This press release announces the release of DIRT, interestingly completely omitting the name Colin McRae from the notice. The PC and Xbox editions are now available in the US, while word is the PS3 edition is to "follow shortly." The first PC patch preceded the game (story), and is available from Codemasters, and there is also a PC demo for download (story) and an Xbox 360 demo on XBLA. Here's the deal:

Codemasters, Inc. today announced that DiRT, the highly anticipated off-road racing game, is shipping to retail outlets nationwide for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PC, with the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system edition to follow shortly. DiRT is rated "E" (Everyone) by the ESRB. Developed by Codemasters Studios using its new propriety engine, Neon, DiRT takes traditional rally and turns it into an exhilarating thrill ride through a massive range of off-road racing experiences on gravel, mud and dirt, right across the globe.

Expanding on the brilliant point-to-point rally racing, the game includes an extensive range of off road and circuit events, delivering a thrilling, often challenging and ultimately hugely rewarding experience.

Players race in challenging, heavyweight 850bhp cars through high speed blind corners and along perilous cliff edges in the Hill Climb events, including the world famous Pikes Peak International through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

There are also multiple car races with Dakar-style trucks and super-powered 4x4s on grueling desert terrain in Rally Raid competitions. In Rally Cross, players switch between dirt and road racing. The competition is always breathing down your neck and always ruthless.

Then there are Crossover circuits and events from the CORR (Championship Off -Road Racing) series in the U.S. The CORR series is all about head-to-head full on dirt circuit racing. The combination of powerful off-road buggies and exciting dirt tracks incorporating tabletop jumps, drop-offs and moguls is an intoxicating mix.

DiRT also offers a dedicated rally championship section and the opportunity to race against others and the clock with a 100-person online multiplayer mode. In any mode, on any surface, the car handling is sublime, the physics system is thrillingly accurate and the damage engine is as devastating as ever.

Get up to speed with the Xbox 360 playable demo now available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace and the PC demo, along with videos and product information, available from http://www.codemasters.com/dirt