Ubisoft’s latest offering, The Crew Motorfest, has arrived, and it’s clear that this open-world racer is here to make its mark. While comparisons to the Forza Horizon series are inevitable, it’s essential to evaluate The Crew Motorfest on its own merits. In this review, we’ll dive into the game’s world, gameplay, customization, events, online play, and graphics to provide you with a comprehensive perspective.
Exploring O’ahu, Hawaii:
The game’s open world is set on the picturesque Hawaiian island of O’ahu, and it’s immediately clear that it’s a celebration of motor vehicles. You’ll be immersed in the vibrant Motorfest festival atmosphere, complete with music, decorations, and an impressive array of vehicles across various settings. While the festival’s enthusiasm might not resonate with everyone, it does an excellent job of showcasing the game’s diversity. A quick sequence of different playlists introduces you to neon-lit streets of Japan, off-road ATV racing, Formula 1 tracks, vintage cars, muscle cars, and supercar mayhem. This variety allows you to jump into different cars and tracks, keeping the experience fresh.
Vehicle Selection and Customization:
Upon starting the game, you’ll choose your primary vehicle from a selection that includes the Motorfest Editions of the BMW Z4 M40i, Ford Mustang GT Convertible, and Honda S2000. The Ultimate Edition unlocks more cars for your garage, which you can customize to your heart’s content. You can even let your friends select a car from your inventory to join you on the island. The ability to change your car instantly adds flexibility to your gameplay.
Multi-Transport Gameplay:
One intriguing aspect of The Crew Motorfest is its seamless transition between cars, planes, and boats as you navigate the open world. However, it’s worth noting that the planes and boats feel underutilized, primarily serving as fast-travel options. A peculiar and frustrating aspect is the presence of ghost cars on the map, which can unexpectedly disrupt your exploration and lead to awkward collisions.
Lack of Pedestrians and Character Customization:
The absence of pedestrians on the island is somewhat jarring and detracts from the immersion. The game could have taken cues from other open-world racing titles to make the environment feel more lively. Character customization, while present, is limited, with only a handful of options available, primarily related to your wardrobe. Some clothing and accessories are free, while others require in-game currency.
The Diverse Playlist of Events:
The Crew Motorfest boasts 15 playlists, each offering a themed campaign composed of multiple races. However, you’ll be provided with a loaned car for each playlist, limiting the impact of your primary vehicle’s customizations. This can be disappointing, as you’ve likely invested time and effort into upgrading your primary car. After completing a playlist, you can return to replay the events with your customized vehicles, but it’s not as satisfying as being able to race with your chosen car from the start.
Engaging Gameplay:
The game’s playlists offer a diverse and engaging racing experience, each feeling distinct and unique, with varying controls, mechanics, and environments. While replaying events to meet specific challenges can become repetitive, some playlists, like Vintage Garage and Made in Japan, offer an excellent reason to return. Vintage cars, such as the 1950 Eldorado Brougham, bring a special charm, and the neon-clad streets of the Made in Japan playlist provide intense nighttime street racing.
Online Play and Cross-Platform Support:
The Crew Motorfest supports cross-play and cross-progression across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. You can join friends in live competitions, with up to 32 players participating. While the crew size is limited, the Crew Management option simplifies crew activities. The game encourages cooperation by offering bonuses for completing events with friends, enhancing the overall multiplayer experience.
Impressive Graphics:
On PlayStation 5, The Crew Motorfest shines in the graphical department. The game features impressive reflections and shadows, making both cars and the environment feel true to life. The golden hour lighting is particularly striking, adding to the visual appeal. Even the interior views of cars are well-crafted, aligning smoothly with the DualSense Controller. While some may argue that other racing games like Forza Horizon offer slightly better graphics, The Crew Motorfest’s visuals are undoubtedly praiseworthy.
The Verdict:
The Crew Motorfest is a unique racing festival, offering a broad range of cars and playing styles that sets it apart in the racing game genre. Its diverse playlists, engaging gameplay, and stunning graphics make it a noteworthy addition to any racing game enthusiast’s collection. However, it’s not without its flaws, including the frustrating experience of loaned vehicles and some underdeveloped gameplay elements. If you’re in the market for a single racing game that offers variety and a taste of different racing cultures, The Crew Motorfest deserves a spot on your wishlist.
