It seems like only yesterday that the substantial press kit from Nordisk Film arrived at our editorial offices (though it was nearly 12 years ago). It contained a Playstation 3, boasting its “Cell-processor,” and several demo games. Among those early titles, Motorstorm stood out, a charming racing game emphasizing arcade-style gameplay and responsive handling. That title marked our initial experience with Evolution Studios. A console generation later, Driveclub emerged as their next ambitious project. This game, intended to showcase the PS4’s capabilities and pioneer social racing, generated significant hype from its unveiling in the summer of 2013. Finally released in the autumn of 2014, it was visually impressive, but… ultimately disappointing. Microsoft’s Forza Horizon 2 surpassed it considerably: the game lacked a clear identity, failing to fully commit to either simulation or arcade elements. Subpar reviews led to underperformance, resulting in Evolution Studios’ departure from Sony and its subsequent closure.
Total Mayhem.
Now, several years later, a portion of the original studio has reformed as Codemasters Evo, returning to the engaging gameplay of Motorstorm. They’ve also drawn inspiration from Burnout, one of the most enjoyable arcade-action games of recent years, and integrated class-based teamwork reminiscent of Overwatch. Onrush can be described as a high-octane take on Burnout; while its graphics may not be groundbreaking, its chaotic and uninhibited gameplay is highly appealing.
In Onrush, two teams compete in vehicular combat. The core gameplay revolves around aggressive, disruptive, and audacious driving. Players must jostle, crush, and harass opponents as effectively as possible. Computer-controlled drones serve as readily available targets for turbo-boost replenishment, while enemy players offer a greater challenge and yield more prestige points upon elimination. Victory is not determined by reaching a finish line, as there isn’t one, but by contributing to the team’s objective in each game mode. Overdrive emphasizes constant boosting, risky maneuvers, and consecutive takedowns for point accumulation. Lockdown is a king-of-the-hill mode that requires defending a designated zone while maintaining pace with the pack (referred to as the “stampede”). Switch mirrors Call of Duty’s gun game, with players starting on motorcycles and transitioning to progressively larger vehicles upon each death. Finally, Countdown tasks players with sustaining their team’s presence in the match by driving through gates, combining elements of racing and slalom.
Onrush offers an accessible entry point and delivers immediate, adrenaline-fueled enjoyment. Its mechanics are straightforward, and the gameplay is fast-paced without being excessively difficult. While some tracks are designed to induce frequent deaths, this should be accepted as part of the core gameplay loop, incorporating respawn timers and other related elements. Above all, it is a thoroughly entertaining experience. Codemasters Evo has prioritized a smooth frame rate over graphical fidelity, and while Onrush is not visually displeasing, it lacks the visual polish of racing titles such as Forza Motorsport 7. PS4 Pro and Xbox One X users will have the optimal experience, with the Xbox One X offering a marginally higher resolution at 60 fps. A higher resolution mode (up to 4K) is available, but it locks the frame rate at 30 fps, which we deem an unfavorable trade-off. The visual improvements are minimal, and the sense of speed is significantly diminished.
The soundtrack features a collection of high-energy tracks that pack a punch; headphones are recommended to avoid disturbing those nearby. The controls are responsive and feel well-tuned, perhaps erring slightly on the side of oversteer, which is preferable to the alternative in such a fast-paced game. The online functionality is relatively stable, although we experienced a few server disconnections. Ranked play is planned for future implementation, but was not available during our testing phase, which was limited to quick matches. Coordinating with unfamiliar players can be challenging, but the overall experience is satisfactory.
Onrush distinguishes itself from conventional racing games, offering a unique blend of vehicular action and high-speed competition. While it features vehicles and rapid speeds, it leans heavily into action and vehicular combat. We have been anticipating a modern iteration of the classic Burnout formula, and Onrush represents the closest approximation, even considering EA’s remastered version of Burnout Paradise. Its focus on unrestrained mayhem and opponent annihilation may not appeal to all racing enthusiasts, but it aligns perfectly with our preferences. Welcome back, Evolution, and thank you Codemasters for embracing such an audacious concept!
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