Promising a blend of realism, customization, and online functionality, this new entry in the Assetto Corsa series has set its sights on challenging the likes of Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport .
But does it have what it takes to dethrone the kings of sim racing?
A Dystopian Reality
The world of sim racing has seen its fair share of controversies in recent years. From unfinished releases to microtransaction-laden economies, players have grown increasingly frustrated with the state of the genre. Assetto Corsa Evo’s early access launch was no exception, with many fans criticizing the lack of promised features at release.
However, the new beta update aims to address these concerns by introducing online functionality through SimGrid, a platform designed to handle the game’s multiplayer and server needs. While this is a step in the right direction, it also highlights the growing trend of releasing games in an unfinished state and relying on post-launch updates to deliver on promises.
This marks the first time players can experience Assetto Corsa Evo’s online features, albeit in a limited capacity. The beta serves as a testing ground for these features, which were originally promised to be available at launch.
While the addition of online functionality is a welcome change, it has also sparked debate within the community. The always-online requirement has been met with mixed reactions, with some players praising the potential for seamless multiplayer experiences and others criticizing the lack of offline progression.
Tutorials and Licenses: A Gran Turismo-Inspired Approach
Assetto Corsa Evo’s beta introduces a new tutorial system and a license progression mechanic, both of which feel heavily inspired by Gran Turismo. Players start with a basic license and must complete a series of challenges to unlock higher-tier licenses, which in turn grant access to more advanced car categories.
The license system is a clear nod to Gran Turismo’s iconic driving tests, but it also adds a layer of depth to Assetto Corsa Evo’s progression. Completing challenges rewards players with Virtual Credits (the game’s currency) and experience points, which can be used to purchase and customize cars.
The Economy of Assetto Corsa Evo: Virtual Credits and Microtransactions
Virtual Credits are the lifeblood of Assetto Corsa Evo’s economy. Players earn them by completing challenges, licenses, and special events, and they can be spent on purchasing and customizing cars.
However, there’s a lingering concern among the community that Virtual Credits could eventually be purchasable with real money, introducing a pay-to-win element to the game.
While the developers have yet to confirm whether microtransactions will be implemented, the possibility has sparked heated debates. For now, players can only earn Virtual Credits through gameplay, but the fear of monetization looms large.
Car Customization: A Step Beyond Competitors
Where Assetto Corsa Evo truly shines is in its car customization system. Unlike Gran Turismo and Forza, which often rely on generic customization options, Assetto Corsa Evo allows players to modify individual parts of their cars with incredible detail.
From changing brake caliper colors to selecting specific materials for interior trim, the level of personalization is unmatched.
Each car has unique customization options, making no two vehicles feel the same. This attention to detail sets Assetto Corsa Evo apart from its competitors and could be a major selling point for car enthusiasts.
What’s New in the Beta?
The beta introduces a test drive feature, allowing players to take their chosen car for a spin before committing to a purchase. While this is a nice addition, it feels somewhat redundant given that players can already test any car in the game’s sandbox mode.
The initial car selection process is straightforward, with players given 65,000 Virtual Credits to purchase their first vehicle.
Six models are available, each with unique customization options and performance characteristics.
Licenses and Challenges
The license progression system is one of the beta’s standout features. Players must complete a series of challenges to earn higher-tier licenses, which unlock access to faster and more advanced cars. Each challenge rewards players with stars based on their performance, with higher star ratings yielding greater rewards.
While the system is engaging, it’s not without its flaws. The lack of a seamless transition between challenges and the repetitive nature of some events can make the progression feel tedious at times.
Special events are another new addition in the beta, offering players the chance to tackle unique challenges with specific cars and conditions. However, these events currently feel underwhelming, with no clear objectives or rewards beyond a small amount of experience points.
The lack of online multiplayer features is also a notable omission. While the beta focuses on testing the game’s online infrastructure, the absence of competitive modes or leaderboards leaves much to be desired.
The always-online requirement is a contentious issue for both games. While Gran Turismo 7 faced backlash for its online dependency, Assetto Corsa Evo’s approach has been met with similar criticism. The inability to save progress offline is a significant drawback, particularly for players with unreliable internet connections.
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