REVIEW: The Crew Motorfest – Racing Paradise

In the latest addition to Ubisoft’s beloved ‘The Crew’ racing franchise, players are transported to the breath-taking sandy beaches of Hawaii. While the game offers a diverse range of terrains, the mention of sandy beaches perfectly encapsulates the essence of this thrilling adventure. Hawaii’s vibrant and diverse landscapes promise an immersive experience as players navigate stunning tropical environments, lush forests, and awe-inspiring mountain ranges. The latest entry in this open-world racing series is sure to captivate players with its stunning visuals and engaging gameplay.

Gameplay

The Crew Motorfest seamlessly blends the best elements of The Crew and Forza Horizon, embracing this fusion wholeheartedly. As soon as you start playing, you’re greeted with delightful, upbeat music that sets the tone for the entire experience. After customising your character to your liking, you’re given the freedom to explore the vast island in a demo play. The possibilities are endless, whether you choose to engage in various activities or simply savour the stunning scenery. For those seeking more structure, playlists are available to guide your gameplay, offering a perfect balance of excitement and challenges.

The core of this experience lies in these extensive playlists, with an impressive fifteen available at launch and the promise of more to come in the future. Each playlist guarantees a minimum of an hour’s gameplay, although the duration can vary depending on your skill level.

The incorporation of cinematic elements and in-game commentary adds an extra layer of depth and understanding to the vehicles featured in the game, giving players a greater appreciation for their historical significance. However, it is disappointing that the boats and planes are only briefly showcased in a mini playlist, as they deserve more attention and exploration.

In addition to the extensive playlists, there are even more exciting features and events to explore on the island. Once players complete the playlists, they are presented with challenges and extra events that add a new level of excitement to the gameplay. Apart from these playlists, the game also offers main stage events and ever-changing seasonal aspects that keep the experience fresh and dynamic. Players can also participate in large-scale multiplayer events like Demolition Royale, where you can engage in thrilling battles, or join the Grand Race, an adrenaline-pumping competition. With these additional features, the game ensures that players never run out of thrilling adventures to embark on.

If you prefer a more leisurely approach, you could always choose to simply explore the vast open-world island. However, it is important to note that unlocking the fast travel option may take a considerable amount of time. This is because you would need to complete numerous playlists in order to gain access to it. While this feature may seem like a bit of padding, it can actually be quite time-consuming to travel from one race to another. Nonetheless, if you enjoy immersing yourself in the game’s world and taking in the stunning scenery, taking the scenic route may be well worth the extra time and effort.

What adds to the excitement is the inclusion of both day and night racing, allowing for a diverse range of challenges and strategies. Additionally, The Crew Motorfest introduces unpredictable weather conditions that can drastically affect the gameplay, keeping things fresh and exhilarating. For those transitioning from The Crew 2, the car import option provides a seamless way to continue their journey of collecting the impressive six hundred vehicles available in the game.

There is an abundance of content and activities, ensuring that players will never run out of things to do. With a long-term plan similar to its predecessor, it is highly likely that the game will continue to expand and evolve over time. However, speaking solely based on the current state of the game, the racing experience has seen significant improvements. The game now features a variety of vehicles, each with their own unique handling characteristics that vary depending on the terrain. This refinement adds a new level of depth and strategy to the racing gameplay, making it even more engaging and enjoyable for players.

Contrary to popular belief, Hawaii offers more than just pristine beaches. The diverse terrain found on these islands is truly remarkable. From lush jungle areas to ashy volcanic mountains, the landscapes in Hawaii are a sight to behold. Of course, the sandy beaches are a staple feature, but there is so much more to explore. For those seeking adventure, there are countless track options, ranging from challenging terrains to scenic routes reminiscent of Hot Wheels tracks. The playlists also cater to various types of racing, ensuring there is something for everyone. Hawaii truly offers a multifaceted racing experience that goes beyond the typical beach imagery.

Visuals & Performance

The Crew Motorfest runs exceptionally well, especially on the Xbox Series X, offering players two graphical options to choose from. The first option is the performance mode, which I highly recommend. This mode delivers a dynamic 1440p resolution at a smooth 60 frames per second. Although there may be some slight pop-in present, the developers have done an impressive job of minimizing its impact. The other option available is a quality mode which runs at 30fps and 4K resolution which some might think simply shouldn’t be selected given the fast paced nature of the game and the need for quick reactions and visual feedback, which only 60fps can deliver. If you’re looking for the most visual impactful presentation of the game, select this option but if you want the most responsive option, go with 60fps.

Conclusion

What sets The Crew Motorfest apart is its unique feature of allowing players to seamlessly transform into a plane or boat at any given moment, enabling them to navigate through the virtual world using these alternative transportation methods. This adds a thrilling dynamic to the gameplay and provides a wide array of adjustment and tracking options similar to those found in its sequel, The Crew 2. Whether you prefer the adrenaline rush of racing on land or the soaring freedom of flying in the skies, The Crew Motorfest offers an unparalleled experience of traversing a vast, open world with endless possibilities.

The Crew Motorfest Pricing & Availability

The Crew Motorfest is now available on PS4, PS5, PC (via Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Store), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S platforms.