Again though, the game’s strength isn’t how much stuff it has, how many bells and how many whistles it’s about what’s not here.

That’s not to say Grid Autosport is ugly. Codemasters wisely included a cockpit view – a response to its widely criticized absence in Grid 2 – but presentation clearly wasn’t the key design pillar that it is in so many other modern racing games. The PC version is naturally more of a looker than the PlayStation 3/Xbox 360 releases, but none of them are on the level with recent or upcoming competitors like Forza Motorsport 5 and Driveclub. The lean design extends to Grid Autosport‘s visual execution. Codemasters doesn’t attempt to make the spaces between driving around in circles interesting. Instead of worrying about which paint job to apply or how you’re going to respond during a post-race press conference, you’re running pre-race practice laps to better prepare yourself for the qualifier time trial, in the hopes of landing a better position at the starting line on race day. This lean framework is a nod to all the players that just want to get behind the wheel and hit the gas. And since sponsorships are always short-term commitments, lasting only as long as a single racing series, it’s easy to jump around and try out different rides. All of this information is communicated via sparse, text-heavy menus, which helps to keep things simple. You always choose one before the start of a racing series, and your choice of sponsor dictates everything from XP-earning objectives to which car you’ll be driving. The endgame’s Grid Legend Series requires some mastery in all five categories, but you’re never outright forced to compete in one type of race or another.Ĭodemasters doesn’t attempt to make the spaces between driving around in circles interesting.There’s further variety in the way sponsors fit into the game. Each one has its own, separate level progression – complete with discrete sponsor, car, and upgrade unlocks – and it’s entirely up to the player to choose which discipline to pursue at any given moment. The beauty of Grid Autosport‘s multi-disciplinary approach is it never locks players into following a particular path. Tuner is perhaps the most challenging its drift-focused races and time trials are tough to master in a game that’s built for simulation rather than arcade play. Endurance is largely a test of managing tire wear during 8-minute races. Open Wheel emphasizes speed in F1-style cars. Street tightens up the surroundings considerably, demanding more gas/brake micromanagement as you weave through walled-off urban roadways. Touring is the most traditional, with players fighting to break away from the pack on multi-lap tracks that offer an even mix of turns and straightaways. The individual disciplines tap into different sets of skills. Each has its own level progression, with stronger performances leading to better sponsors and bigger XP rewards for completing an assortment of objectives. Grid Autosport breaks down racing into five separate disciplines: Touring, Endurance, Open Wheel, Tuner, and Street. There is a career mode, but like everything else, it’s designed to emphasize getting players out on the road as quickly as possible. They’re familiar features for fans of racing games, but none of the switches or sliders break the authenticity of Autosport‘s purring simulation engine. Other difficulty settings automate elements such as traction control and tweak the AI of opposing racers. Guide lines teach players to economize movements and where to accelerate or brake. A limited-use rewind feature allows players to take a mulligan on a botched turn or passing attempt, in solo play only.

There are some concessions in the name of accessibility. You’re just going to crash and damage your car. The play here requires a much more thoughtful approach speed into a hairpin turn at 100 mph and you’re not going to pull it off with a quick jerk of the handbrake. True-to-life physics actively punish players weaned on arcade-style drift & accelerate tactics. Cars have a real sense of weight and momentum as they cruise around Autosport‘s winding tracks. The simulation here feels top-notch, a worthy successor in a line of games that includes the studio’s exceptional Pro Race Driver. This is a true-blue racing game.Developer Codemasters is in its element.

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