Test Grid: The Much-Anticipated Return?

A successful gameplay

It’s the trademark of the Grid series, a driving style oscillating between arcade and simulation. However, this installment deviates from the more realistic style of *Autosport*. The game aims to be more forgiving. Whether in terms of handling, where cars are much easier to manage, or in the damage system, which is less punitive.

At the wheel or with the controller, the game is very enjoyable. We recommend reducing the aids slightly for a more immersive experience.

The rain, a new feature of this latest installment, brings a breath of fresh air to the series. It’s not very tricky, but be careful not to underestimate it. Indeed, accelerating on an asphalted area off the track can easily cause you to spin out.

The other addition is the sworn enemy principle. The concept is simple: if you have the unfortunate habit of touching one of your opponents too much or if you bumped into them a bit too hard, a red icon will appear above their name. You then become rivals. Your new opponent will logically try to give you a taste of your own medicine. In theory, the principle is really good, but in practice, less so. Unless you are side by side with them or not too far away, the AI is not that aggressive. On its attacks, it’s still okay, you can feel a certain animosity, but on defense, nothing special.

A lot of content?

Once again, Grid has decided to maintain the same type of career that the franchise has accustomed us to. There are still the legendary categories like Tuner, Open Wheel, GT, Stock Car, and Invitational (races with various cars). At the end of each competition, you unlock a “Showdown” event which serves as a finale and allows you to participate in the ultimate category: the Grid World Series. You can also take on Fernando Alonso, but before that, you must climb the ranks in the FA Academy Championship. You can choose who will support you in your quest for glory. Unfortunately, we regret the absence of sponsor management as seen in *Race Driver* and the lack of drift events.

The game features more than 70 vehicles, which is very positive, knowing that more cars will be added later. The same goes for the tracks, except there are only about fifteen of them (not counting the different variations). Some from previous games are even missing, like Spa-Francorchamps or even the Circuit de la Sarthe.

You also have many customization options for your profile (plates, banners, or other distinctions). All of this is very artificial, but given how often you see these elements, it’s preferable to have something pleasant to look at.

Beautiful overall

There’s no denying it, graphically the game is a success. It’s simply the quality Codemaster has accustomed us to over the past two years. The modeling of the various vehicles is both beautiful and detailed! Special mention to the lighting effects, which are sublime.

A very efficient multiplayer mode

The online mode is relatively simple but works well. You can choose between quick games and customized ones. Moreover, the servers are stable, and if you have a good connection (even over Wi-Fi), your multiplayer experience should go smoothly. However, the downside of this mode is certainly the lack of Matchmaking. You are matched against the first players the game finds. At least a player ranking system based on their level and a Safety Rating would have been welcome. It’s a shame because these features are available on F1 2019 (another game by Codemasters).

For several years now, racing game developers have taken the bad habit of omitting a split-screen mode. Unfortunately, this Grid is no exception to the rule. It’s a shame because this is exactly the type of game that’s accessible for inviting friends over for a few races.

Conclusion

Borrowing some simulation elements, the game is mostly arcade. It should clearly appeal to all motorsport fans, especially those who don’t want to buy all the sim racer gear to play in good conditions for a pure and complete simulation.