Dakar 18

Buy this instead of dogshit newer game from Saber Interactive.
It works better, without hiccups
It looks better
It drives better, without AI what pushes you around
It FEELS better, where you can have sense of adventure and risk of getting lost in the middle of the dunes
It allows you to walk outside of your car to use shovel to dig yourself out of sand or mud or help fellow competitors to get unstuck

It gives you a good idea of ​​what the Dakar is, especially at the most challenging level. Overall the game feels like a breath of fresh air in the world of motorsport, especially the navigation system.

only a few hours in, but very fun. incredibly hard and turning off the coddriver is basically a necessity as he gives bad info. google a pdf of the roadbook and play with a friend, or get good at multi tasking and read the notes on your own
if you like racing games you will hate this. it’s not a great driving sim but the navigational stuff is a really interesting challenge. be warned some stages can take over an hour

I didn't have any expectations, it plays like a simulation and multiple times got me quite confused, but it's fun to play and it looks very good

LAT
Šī ir ļoti laba braukšanas spēle. Maldoties pa kāpām, un pēc tam uzbraukt uz ceļa sliedēm un spiest gāzi grīdā ir vienkārši fantastiski. Ir ļoti interesanti meklēt kontrolpunktus. Un ļoti bieži ir dilemma - braukt pa norādīto kursu pāri lielajām kāpām un šķēršļiem, vai apbraukt kāpas un akmeņus, bet tādējādi riskējot pazaudēt kursu!!
Ļoti liels pluss ir kameru pārslēgšana. Autentisku sajūtu rada stūres kamera, jo tad logs noperas ar dubļiem, un ir jātīra.
Ir reālistiski, ka var izkāpt un palīdzēt izvilkt citas mašīnas, un izrakt sevi ar lāpstu.
9/10. 10 nav tāpēc, ka spēlē nevar uztaisīt savu varoni.
ENG
This is a very good driving game. Getting lost in the dunes and then driving onto the road tracks and full throttle the accelerator is simply fantastic. Searching for checkpoints is very engaging. There's often a dilemma – whether to follow the indicated course over the large dunes and obstacles or to go around the dunes and rocks, risking losing the course!
A big plus is the camera switching feature. The steering wheel camera provides an authentic feeling, as the windshield gets covered in mud and needs to be cleaned.
It's also realistic that you can get out to help pull other cars out or dig yourself out with a shovel.
9/10. It doesn't get a 10 because it's not possible to create your own character in the game.

Dakar 18 is a rally racing sim that aims to faithfully recreate the infamous Dakar Rally, arguably the toughest motorsport event on Earth. Set across vast, treacherous terrains of South America, it challenges players to master navigation, endurance, and raw driving skill as they pilot motorcycles, cars, trucks, and quads through unforgiving deserts, mountains, and rocky landscapes.
It’s a niche title tailored for fans of realistic off-road racing rather than arcade thrill-seekers.
The standout feature of Dakar 18 is its emphasis on realistic navigation. You don’t just race from point A to B; you must interpret roadbooks, manage waypoints, and adjust routes on the fly, much like actual Dakar competitors. This adds a strong strategic layer to the race.
Vehicle physics are detailed and demanding, with each class feeling distinct. The punishing terrain means you constantly battle not only against time but against your vehicle’s durability and the environment itself. Crashes, mechanical issues, and getting stuck in sand or mud are all part of the experience.
Stages are long and varied, with day/night cycles and weather conditions affecting visibility and handling, increasing immersion.
The environments are expansive and diverse, capturing the beauty and danger of the Dakar Rally’s varied landscapes. While not cutting-edge, the visuals do a solid job of conveying scale and atmosphere.
Sound design is immersive, with authentic engine noises, terrain impacts, and the howling wind of the desert adding to the tension.
Pros:
Deep, realistic navigation and rally mechanics
-Variety of vehicles with distinct handling
-Massive, open-world stages that encourage exploration
-True-to-life terrain challenges and environmental effects
-Strong immersion for rally simulation fans
Cons:
-Steep learning curve, especially for newcomers
-Some technical issues and occasional bugs
-Sparse tutorial support can leave players confused
-Visuals are functional but not particularly polished
-Repetitive pacing during very long stages
Dakar 18 is a solid attempt to simulate the brutal reality of the Dakar Rally, demanding patience, skill, and strategic thinking. While it can feel unforgiving and occasionally clunky, it delivers a rewarding experience for players who want a serious off-road rally challenge beyond typical racing games.
If you’re ready to embrace endurance racing in its rawest form, Dakar 18 offers a unique and immersive ride—just be prepared to learn the ropes and take it slow.
Recommended for hardcore rally and simulation enthusiasts, motorsport fans who appreciate realism, and players seeking a deep and challenging off-road racing experience.
Rating: 7/10

I drove into the crowd and got expelled from the race.