The developers had to make some big changes to the second Dirt, for both gameplay's sake and due to real-life tragedy. They appear to be ready to manage both with surprising grace.

Dirt 2 is the successor to the 2007 Codemasters rally racing game released outside of the U.S. as Colin McRae's Dirt, just months before the star racer was killed in a helicopter accident in September of that year. This sequel acknowledges McRae in a manner unexpected of a medium that typically does not address real-world death. From a gameplay side, the game has significant gameplay additions.

I attempted to race over the muddy tracks of a course set near England's Battersea power station in the game's new lap-based rally-cross mode, but having little experience with the series, I won't presume to comment on the handling. Was I sloshing around the track bumping into walls because of the game? I blame myself.

I can recount the features I witnessed or was told about.

The game offers 350 cars and 100 racing events set in the series' traditional point to point rally races but also in the new lap-based rally-cross. Multiplayer supports up to eight cars. And the crowd size around races has been upped from 40,000 spectators to 100,000.

What was striking is how the developers are incorporating the themes of racing success and of McRae's passing. While I wasn't shown it, I was told that the player will have an RV that gradually becomes more adorned with the ornaments of success. That means stickers are applied, fans show up, and, in the words of the Codemaster rep showing me the game, "you pick up women."

Racers in the game include Ken Block, Tanner Faust, Dave Mirra, and Travis Pastrana. The game begins with Block giving the player his old Subaru. But where things sound like they get interesting is in the incorporation of McRae's legend. Other writers talk about McRae during races, and winning races advances the player toward a Colin McRae Memorial Cup. The game isn't attempting to hide its inspiration, but rather to celebrate his memory and achievements.

Ultimately it's the handling of a racing game that matters most. And, unfortunately, it's the aspect of the game I'm least equipped to report about given my brief time with the game. The project appears to be going in a good direction and a brave one.

Dirt 2 is set for a September 8 release for the PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii DS and PSP.

A direct sequel to CM: DiRT, the game will focus on "the extremes of off-road motorsport". Producer Gavin Raeburn explained the thinking behin the game and the decision to continue using the Colin McRae name.

"The decision was made jointly between Codemasters and the McRae family. His ventures into events such as the X-Games, Dakar Rally and the Race of Champions have inspired us to look at events covering the extremes of off-road motorsport. This is where we're taking the series with DiRT 2 and Colin will play a part in that. DiRT 2 will be a great tribute, and we'll be revealing more about this over the coming months."

Colin McRae: DiRT 2 Interview [Yahoo]

"With consideration to and in agreement with McRae's family, there was a stop put on the TV ads that were planned to run on Sky channels at the weekend and through this week," said a spokesperson for Codemasters.

Codemasters pulls Colin McRae ad campaign [GamesIndustry.biz]

Colin McRae, 1968 - 2007

Everyone at Codemasters, especially those who worked directly with Colin McRae, is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic events of this weekend.

The loss of Colin McRae is deeply distressing. That it involved his son and another so young makes it even more tragic. Our thoughts are with his family and those closest to him and we share in their pain.

For over ten years, Colin was part of the Codemasters family and it was a privilege to have a man recognised as a true legend on the team. He always took a keen interest in the game experience, wanting to make sure it was without equal in its portrayal of the sport.

His contribution was inspirational and brought his technical expertise and passion for rally driving to each and every McRae game. Through the popularity of those games, he brought a whole new audience to the sport itself.

Codemasters' relationship with Colin began through Jim, David and Richard Darling and their condolences, along with ours, are passed to Colin's family. We are heavy of heart at his passing but we are also brimming with pride at knowing him and to have played a small role in his life.

He will never be forgotten by all at Codemasters.