We've all been waiting patiently for some next-gen Xbox Series X gameplay over the past few weeks, and Microsoft has provided it to us in the form of Codemasters' Dirt 5, which launches alongside the console on November 10th.
Those who already have access to the system have received a not-final version of the game which features three different performance options - Image Quality, Frame Rate, and 120Hz for TVs and monitors that can support it.
So, is the game any good? How does it look on Xbox Series X? Here's what the critics are saying...
IGN
After playing a couple hours of the off-road-focused Dirt 5 on the Series X, my eyeballs are disappointingly un-melted. That’s not to say Dirt 5 looks bad – that’s not the case at all – but I don’t even think it outclasses 2018’s Forza Horizon 4 in the graphics department. That said, I am thoroughly impressed by the sheer amount of and variety of content on offer.
Game Informer
Dirt 5 isn't a title that's impossible to achieve on current-gen technology, but the experience on Xbox Series X is smooth as silk. I haven't had a chance to check out the title's performance on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, but I continue to be pleased with the efficiency of the Xbox Series X, even on next-gen titles such as this.
VentureBeat
This is one of the first next-gen games I’ve had the chance to try on the console while testing an early version of the hardware. And my overall takeaway is right in line with my expectations...
So at a glance, Dirt 5 looks a lot like the games we were already playing on Xbox One X or PlayStation 4 Pro. Or so I thought until I turned on the 120Hz mode.
COGConnected
There is a lot to like about DIRT 5 on Xbox Series X. Reduced load times, silky smooth frame rates, and sharp visuals make this a racing experience rally fans will enjoy. DIRT 5 may not be rich in features like other racing games on the market, but this is easily the deepest DIRT experience we have seen to date. Be sure to check out our review next month.
Press Start
All-in-all, I’m really enjoying my time with Dirt 5. It’s probably not going to be a game that’s reliant on next-gen consoles in order to provide enjoyment, but the game looks great visually and definitely runs well on the Xbox Series X, so you won’t be disappointed picking it up alongside your shiny new console.
Stevivor
DiRT 5 provides some really fun racing (for the most part) alongside some beautiful (if not muddy) visuals and a killer soundtrack. I could think of worse ways to spend my time… especially with the Xbox Series X optimised version of the racer on my new powerhouse of a console.
What do you make of these impressions so far? Let us know in the comments below.
Comments 18
A cross gen racing game of all things?
This happens when you use 10 dolla capture cards along with the trashy low bitrate youtube compression artifacts.
I think this being a cross gen title means that it'll look pretty much like a good last gen game but with the super fast loading times and high frame rates of a next gen game, and you know what? For a launch title I think that's absolutely fine.
@JetmanUK cross-gen should still have better textures and a bit more objects or particles as well as better lightning.
Otherwise it would be just BC with frame rates capped to 60/120 and dynamic resolution.
@tatsumi Yeah we should see all those improvements, maybe the 120fps mode will look very similar to a One X game, no bad thing, they still look great.
As @tatsumi says, this seems to be a last gen game played as BC mode with additional frame rate. Do you need to have a 120 FPS tv to see any difference or will things be no different to running at 60 FPS for someone playing on an older tv like me?
Also would love to hear what they think when playing on the S vs the X. Would be nice if they said they couldn’t tell the difference seeing as I’m thinking of an S over an X
I think they are just trying to build up to launch. This would be one of the first launch games you would show. Expect the heavier hitters closer to launch. It's just a cross gen game put out by codemasters so I would keep my expectations in check.
@StonyKL
There will be differences, game by game dependant. Also I think the type of TV, size of TV and viewing distance from it will mitigate some of the differences between the X and S too. Depends on your set up really.
I'm sat maybe 7-8 feet away from my 4K 55" OLED, I'm gonna try both consoles and see what they look like, just for fun really. Haha.
@Senua IGN shame on them at least GameSpot uploads were better. I never expected Dirt to look better than FH4 but looks fun and 120FPS mode is nice to have. The next Forza will set the benchmark as looks to be next gen only thankfully.
Certainly doesn't look as 'pretty' as Forza Horizon - and this looks like it was developed purely with current gen consoles in mind before getting next gen dev kits to bump up the frame rates.
I doubt some visual settings will be pushed out as high and/or even target 30fps on current gen. Also have to put up with decompression and probably not even watching any video's on a big screen like the TV you will be playing on.
Personally, I didn't think Forza 5 looked a next gen leap and some aspects were very much last gen - a long way from Forza 7!
I'm more concerned with how the game plays. I'm tired of simulations like forza and I'm not a fan of open world's like horizon. I miss arcade racers like ridge racer and Sega rally. This looks like it might fill that itch.
Dirt 5 Looks great
https://youtu.be/CF9A935XFkU DF video up on Dirt.
Looks like a fun game which I’ll likely get. I hope they patch the X/S/PS5 versions after launch to look a bit more next gen though...
Why oh why are we still getting performance options on Series X? I seriously thought we were getting 4K 60fps as standard then a 120fps option for those who have a 120Hz TV. We’ve already got the One X and PS4 Pro that can do 4K 60fps so at the very least, with this being a “next-gen” console, I’d of expected every game on the Series X to be running games in 4K 60fps as standard. I really hope these performance options are only for cross-gen games and not in games that will be only be made specifically for Series X.
So I take it that Image Quality will be 4K 30fps, Frame-Rate 1800p 60fps and 120Hz running at 1440p? Honestly the Series X is starting to look more and more like just an upgraded One X with a new powerful graphic card and SSD, not a fully fledged next-gen console.
@MaccaMUFC watch the DF video; it explains the modes
@Medic_Alert “The one X and PS4 Pro do not do 4K 60fps. They barely do 4K 30fps.”
I remember you saying something like that a couple of weeks ago over on PushSquare and again I’ll list off games that does DO 4K 60fps on One X. Doom, Halo 5, Forza Motorsport 7, FIFA, Minecraft, Super Lucky’s Tale and there’s a few other sports and indie games.
IGN is doing the least professional coverage of the new games posting poor videos at 1080p maximum without focused commentary.
Xbox One X was capable of extremely impressive things including native 4K and I'm 100% sure that Series X will impress everybody with all its next-gen hardware features and CPU even if some cross-gen third-party games won't impress much. Surprise!
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