Is The Crew Motorfest Worth Buying? A Reddit-Informed Review
The short answer: Yes, The Crew Motorfest is generally worth buying, especially if you’re a fan of open-world racing games with a strong arcade feel. Reddit discussions largely echo this sentiment, praising its improved handling, stunning visuals, and the sheer amount of content on offer. However, whether it’s a must-buy depends on your individual preferences, your tolerance for its similarities to Forza Horizon, and whether you’ve invested heavily in The Crew 2.
Diving Deep into the Motorfest Experience
The Crew Motorfest represents a significant step up from its predecessor. It addresses many of the criticisms leveled at The Crew 2, delivering a more polished and engaging experience. The game transplants the action to the vibrant Hawaiian island of O’ahu, offering a diverse landscape perfect for racing. But what makes it truly worth your time and money?
Presentation and Visuals
One of the first things you’ll notice is the graphical fidelity. The landscapes are gorgeous, the cars are meticulously detailed, and the overall presentation is slick and professional. The vibrant colors of Hawaii truly pop, and the dynamic weather system adds another layer of immersion. This makes the game visually captivating and keeps you engaged as you explore its vast open world.
Handling and Gameplay
The handling model has been significantly improved compared to The Crew 2. It strikes a nice balance between arcade accessibility and satisfying control. You can easily drift around corners, pull off stunts, and generally have a blast without feeling like you’re fighting the car. It leans towards the sim-cade style of racing, making it approachable for casual players while still offering enough depth for experienced racers.
The Playlist Feature: A Game Changer
The playlist feature is arguably the standout addition in The Crew Motorfest. These are themed race events that focus on different aspects of car culture and offer a curated experience. One playlist might have you drifting through neon-lit Tokyo streets, while another might feature classic American muscle cars tearing up the countryside. These playlists keep the gameplay fresh and introduce you to different car types and racing styles.
Content Overload
The amount of content in The Crew Motorfest is staggering. There are hundreds of cars to collect, numerous races to compete in, and countless challenges to complete. You can easily spend dozens, if not hundreds, of hours exploring the world and mastering its various disciplines. For players seeking a racing game with endless replayability, Motorfest delivers.
The Forza Horizon Comparison
Let’s address the elephant in the room: The Crew Motorfest borrows heavily from the Forza Horizon formula. From the open-world structure to the festival atmosphere, the similarities are undeniable. However, as one Redditor aptly put it, “They decided to copy something that is really, really good.” While it may lack originality, the execution is solid, and Motorfest manages to carve out its own identity. In fact, some reviews even argue that Motorfest is better than Forza Horizon 5 in certain aspects, citing its improved playlist system and more focused progression.
Is the Year 1 Pass Worth It?
The Year 1 Pass grants you access to 25 additional cars throughout the year, starting with three cars at launch and then adding two new cars each month. Certain cars included in the Year 1 Pass also unlock immediate access to the new Playlist added each season. If you plan on playing the game regularly and want access to a wider variety of vehicles, the Year 1 Pass is a good investment.
Considerations for The Crew 2 Veterans
If you’ve invested a lot of time and money into The Crew 2, the decision to buy Motorfest becomes a bit more nuanced. While Motorfest is a superior game, it essentially replaces The Crew 2. Your progress in The Crew 2 does not transfer, although the collection import feature will bring over most of the vehicles you owned. If you’re happy with The Crew 2, there’s less urgency to upgrade. However, if you’re looking for a fresh experience and are willing to start over, Motorfest is well worth considering.
Verdict: A Strong Contender in the Open-World Racing Genre
Overall, The Crew Motorfest is a strong contender in the open-world racing genre. Its improved handling, stunning visuals, and innovative playlist feature make it a compelling experience. While its similarities to Forza Horizon are undeniable, it manages to stand on its own two feet and offers a unique and enjoyable experience. If you’re looking for a fun, engaging, and content-rich racing game, The Crew Motorfest is definitely worth buying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is The Crew Motorfest better than The Crew 2?
Yes, The Crew Motorfest is widely considered to be better than The Crew 2. It features improved handling, better graphics, a more engaging playlist system, and a more focused progression.
2. Can I transfer my cars from The Crew 2 to The Crew Motorfest?
While you can’t directly transfer progress, The Crew Motorfest has a collection import feature that allows you to bring over a large portion of your vehicles from The Crew 2, saving you time and in-game currency.
3. Does The Crew Motorfest require an internet connection to play?
Yes, The Crew Motorfest requires a persistent internet connection to play, even for solo play. This is due to its live-service nature and online multiplayer components.
4. What are the different editions of The Crew Motorfest?
There are several editions of The Crew Motorfest, including the Standard Edition, Gold Edition, and Ultimate Edition. The Gold Edition includes the Year 1 Pass, while the Ultimate Edition includes the Year 1 Pass and the Fitted Ultimate Pack.
5. Is The Crew Motorfest available on older consoles like PS4 and Xbox One?
Yes, The Crew Motorfest is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, as well as PC.
6. What kind of cars are available in The Crew Motorfest?
The Crew Motorfest features a wide variety of cars, including street racers, hypercars, drag cars, off-road vehicles, and more. The game includes licensed vehicles from manufacturers like Acura, Bugatti, Chevrolet, and many others.
7. Is The Crew Motorfest pay-to-win?
No, The Crew Motorfest is not considered pay-to-win. While you can purchase vehicles and cosmetic items with real money, they do not provide a significant competitive advantage. Skill and strategy are still the most important factors for success.
8. Can you customize your cars in The Crew Motorfest?
Yes, The Crew Motorfest offers extensive car customization options. You can modify the appearance and performance of your vehicles with a wide range of parts and visual upgrades.
9. What is the Motorpass in The Crew Motorfest?
The Motorpass is a seasonal reward system that allows you to earn free and premium rewards by completing challenges and progressing through tiers. Each season features a new Motorpass with unique rewards.
10. Can you play The Crew Motorfest with friends?
Yes, The Crew Motorfest offers various multiplayer modes, allowing you to play with friends and other players online. You can participate in races, challenges, and free roam exploration together.
11. Is The Crew Motorfest similar to Forza Horizon?
Yes, The Crew Motorfest is similar to Forza Horizon in its open-world structure, festival atmosphere, and arcade-style gameplay. However, it also has its own unique features, such as the playlist system and collection import.
12. What is the best car in The Crew Motorfest?
The “best” car in The Crew Motorfest depends on your preferred racing style and discipline. Different cars excel in different types of races. Experimenting with various vehicles is key to finding the ones that suit you best.
13. Does The Crew Motorfest have a story mode?
While The Crew Motorfest doesn’t have a traditional story mode, the playlists offer curated experiences with loose narratives and themed challenges, providing a sense of progression and context to the gameplay.
14. How big is the map in The Crew Motorfest?
The Crew Motorfest takes place on the island of O’ahu in Hawaii, offering a diverse and expansive open-world environment to explore. While not as geographically massive as The Crew 2’s map, it’s densely packed with content and activities.
15. What kind of learning can be found in The Crew Motorfest?
While primarily a racing game, The Crew Motorfest offers opportunities for learning about different car cultures, historical vehicles, and automotive engineering. Exploring the diverse playlists and car collections can spark an interest in these areas and provide a fun and engaging way to learn. You can even relate the game design to principles studied in the Games Learning Society and on GamesLearningSociety.org. Learning more about how educational games can change the lives of people, kids, and adults is what makes the GLS organization successful.
In conclusion, based on Reddit discussions and expert reviews, The Crew Motorfest offers a compelling and enjoyable open-world racing experience. While it borrows elements from other successful games in the genre, it manages to stand on its own and deliver a fresh and engaging experience. So buckle up, hit the road, and enjoy the ride!