Assetto Corsa Evo is a little bare bones, but shows promise | Early access impressions

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Instead of dwelling on what’s missing in the early access version of Kunos Simulazioni’s latest racing simulator, Assetto Corsa Evo, let’s focus on its current state. Last week, it opened its doors to early access and is now at version 0.1.2 of their eagerly awaited racing series. Rather than offering the lavish comfort of a Bentley CGT, this initial release feels more like a streamlined, race-ready Porsche GT3.

Initially offering just 20 vehicles for high-speed adventures, along with five realistic racetracks, the game primarily features only two single-player options: practice sessions and quick races. This setup might seem a bit limited compared to what you’d expect for the price.

I’ve found this game to be less demanding compared to previous racing titles, offering a more forgiving handling experience. It feels as if the vehicles automatically stabilize and regain traction faster than what I’m accustomed to in sim-based racers, whether I’m behind the wheel of a Fiat Abarth or Mercedes AMG GT2. The overall feel is reminiscent of Forza Motorsport or Gran Turismo 7 on beginner and rookie settings, yet it reveals its hardcore roots when you disable the assistance features.

The extensive customization options allow me to tailor the perfect challenge to my driving skills, even prompting me to experiment with new playstyles as I minimize the safety net of assistance.

The AI opponent seems relatively straightforward, not deviating much from the ideal racing path, yet it maintains an enjoyable experience for those seeking variety beyond merely timing track runs. I’ve discovered that while the game performs consistently well during solo races, frame rates significantly drop when multiple drivers are on the track. Laguna Seca stands out as a problematic location, with one specific corner frequently becoming choppy, regardless of the track conditions. However, I believe this is an area ripe for optimization as the early access phase progresses, and it’s certainly something worth noting.

EVO is undeniably pleasing to the eye, with the sunrise effects being especially captivating, as sunlight dances off the shinier track markings, casting a cozy ambiance around you during flight. The car interiors are equally impressive, although I may not be an expert on the precise air vent positions in a Ferrari 488, the level of detail is striking and undeniably enhances immersion, if one can tear their gaze away from the road for even a fraction of a second. A thoughtful feature to showcase this is found on the main menu screen, where you can scrutinize your chosen vehicle up close. With possibilities to adjust the showroom, time, and weather, it’s delightful to pause for a moment or two and admire the meticulous craftsmanship on these stunningly designed car models.

Is it advisable for you to purchase it right now? At this point, I’d say it’s a bit early to give a definitive recommendation due to its current limited features. This version appears quite basic for the average user; however, dedicated racing enthusiasts may still find plenty of enjoyment testing the boundaries of the cars and tracks available. Unfortunately, there aren’t many beginner-friendly tutorials included at present, as the Driving Academy and licenses are not yet accessible in this release. This might make it challenging for those new to track racing or race car handling to navigate without much prior experience.

AI-driven racing in this game may not present much novelty for seasoned sim racers, as it offers only five circuits with varying weather, time, and track conditions. The content could be considered somewhat limited. If you’re willing to wait, additional content updates are planned throughout the year. However, if you’d like to support a talented developer during the game’s development, it might be worth jumping in now.

Instead, let me emphasize that I’d rather concentrate on the exciting prospects ahead of us before 2025. For instance, we have the anticipation of open-world racing in the Eifel region of Germany, which is where the famous Nürburgring is located. This includes over a hundred vehicles from well-known manufacturers, fifteen racetracks, a realistic dynamic weather system, an advanced photo mode, and more. The future certainly looks promising!

Assetto Corsa Evo is available now in Steam early access on PC.

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2025-01-21 12:16