Assetto Corsa Rally: Drifting Through the Chaos

When rally racing meets a physics professor’s fever dream

Launch Day Larry

Assetto Corsa Rally is here to test your mettle, your patience, and possibly your sanity. This rally racing game promises a hardcore simulation experience that will have you questioning your life choices as you careen through beautifully rendered stages. But does it deliver on its promise, or does it leave you spinning your wheels? Let’s dive into the mud-splattered details.

Gameplay: A Rollercoaster of Thrills and Spills

Assetto Corsa Rally’s gameplay is a mixed bag, much like a rally car’s trunk after a particularly bumpy stage. On the one hand, the game offers a solid foundation with its impressive physics, graphics, and sound design. The hardcore physics are a dream for those who enjoy a challenge, and the game supports advanced setups like triple screens and sim racing equipment, making it a haven for dedicated enthusiasts.

However, if you’re planning to play with a gamepad, you might want to brace yourself. The cars feel as light and floaty as a feather in a wind tunnel, with steering assist that seems to have a mind of its own. The lack of PS5 controller support is a glaring omission, leaving players without a full sim rig feeling like they’re trying to steer a shopping cart on ice.

Menu navigation and control customization are another hurdle. While the UI is generally user-friendly, binding controls can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. The key binding system requires multiple input devices, and resetting your car to the track is an exercise in patience.

Despite these challenges, the game is visually impressive, though the sense of speed is somewhat lacking, leading to more crashes than a demolition derby. The physics, while praised, have exaggerated elements like drift behavior and clutch transitions that might leave you scratching your head.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Stutter

Assetto Corsa Rally’s graphics are nothing short of stunning. The attention to detail in the design of stages and cars, laser-scanned from real locations, adds a layer of realism that is hard to beat. Dynamic graphical effects, such as weather changes and environmental interactions, further enhance the aesthetic appeal.

However, the game’s performance is as unpredictable as a rally car on a gravel road. While players with high-end hardware report smooth gameplay, others experience micro-stuttering and frame delays that can turn a thrilling race into a slideshow. The demanding nature of Unreal Engine 5 means that even on lower settings, the game requires powerful hardware to shine.

Despite these performance hiccups, Assetto Corsa Rally is arguably the prettiest rally game to date. The combination of detailed environments, realistic effects, and high-quality graphics significantly contributes to the game’s realism and challenge.

Story: A Chaotic Comedy of Errors

While Assetto Corsa Rally’s primary focus is on its realistic racing experience, the game also offers a character-driven narrative that adds a layer of humor and chaos. The story is marked by the player’s struggle with the game’s mechanics, leading to a series of comedic mishaps involving marshals and a frustrated co-driver.

The narrative unfolds through gameplay, with the player’s decisions leading to humorous yet catastrophic outcomes. While the story lacks depth and coherence, it provides a unique and entertaining experience that complements the immersive rally racing.

Final Verdict

Assetto Corsa Rally is a game with immense potential, offering a visually stunning and challenging rally experience. However, it is held back by control issues, performance hiccups, and a narrative that, while entertaining, lacks depth. For those with the right hardware and a penchant for hardcore simulation, it offers a thrilling ride. For others, it might feel like a rally car stuck in the mud.

Score: 6.5/10