The first thing to note is that the demo we tested was quite restricted. It featured only three car and track combinations, which gave us a limited window into the sims mechanics and features. With such a small selection, it’s difficult to get a comprehensive feel for the sim, especially when sim racing titles thrive on their depth and variety.
It’s common for racing simulator demos to feel promising with a limited sample, but the true depth of the game’s mechanics can only be judged after extensive testing.
For now, it seems Assetto Corsa EVO is on the right track, but we’ll reserve full judgment until we have more time with the sim.
The 11 years between the original release and EVO have brought noticeable advancements, and these improvements help create a more immersive racing experience. We were particularly impressed by the way the cars and tracks looked, which enhances the simulation’s appeal for both casual players and hardcore sim racers alike.
Key elements we were curious about based on the limited content.
No Off-Road or Dirt Tracks in the Demo
While the demo offered a solid on-road experience, there was no indication of any off-road or dirt track racing mechanics.
Dirt and off-road elements have become more popular in recent years, especially with the rise of rallycross and other off-road disciplines in racing games.
As of now, Assetto Corsa EVO seems focused on track racing, but we wonder if future updates or expansions might include more diverse driving environments.
Braking and Car Handling Mechanics
We were particularly interested in how Assetto Corsa EVO would handle braking and car dynamics, given that these are critical aspects of any sim racing game. Unfortunately, the demo didn’t provide enough time or content for us to fully assess this.
With just a few minutes on each of the three available tracks, it was hard to tell if there were any significant changes or improvements in the braking mechanics compared to previous games in the series.
If you’ve ever driven a hot hatch in real life, you’ll recognize that sensation of feeling the car’s weight shift, which Assetto Corsa Evoluzione nails perfectly.
We’ll need more time with the game to evaluate whether the braking and overall car physics are truly refined, especially in comparison to Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC).
Sound Design: Limited Impressions
Sound design is another important aspect of immersion in racing simulators, but it wasn’t something we could properly assess during the demo.
The cars made all the expected noises, but we didn’t get a detailed feel for how immersive the audio experience will be in the final game.
For many sim racers, sound plays a key role in making the experience feel real, from the roar of the engine to the subtle differences in tire friction on various surfaces. We’ll have to wait for the full version to see if Assetto Corsa EVO delivers the kind of rich, immersive audio experience that fans expect.
Damage System: Not Yet Implemented
One notable omission in the demo was a damage system.
While the cars in Assetto Corsa EVO took no visible or mechanical damage during crashes, we expect that this feature will likely be present in the final version.
A detailed damage model adds realism and forces players to drive more carefully, as mistakes on the track can lead to serious consequences for car performance.
It’s unclear at this point how advanced the damage modeling will be in Assetto Corsa EVO, but given the focus on realism in the series, we hope it will include both visual and mechanical damage to enhance the immersion.
Final Thoughts on Our Assetto Corsa EVO Demo Experience
From what we’ve seen so far, Assetto Corsa EVO has made clear improvements in terms of graphics and gameplay feel. The visual upgrades, in particular, are striking, and the overall handling of the cars felt tight and responsive, even in this limited demo environment.
The sim shows clear potential, with impressive visual upgrades and a solid feel, but the limited scope of the demo makes it difficult to form a complete picture of what the final product will offer.
See you on the track!
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What 3 tracks?
Imola, Brands Hatch and Bathurst
That wasn’t a demo, it was a full release modded for a tradeshow to keep things secret for launch, big difference.
Click on ko-fi button to download it