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DiRT 2

(2009, Video Games - Racing, Rated T, Play it on: Nintendo DS, PSP, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    Thrilling offroad racer with plenty of depth, variety.

In this game kids can:   improve hand-eye coordination, live vicariously, race

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Ease of play:

    Controls are the standard used in most racing games, with the left trigger handling brakes and the right trigger acceleration. Learning to turn with vehicles can be tricky at first. Players may feel the need to overcompensate and make a hard turn, which often results in spinouts. However, light braking and light taps of the thumbsticks lets players maintain greater control. Navigating between races and vehicles is pretty straightforward as well.

  • Educational value:

    Players can learn a little bit about the sport of offroad racing such as how events and standings are structured.

  • Messages:

    Racers will often share words of encouragement as you advance through the ranks. Some will even check to ensure you're safe following crashes or collisions.
 

What to watch out for

  • Online interaction:

    Players can engage in open chat with others during online play. They may hear cussing and other language, depending on who they are talking with.

  • Role models:

    There are occassions where racers use aggressive techniques like bumping cars to gain an advantage, but nothing strongly negative.

  • Violence:

    Crashes happen but no one is hurt.

  • Sex:

    Some song lyrics contain suggestive sexual themes such as "I'll be your hooker, I'll keep you up for days."

  • Language:

    Some of the songs contain racy lyrics, but they're tunes normally heard on radio. Also, the race commentators make some suggestive comments like "I know you want me but I'm married."

  • Consumerism:

    Quite a few companies serve as racer or vehicle sponsors, such as Carharrt, Monster Energy and the ESPN X Games. Various carmakers are represented as well, including Subaru, Nissan and Hummer.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Song lyrics that play in the background make references to drinking and using drugs. For example, "I found my religion in a pound of grass."
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of DiRT 2 was written by Brett Molina

Parents need to know that DiRT 2  is an offroad racing game. Unlike the first game in this series which was rated "E", this sequel is rated "Teen." Like some racers, aggression is often used by players and computer opponents to gain an edge. The background songs have some lyrics with mild suggestive sexual themes and a few references to drugs and alcohol, although they're not too different from what's played on radio. The race commentators can also be heard making suggestive comments. The game is playable online, a feature Common Sense Media does not recommend to children under the age of 12. The online play has open chat, so those conversations are unpredicatable.

Families Can Talk About

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  • How do these offroad racers compare to the video game racers on standard, asphalt tracks?  What makes them better or worse?
  • Do you think this game presents a realistic view of the sport? Why or why not?
  • Is this a game that is hard to put down? How do you go about setting time limits when gaming?
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More on DiRT 2

What’s the Story?

DiRT 2 places players in the role of a rookie driver trying to make it in the world of offroad racing. Players start with an introductory race to get acclimated, then begin a tour spanning multiple countries such as England, Morocco, Croatia, China, and Japan. Drivers compete in a series of events from straightforward races to rally races with teammates. Players earn experience points after races that unlock more events and vehicle designs. By racing, players also earn cash to use toward purchasing better vehicles or outfitting current cars to compete in specific challenges. Close

Is It Any Good?

DiRT 2 is an incredibly fun racing title that packs plenty of depth and variety. Each of the tracks feels very unique, from dirty canyons to muddy jungle environments, eliminating any feelings of repetitive play. Players also have access to dozens of vehicles and liveries, or car designs. The bevy of options is complemented by gorgeous graphics. Dirt kicks up in the air as players peel away, while bumpers drag along the track after collisions. Once the beefy career mode has been completed, players can test their skills against others online. Difficulty levels accomodate players of all skill levels, and prove challenging as you enter the tougher difficulties. Overall, this is an exciting, addictive racing title. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 9/8/2009, price $30-$60, online enabled
ESRB rating: T (for Mild Lyrics, Mild Suggestive Themes)

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Reviewr
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    Cool game

    This game is awsome i recomend it 12+, it's a game where you can learn about History after around an hrs play i got stuck into it, it took me 30 mins to get to know the basics, i rate it 20 / 20.00 It doesn't cost much, i got mine at: www.rewards1.com/index.php?referrer_id=1116923 Just make an account and do the offers, it should take 20 mins to get the points to buy the game, it's a trusted website mcaffee knows about this website. And even they support it. What are you waiting for?

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Parent Reviewer
    FreeStuffHere
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    This is a great game and I love it. I got this for free and many others at www.rewards1.com/index.php?referrer_id=866002 You should really check it out!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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