Dakar Desert Rally Review

Reviewed by Luke Reilly on Xbox Series X. Also available on Xbox One, PlayStation, and PC.
"To its credit, Dakar Desert Rally has a fabulous sense of scale and is capable of some great, unique racing - especially when bombing over barren, building-sized sand dunes in a big rig while kicking up huge rooster tails of sand in search of a mysterious navigation marker. It is, however, dramatically undercut by unstable and annoying handling for several of its vehicle classes, its uneven performance mode frame rate, and some significant bugs that can cost you hours of progress. This game needed more time in the service area before being cleared to compete."

[@UncleRJ]

If the bugs are fixed, this is actually an incredible game. An open world racing with beautiful scenes? This is very promising.

[@albanier8426]

you mean Forza Horizon?

[@LaHaine01]

@@albanier8426 forza😆

[@dougr8646]

So forza

[@joeydirt420]

@@albanier8426 the newest horizon was such a fail. This looks sick. Older horizons were awesome.

[@Nijonibi]

It's a shame you don't get much time to enjoy the scenery unless you sacrifice winning the race.

[@sushilsrangrej]

Welcome Epic Game Users❤😎👋

[@derikthomas28]

hehe

[@abhishekkc9945]

lol

[@brunogrilo1689]

😂

[@wirefire_lmao]

lmao i'm finally giving it a whirl

[@NonstopRam]

Two things that might help. For the bikes, you got to trail brake. Aggressive braking makes them unstable. Also, on awd vehicles, try setting the acceleration bias to the front as this can help with vehicle handing.

[@adamboye89]

its almost like you need to know how to drive the vehicle in a game that aims to replicate driving a vehicle lmao

[@SoilentGr33n]

@@adamboye89 It's not that simple. None of the skills you acquired in driving games that actually do this translate here. I've been on Dirt Rally leaderboards yet cannot catch a stray drift to save my life in an AWD hilux. Trail braking helps with motorcycles but with quads it still puts the weight in a place where you just get thrown off. It doesn't make any sense.

[@kittikorn6674]

@@adamboye89 pressing wasd and moving joystick will never be the same as driving actual thing

[@spinyslasher6586]

@@adamboye89 nope, been playing off-road Sims like Dirt Rally and RBR on my rig and even then the handling here feels off.

[@NonstopRam]

Save issues seem to be fixed. Quads still weird sometimes.

[@RandomShinigami7]

“Get to da choppa!” “It’s at the airport, how are we going to get there?” “Get in Dakar!”

[@Almightysplite]

you know what..... that's actually kinda funny.

[@mafiacat88]

Having played this, completely agree. It's got the bones of a great game, but it's hampered by some very annoying bugs and choices. It's a solid reccomend...in like six months. That said, trying to read the roadbook and race at the same time is a SUPER fun challenge.

[@Vtecdragon]

do you recommend yet?

[@theLV2]

This looks very intriguing. Glad to hear the main issues are stuff that sounds like it can be fixed with time. Will keep an eye on this.

[@notoriousbmc1]

Really tempted to buy this. Think I'll wait for any performance/bug fixes

[@NoMansLand98]

Same here just don't know whether to bite the bullet yet...

[@uppercutgrandma4425]

They didn't release a full game, don't release your full wallet. ;)

[@Evanz111]

The devs are very active on the subreddit and discord, so they’ve been reassuring us about the updates and when they’re coming - if that helps influence your decision :)

[@adenmitchell7633]

Just wait until they fix the save issues

[@zepincel26]

they made this in their first game and the bugs were never fixed. They are not having my money again.

[@kimzinho8061]

There's a new update.... "Improved overall framerate performance and stability across all platforms, multiple visual improvements and tweaks, including headlight shadows, increased terrain texture resolution, improved cockpit mirror quality on next-gen consoles and PC, enhanced shadow quality and resolution scaling on consoles." Resolved the issue of crashing in the garage. Resolved issues with cloud save issues. Improved Steering Wheel Wizard’s compatibility for brands without official support.

[@dougr8646]

AC origins proved deserts can be incredibly immersive and not boring at all

[@talion7268]

True

[@ezioassassain]

mad max too

[@Evanz111]

Deserts have always been my favourite biomes in games

[@Chrassi]

I'm playing on PS5, sometimes you have a solid second freeze, sometimes no sturdy 60 fps, but it's still very enoyable. It feels like Motorstorm, but with better graphics and even more aggressive AI.

[@TPW13]

Hopefully this is worth getting in a month or two looks really fun

[@badm0t0rf1ng3r]

Updates plus it will probably be on sale? I'm in.

[@DevilRoom360]

This guy's reviews are always on point, plz review all other upcoming games.

[@andrewpoints11]

Think hes just a racing/driving game specialist unfortunately.

[@davidbromfield8328]

@@andrewpoints11 He occasionally does other genres. Skater XL, Session and Red Dead Redemption 2 are some of the top of my head

[@StaredownGames]

@@davidbromfield8328 Skateboards have wheels and people have been known to race horses. Makes sense!

[@FastTquick]

6:40: Really frustrating for the player to deal with, but really entertaining for KZbin viewers to watch. 😂

[@Davuf]

This was hilarious! 🤣 Possibly also due to the fact that this was not a common thing in a standard review 😀

[@vixantenna]

We need a Codemasters Dakar game.

[@naffantait]

Excellent game, needs a few bugs ironing out but it's so packed full of content

[@juzzwAA003]

i'm here because of epic games

[@tobytoxd]

No, because you are broke.

[@SpartasEdge]

Does anyone else remember when game company's had Q/A department's, and released their games polished and completed? What a concept.

[@uppercutgrandma4425]

Games were ALOT smaller than what we generally have now.

[@SpartasEdge]

@@uppercutgrandma4425 Not as much as you imply, and development teams and budgets are a lot bigger. Games were not as small and as not as far back as you imply, where games released in decent shape and more content complete, as close as 360/PS3 era in fact, a mere 2 console generations ago. The main way games have gotten more advanced is graphics, rather than size and complexity, so this notion that games are far more complex, doesn't really wash, given that complex ans large games existed in a time they were released complete and with significantly less issues, plus the general increase in develepment team sizes today. If a developer took the time needed to release a polished and complete game, then a polished and complete game would be what they produced; in fact post launch patches have proved that even a mere few more or six months wouldbe enough added time to fix the issues and make a generally more polished product. It's all about QA standards and developer mindset that needs to change, and actually taking the time needed to finish the job properly. We need to stop defending and making excuses for poor standards/quality, because it only encourages and condones this lack of quality and poor products.

[@anels9]

A year on, how have these issues been addressed?

[@arnaudj.5314]

Were there any updates since then?

[@AMNEZ1A]

Free on Epic Games currently, did it get better? My main concern is the vehicle handling, was looking forward to riding a motorcycle, but if it's just obnoxious I'd rather not make space to install this game.

[@yuvraj01]

What are the chances these issues will be fixed? Are the developers actually taking note of this? That bug about losing progress is a game breaker, which prevents it being up there with Motorstorm

[@xGooglyYT]

Why are studios just so hell bent on releasing unfinished games these days … it never pan well.

[@aseroxd]

From a business perspective it makes a lot of sense. You get thousands of players to to test your game for free. It's far easier and a lot cheaper to deal with the backlash, than spend time and money on quality assurance.

[@cataorshane]

Because the sooner you release, the quicker the 60-70-80 dollars payers will buy the game. Companies want the money and they want it fast.

[@xGooglyYT]

@@cataorshane that’s not sustainable business to say the least. Just look at the potential of cyberpunk and how it was ruined by early release or battlefield which I’m never buying again. Honestly I’m just done with that Franchise.

[@CyborgNinjaGaming]

Because most of the buyers aren't watching reviews

[@shanjida8353]

@@xGooglyYT unless they make an anime to save it.

[@Yungbeck]

Heavy Motorstorm energy! Looks pretty sick

[@Akadehmix]

I’ve been wanting them to make a new motorstorm since time

[@petervarlas6678]

The whole steering thing is probably because they play without manual gears. When you go sideways in sand you need to drop one gear and keep it on the redline until you straighten up the car. When the gearing is on auto, the car just keeps on gearing down when you lose speed or hold the brakes.

[@rcadenow7543]

best reviewer on ign

[@chrisp1906]

That theme music at the beginning and end sounds awesome...anyone knows the name of that song?

[@coandjace]

Turn sensitivity down to 30% sorts it, been playing for 10hrs and never had a save being corrupt 😁great so far 👊

[@Nijonibi]

JINX!

[@jameswebster6741]

Actually one of the most challenging off road games Ive ever played

[@ninjashadowx27]

u have to play dirt rally 2.0 then

[@gdoubleu8045]

FFS can we not get a finished full game at launch nowadays?

[@bradjerrum]

Like how saber interactive made this game and made snowrunner and the trucks are the only ones that work lol it’s like saber wasn’t ready to do bikes , ATVs and cars.

[@grumpyaxolotl7455]

This actually looks decent

[@ryu_da_bear]

no it doesn’t ..😂

[@digitalhouse6969]

@@ryu_da_bear this is a sim not a normal game

[@himangshumahanta5398]

@@digitalhouse6969 And it's a terrible sim.

[@towstySlim]

Its unfinished, published to make money on dakar brand

[@digitalhouse6969]

@@himangshumahanta5398 by what means?

[@notesonwheels]

this game needs another year of development. Probably 2.

[@henyourface]

How is it with a wheel? Or is it forza in the desert?

[@DingbatToast]

Looks awesome. Hope they patch it up and sort the handling etc. Would buy once fixed (not until)

[@wobblycaptain]

Being playing this myself been driving me insane so challenging playing it on pro mode

[@smanzoli]

It's interesting that maaany years ago, the game Motorstorm looked more "incredible"... it's the camera positioning too... this game does not have the frenetic energy of Motorstorm and looks dull despite of higher resolution... Motorstorm had better artists too.

[@twanvantolij1277]

Can rapiar youre wheel are stuck with youre car can jou digt it out

[@leoviper]

“It really makes you feel like a car in the desert” -IGN

[@SeanScottColony]

Time for a new Smuggler’s Run…

[@charlieg6913]

Forgot all about that game. Was awesome.

[@AppleGuy08]

Ahh yes I'm here because it's FREE rn

[@PropellPelikan]

How is this game now?

[@rgb_goblin6226]

IGN.Can you pleas make an update on this game when all the bug are fixt? pleas!

[@garrgameltm3562]

well what do you expect, quads and dirt bikes should act like that in desert

[@frankbob6664]

Don't know why people are complaining about the physics of the vehicles. Motor bikes do wander and fish tail in sand. The quads have a very sort wheel base and are basicly a square vehicle meaning they will spin out. In real life both quads and SxS vehicles are notorious for rolling very easily. With all of these 3 vehicles its more about throttle control rather than braking. Anyone who has driven in soft sand in real life knows braking hard or turning abruptly is the worst thing you can do as these are the main causes of rollovers in sand.

[@shamas73]

So true about the faults. Ain’t touching it until they fix it. Plays like a beta game.

[@razorreaper8440]

No microtransactions? That would be a first in a while🤣🤣

[@bile897]

Definitely going to pick this up once patched

[@bsg75husker]

is it patched by now??

[@kicka11]

Luke is the best reviewer on IGN

[@billybigballs196]

That's a backhanded compliment

[@NoOne-Home]

Way to many ads… fuckin chill.

[@ronnym300zx]

Motorstorm was the game for ps3 right?

[@SqeeG]

Right

[@Cococrash11]

Awesome Dakar Desert Rally Review Video.

[@colin7225]

Is this free to play on xbox?

[@sneakycactus8815]

is epic games on xbox? what do you think?

[@EhCloserLook]

Luckily we have been long-living in a gaming era where devs can patch their games over the internet with updates. Hopefully this game's issues get sorted out sooner than later.

[@km6832]

This is a large rally, why dont they take the time to develope the game, release when done, not release to meet christmas

[@infamous6822]

My first rally game was baja edge of control 🚘

[@SoilentGr33n]

Which is still the best pure desert racing experience there is. Play the HD remake if you haven't, it's fantastic.

[@infamous6822]

@@SoilentGr33nYou are correct,it is still the best desert racing experience.The best part is that it have local split screen multiplayer and it was so much fun.

[@funhouse1077]

Best game out there, dirt 2 is the best rally game and hardcore multiplayer racing game. but baja is not too far behind.

[@Hestirix_plays]

"The true Dakar experience" Or the only Dakar experience

[@wayneadams9102]

He said there actually five at the start of the video.

[@BigSaleGolem]

I'm glad at all that we have a dakar game, and the best developers needed at least 5 years to make a racing game properly. We should look at more positive things and criticize in the future

[@callisto537]

Hopefully within a couple of months it will be patched up and playable

[@One-EyedMisfit]

It actually is playable.

[@callisto537]

@@One-EyedMisfit doesn't look like it

[@One-EyedMisfit]

@@callisto537 well, I’m level 18 already. Sure, the bikes and quads need some work, and the AI wants to kill you - but it’s enjoyable

[@callisto537]

@@One-EyedMisfit saw any bugs?

[@Rohit.Gaikwad]

*Review Trail Out Game On PC if you love destruction derby FlatOut2 style game*

[@thebigshug88]

Haha what a brilliant review! I've never lol'd at a review before

[@syeddanishanwer]

Agreed. The review of trucks stuck at the starting stage was hilarious. 10/10 for the review, and 3/10 for the handling and bugs in the game.

[@Flapjaq]

Yay. It's free on epic games this week.

[@sebastians4968]

now in January 2023, right after the real Dakar has ended: Did they fix any of those bugs?

[@69clouds]

Has anyone tried it recently? If yes how's the performance?

[@StaredownGames]

"Be more careful!" Maaaaaaaan, I'm not a part of your system. I'M AN ADULT!

[@kennygo5053]

Is it sim?

[@konanhuet623]

The driving is actually fine, outside of quads... And yeah the game is incomplete but this deserves better

[@MrX-pj1dy]

The fact that the Mitsubishi Pajero is not in the game is an absolute insult

[@AllanIllusivetrout]

That’s because there still in the pits broken down

[@MrX-pj1dy]

@@AllanIllusivetrout if that's the case then why is considered the most successful and rugged jeep in Dakar history

[@nst1981]

ITs free on epic next week

[@I_Like_To_Go_Fast]

When will developers consider VR compatibility with today's tech. Dirt Rally is still a great game.

[@kg0173]

BTW Africa Eco Race starts in coming days. The real Dakar.

[@8-lincoln-304]

this review had me 🤣😂 definitely a fun game but the controls or lack thereof and weird bugs really dampen the fun. hope they get some fixes in

[@kg0173]

My progress doesn't get saved! Please help! Xbox Series X.

[@KingdomTwelve]

Yup! The handling was my biggest gripe with this game 🥲

[@mantasm324]

it is next gen gameplay, now game 10/10. Thanks

[@benwilliams5760]

It's got 'buy it in a year when it's finished and half the price' written all over it.

[@livibam]

Once the handling gets patched and it goes to either Gamepass and or PlayStations offering.. I’ll give this a bash.

[@Gdonnald]

It's on sale rn are the bugs fixed or whatever? It's 4$ 😂

[@pedroribas6796]

Let's see. Pros:really beautiful landscapes,sense of speed,size of most races Cons:the ai tried to kill you at every chance and defaault car setups are a joke

[@Fenrizfur]

It's got a strong "Mad Max" (the game) vibe...

[@wonskrad7240]

oh nooooo why didnt they QC this well??

[@davidbrisinger9944]

Is the map bigger than the crew 2’s map?

[@chrischupp9760]

There’s problems with a game that is based on driving and the handling is crap.

[@MauricioHernandez87]

it looks like motorstorm minus the fun

[@Eurobeat_radio]

The game would be great if the creators would fixt the FATAL ERROR bugs

[@MrBraun-kq5qf]

This game reminds me of the ps3 game motor storm, can anyone compare them?

[@dougr8646]

Do you have VRR? that should make the unevenness meaningless

[@ozzlss]

Doesn’t feel like a mediocre

[@fautraarrafi]

"Samir, don't make us lost samir, *SAMIR"*

[@apostoliskalomoirhs3319]

This game is online pls help me

[@Batalia122]

Feels somewhat like Motorstorm.

[@sky016x]

Hello there

[@RICHUNCLEPENNYBAGS77]

This looks like it would be dope with a bit more time in the oven.

[@Ravio_9]

pov:you are here after you got the game for free

[@scrambles2]

yup lol. what you think about the review, you installing?

[@Ravio_9]

@@scrambles2 the game is top nothing actually but its still suffering from error bugs

[@shawn311fan]

Might be fun in about 6 to 12 months 😂

[@ikephipps2696]

QOL bugs are unacceptable, this should have been delayed till next year

[@_AdventureMan]

Why y’all awake? (EST is the only time that matters)

[@mickeladams1677]

Unfortunately this is the studio taking over the KOTOR remake 🫠

[@liddz434]

Yet another unfinished game pushed out to the masses! I'm vetoing

[@Rmagid]

To stop music during the gameplay you need to set playlist % to zero

[@horuserb483]

How many ads IGN you need ?