As of 2025, DiRT3 still remains the last great simcade/arcade rally game. Filled with style and impressive content variety, while also offering some neat options to customize your experience.
While some might argue that DiRT 2 is the better game (and in terms of art direction, I would highly agree), DiRT3 has my favorite tracks in the series. I also like the slightly minimized atmosphere and presentation a bit more, due to how much it still oozes with character despite having less to it than DiRT 2's festival setting. I also much prefer the soundtrack here, with its focus on alt-rock and electronic music.
However, I will admit that the removal of Rally Raid was a big mistake, and its replacement is not exactly spectacular either. DiRT3 introduces Gymkhana to the series. While it's a fine mode, I do think it overstays its welcome within the campaign. It ends up becoming a bit of a drag when it shows up. Plus, the locations here would make for some great Rally Raid tracks.
Lastly, there's the expanded and extremely fun multiplayer offerings. The regular modes make an obvious return and are just as fun to race through with friends, but there's also the addition of party modes. These modes are an absolute blast to play through and take the ease off the more competitive modes.
While I enjoyed DiRT 5 quite a bit, I can't deny that I yearn for something like DiRT3. Racing games nowadays lack the personality and variety, offering the same thing every year. A high value and well presented rally racer with variety and style akin to DiRT3 would save this current climate of mid to high budget racing games.
