Now that I finally have a Playstation 5 in my possession, I really wanted to take a look at what this next generation of gaming had to offer right from the get-go. I know there are games like Demon’s Souls, Miles Morales, and Astro’s Playroom out in the wild. The big fancy exclusives that are showcasing what the PS5 is capable of, but what I really wanted to tackle first was the PS5 version of Codemasters’ amazing DIRT 5.

You may think I’m crazy, but let me give you a reason why: I played (and reviewed) the PS4 version of DIRT 5 a few weeks ago, and even though I loved it, I knew it suffered from some issues caused by the PS4’s aging hardware. I called it a next gen game running on 2013 hardware. What I really wanted to see, right off the bat, is the difference between current gen and next gen with the same game. Since DIRT 5 has a completely different build for the PS5 console, not being just a backwards compatible running on beefier specs, this felt like the perfect test subject.

Don’t expect more content in the PS5 version. DIRT 5 is, by and large, the same exact game in both platforms. It retains the same control scheme, progression system, excellent customization mode, stupidly loud sound department, the “hella gnarly” coat of paint, and so on. This isn’t like EA’s treatment of FIFA in less powerful platforms: you are getting the same amount of content, whether on a PS4 or a PS5. The difference lies in how the game performs in this more modern console. That’s its main selling point.

The beefier hardware allows for DIRT 5 to run at a minimum of 60 frames a second. If you really want more, you can even run the damn thing at 120fps. It runs at a much higher resolution, as expected, and its particle effects are more detailed. Puddles of mud look way more realistic, confetti are thrown in larger quantities whenever you finish a race, and so on. There’s also the brand new addition of that sexy beast called ray tracing, vastly improving the game’s already gorgeous lighting effects. I still don’t think this is everything the PS5 is capable of, but DIRT 5 does look way prettier when running on this console, that’s for sure.

What I loved the most about this version, however, is the control scheme. Obviously, you drive your cars in the same way, but the PS5’s controller delivers a much better experience. This is all because of one of its brand new features: haptic feedback. The R2 and L2 triggers are programmed to become harder to press depending on how hard you’re driving your car and the kind of terrain you’re driving on. The impressive rumble technique included in the controller also adds a brand new layer of immersion I have never imagined it would be possible. I am not exactly a fan of gimmicks, and I certainly do not like the Switch’s HD Rumble, but I have to tip off my hat to Sony and its DualSense. It made DIRT 5 even more fun to play as a result.

It doesn’t matter if you’re playing DIRT 5 on a PS4 or a PS5, you’re going to have a blast with it regardless. However, I have to give the slight advantage towards the PS5 version, of course. Not only does it look and perform way better than its older brother’s counterpart, but the genius usage of the DualSense’s haptic triggers adds an extra layer of immersion to an already excellent racing experience. The first racing game released for the system might be a cross-gen title, but damn if it isn’t a fantastic one.

 

Graphics: 9.0 DIRT 5 runs at much higher resolutions and framerates thanks to the power of the Playstation 5. Not to mention all that sweet ray tracing featured in this particular version.	Gameplay: 10 The DualSense’s haptic feeback definitely takes racing controls to a whole new level of immersion. I absolutely loved it.
Sound: 8.5 While still unbelievably loud and abrasive, just like in the PS4 version, the sound mixing is a bit more bearable in this version.	Fun Factor: 9.0 It doesn’t matter whether you decide to play DIRT 5 on current or next-gen hardware, the game is phenomenal in all platforms. It’s just a tad bit better on PS5 due to the improved hardware and controller, however.
Final Verdict: 9.0

DIRT 5 is available now on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and PC.

Reviewed on PS5

A copy of DIRT 5 was provided by the publisher.