izigame.me

This game gets a lot more hate than it deserves. Sounds to me like half the feedback is from haters and fanboys at this point. Even on YouTube videos, the amount of passion some people have at this game failing is sad.

If you enjoy racing games, you shouldn't want any to fail.

Ofc some are also validated by their disappointment on launch. I saw the miserable state the game launched in, and I simply didn't jump on. Doesn't take a genius to figure it out.

Then there are those that cling to silly phrases to just hate. Like "built from the ground up"... I saw this back when the game launched, and I was baffled as to what people think this meant. Most commonly it does not mean new assets new scans new everything, it means new engine. And that is what it sounded like they did. Ofc a silly way for them to market it as well, they should of known some people are just not too sharp to understand what this means. Like AC:EVO... its practically from the ground up, completely new engine.... And yes, they still use assets from older games just polished or further worked on.

Anyway, to not keep focusing on the haters that don't know how to rate a game, I am gonna try to keep it short and to the point.

Game is not bad, its not great, it lies somewhere above average to good. Some things it does really well, some things ok. Its weakest areas are not even game issues but rather game direction, as I will explain later.

To outright say the game is NOT to be recommended though goes too far.

I will say that I recommend the game, BUT, at a DISCOUNT. I do not believe it is worth its 70 dollar asking price, not by a longshot. And I don't believe any racing game is worth that asking price tbh.

I picked it up for 50% off, and for that price I totally recommend the game.

The Bads: Its simulation levels are above average. Its not bad, it gets several things right, and there are moments that the physics engine shines and leaves me surprised and feeling "wow, that was actually a realistic response of the car in that situation". But it is not particularly great either. I would say it is simply just above average to good. This is the direction I forementioned above. This I would say is its weakest point and or biggest bad.

However as a result, the driving is not bad, again as I already said. And although not a simcade as it is indeed a simulator, for me it does feel like a more casual lower level approach to simulation or entry level. Be that as it may, I don't think it remains at entry level alone, as there is plenty to enjoy casually just fine in the title.

The next big issue I see so far is this weird caRPG thing. Even in the few hours I played so far it looks like a bad idea.

The tracks are also not amazingly detailed on their track surface grip levels etc and feel a little more consistent in every part of them than they should.

AI is also trash, but, at times competently realistic.

Now, getting the bad out of the way, on to the good.

The best part about this game is the polish and presentation. The "paintjob" shows that it is expensive. And although the engine under it is not the best you will find, it sure is shiny and nice to look at with care and attention to its presentation.

Next is the track list. As an American Studio, I like how there is a reason to kick back to this game as it has a larger focus on American Tracks. This creates great diversity and adds reason for you to have it on your shelve to throw on from time to time. The track list of 30 so far is also quite good with mostly bangers for tracks.

Last of all, lots of cars. 500 on base game and with dlc its like 700+ or something? This alone should go a long way.

As a bonus, visuals are also rather good, not amazing, but what I enjoy about them is that again they give me a reason to visit the game. They have a stylised approach to them instead of 1 to 1 realism to the actual tracks, and this helps diversify the title. The Horizons stylisation is evident in places, and I would say is a very nice touch.

Things I haven't had the time to dive into that need more time, Career Like single player modes... Is there one? I just saw events to race in. I just want to race, if there is an actual career I really couldn't care less for it if I tried. I just want to race.

Also didn't have the time to dive into multiplayer. Will definitly try it out, but not expecting much from it from the rumours I heard. But it matters little as other titles have taken that spot for me already.

All in all, I would say the game does some things really good, some things average, and 1 or 2 things bad. And no, the physics is not one of them. As I mentioned the physics are ok. Overall the cars drive in a manner that make sense and are fun, and that is all there is to it.

7/10, and worth recommending to bye on discount.

Now for the disclaimers:

A) I race in ACC mostly and have dived deeply into plenty simulators. Of late my favourite in terms of realism is EVO, and can't wait were that goes. Whilst ACC (LFM) is my go to fix for online racing. Its a shame we have to say these things because of every hater that will jump on to say "you have no idea about racing sims"... Couldn't be more wrong with such a statement.

B) If you are looking for that single racing game that you should own and nothing else, I would advise to really look into your needs and cater your expectations, this might not be it.

C) If you care about absolute realism, this is not it. Go play LMU and ACC and EVO. Among others.

D) If you want a good casual racing entry title with lots of cars, this is it.

E) If you want to kick back from the "try hard" racing on those other more "serious" simulators to something more chill and casual (like me), then nothing wrong with adding this to your list to kick back to from time to time.

The game is more than just good, it is a great addition to my racing library, and unlike others I do not sit and gatekeep like a child. I just have fun. I advise more people to follow down the same path, you will be surprised how much refrshing it is to not be an elitist. And in that way I play from the most complex and advanced sim racers (till now, they still are not perfect and might never be) all the way to the numbest arcade racer out there like NFS Hot Pursuit... If you know how to have fun and approach each title for what it is and what it can offer then you will find plenty of reasons and ways to enjoy this title. The reviews instead make it sound like the game is utter rubbish. This is not true.

Again, there is a high chance this title is not for you, so before jumping in check the disclaimers above. If you fit in the category of "I just want more ways to enjoy the bloody racing wheel I bought and get my moneys worth from it whilst having fun" kinda person like I am, then do yourself a favour and pick this game up at a discount asap.

Otherwise, yeah move along so as not to be disappointed. Its not an 8/10 game or something of the sort, its a 7/10 at best. So, although not bad enough to NOT recommend at all, its also not that good so as to recommend at full price either. Pick it up on a discount, and just leave the "try harding" aside and have some fun.

Peace.