Following its successful Kickstarter campaign, where British developer Slightly Mad Studios aimed to create the definitive racing simulator, Project CARS is now available in a Game of The Year edition (GOTY). The question remains: does the additional content justify repurchasing the game?
It’s evident that Project CARS is a passion project. The game exhibits a remarkable attention to detail and offers extensive customization options. Car models have been meticulously recreated with impressive visual accuracy, and the included tracks will be readily recognizable to motorsport enthusiasts.
Project CARS is a motorsport simulator that places a strong emphasis on realistic simulation. It diverges from arcade-style racers where aggressive acceleration and powersliding are commonplace. While certain high-performance vehicles may not be as challenging to drive as some suggest, the power and handling characteristics of cars like the Koenigsegg Agera demand respect. Project CARS accurately reflects this, and the GOTY version expands the experience with 50 new vehicles, bringing the total car roster to 125. Four new tracks are also included (for a total of 35), along with 60 community-created events. Furthermore, Pagani contributes two exclusive models: the Zonda Revolucion and Huayra BC.
Project CARS is dazzlingly beautiful and offers several perspectives to play from.
From a technical standpoint, Project CARS is an impressive achievement. The graphics are visually stunning and polished, and the game maintains a smooth 60 fps on the PS4, the platform used for this review. The engine sounds are diverse and accurately represent the distinct characteristics of each car. However, the impact sound effect when colliding with a wall at moderate speed detracts from the experience. The protracted crashing and rattling sound, reminiscent of overturned garbage cans, creates an unintentionally comical effect that clashes with the game’s serious tone. The controls are responsive, demanding precise inputs; overcorrection and aggressive maneuvers are swiftly penalized.
That being said, Project CARS is primarily geared towards dedicated motorsport enthusiasts. While a beginner mode offers assistance with elements such as recommended racing lines and assisted ABS, utilizing it might be akin to purchasing a high-performance sports car for low-speed, limited-access roads. Players who appreciate the intricacies of fine-tuning car setups, experimenting with different tire compounds, suspension settings, and engine modifications, will derive the most enjoyment from the game. Casual players may not find the same level of addictive replayability.
Therefore, the question is: should owners of the original Project CARS, released last year, upgrade to the full-priced GOTY edition? The answer is likely no. The additional content may not be sufficient to justify a complete repurchase for those who already own the original. A digital upgrade path, offering the GOTY content as DLC for existing players, would be a welcome option. However, for newcomers to the franchise, the GOTY edition is the definitive version, containing significantly more cars, tracks, and the latest patches and bug fixes. Ultimately, the decision hinges on individual preferences: the depth and heightened realism of Project CARS versus the more accessible experiences offered by titles such as Driveclub or the Forza series.
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