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Slightly Mad Studios, known for its contributions to the simulation racing genre, launched Project CARS 3. This installment aimed for a more casual, arcade-like gameplay experience, which left many loyal fans feeling dissatisfied. Following the game’s lukewarm reception, the studio became part of Electronic Arts, leading to its eventual closure. Ian Bell, a key figure at the studio, pledged to create a new racing simulator that would prioritize authenticity and a realistic physics engine. This ambition culminated in the launch of Project Motor Racing. However, potential buyers should approach with caution.
The game is currently plagued by significant issues. Had it been released as an Early Access title on platforms like Steam, a lower price point might have softened the blow, given the expected developmental challenges. Unfortunately, with a retail price reaching up to $90 for the full package, the game falls short of expectations and feels incomplete at launch.
Technical shortcomings and performance issues
Upon receiving my code for the game on PC, I encountered immediate frustrations. The process of selecting a vehicle was marred by freezes, and graphics loaded unevenly, disrupting the gameplay experience. Engaging in a race with 32 cars at Lime Rock Park resulted in severe performance dips, averaging only 20 frames per second on high settings with my robust PC setup, which features a Ryzen 7 5800X3D CPU and an RX 9070 GPU. This experience left me disheartened, prompting me to set the game aside for the weekend.
Switching to the PS5 version, I noted a slight improvement in performance, although it sacrificed visual quality. Meanwhile, players on the Xbox platform faced significant challenges in launching the game. When I returned to the PC version, an update promised improvements. Following advice from fellow reviewers, I modified several settings, including enabling V-sync and switching to fullscreen mode. These adjustments resulted in a noticeable enhancement, allowing the game to run at around 90 fps, yet some issues persisted, such as odd visual artifacts during view changes.
Gameplay experience: A mixed bag
Once I stabilized the game, I turned my attention to the core racing experience. As someone who has dabbled in various simulators and participated in real-life racing, I was eager to evaluate the handling dynamics. Playing on an XBOX Series controller may not provide the most authentic experience, but it was still a noteworthy aspect to consider. Many racing simulators favor wheel users, yet some titles, like Assetto Corsa Rally, offer enjoyable experiences on a controller.
The handling of cars in Project Motor Racing felt somewhat problematic. The vehicles exhibited a peculiar “sticky” handling characteristic, where they seemed to retain steering input longer than necessary. This was particularly evident on corner exits, leading to struggles in maintaining control. Despite utilizing traction control systems, managing the cars effectively proved challenging. A review from fellow racer Jimmy Broadbent echoed my sentiments, highlighting that tire grip behavior felt inconsistent, creating a disjointed driving experience.
AI competitors and overall atmosphere
What about the racing itself? Unfortunately, the AI presented another layer of frustration. Opponents followed rigid racing lines, lacking the initiative to engage or avoid collisions. After experiencing a race-ending mishap, I decided to release some frustration by colliding with an AI competitor, only to discover they remained immovable, further emphasizing the lack of responsiveness in the game’s design.
Moreover, the penalty system felt overly harsh, penalizing players for minor infractions like slightly veering off the track. During practice sessions, I encountered bizarre glitches, including missing impact sounds and unstable frame rates. Even attempts to restart a race were marred by issues such as my car inexplicably losing parts upon returning to the grid.
Final thoughts and recommendations
In a saturated market of racing simulators, it remains perplexing why anyone would opt for Project Motor Racing in its current state. The game lacks a straightforward method for solo practice and fails to offer an engaging atmosphere. Menus appeared hastily assembled, utilizing generic fonts, and overall production values were noticeably low.
Even if the developers manage to address the numerous technical flaws, the game feels fundamentally unprepared for its launch. It resembles more of a beta version than a polished product. With a hefty price of $60, it raises questions about the decision-making process behind its release. Until significant improvements are made, it may be best to revisit earlier titles like Project CARS 2 instead.