and unforgiving nature means it won't appeal to everyone, but for those who want to experience the trials and tribulations of rallying, it's an absolutely brilliant...

Get your clutch foot ready!

One of the best driving sims of the new generation, and although it still lacks content in some areas the console versions are just as good as the PC.

A fantastically accurate simulation, that is scrupulously fair in both its rewards and punishment; Plenty of racing styles, tracks, and cars; Super smooth 60fps graphics

The bare bones multiplayer and career mode are still an issue; with few important additions to accompany the console launch

PC gamers are already in love with Codemasters' return to the pinnacle of rally driving; last year's Dirt Rally. The British developer laid the foundations for this new, more straight-laced Dirt title back with Colin McRae Rally, which at the time was a serious simulation.

The last racing game I played prior to DiRT Rally was 2015's Need for Speed title. Going into DiRT Rally , I assumed I would approach the racing the same way I did in Need for Speed . I was in for the shock of my life. DiRT Rally isn't Need for Speed or even Forza . It's the furthest thing from it.

Deep driving simulator; Well varied environments; Great visuals

Steep learning curve; May not appeal to casual players; Tutorials could be improved

The PS4 version of DiRT Rally was primarily tested for the purpose of this review. The DiRT franchise made its rather unusual early-access debut last year, but after Codemasters built its new installment DiRT Rally up from the ground, this April the game makes its debut on PlayStation 4 and Xbox...

Rally games in VR were always going to be an enticing prospect. This statement goes for racing games in general as well of course, although there's something about dealing with the narrow paths and varied terrain of rallying that I find to be extra appealing in VR.

While I can appreciate the demanding simulation aspect of Dirt Rally, it is at the cost of being approachable for most people. That's not to say the game is bad, far from it, as I admire the lengths they went to, to make the hardest simulation racing game they could.