ExoCross Preview – A New Gamble On Racing

ExoCross Preview – A New Gamble On Racing

As a long-time fan of racing games, I have played my fair share of simulators and arcade titles. But nothing quite compares to iRacing’s latest offering, ExoCross. Developed by Orontes Games and acquired by iRacing in 2021, this game is a breath of fresh air that combines stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and a unique sci-fi racing experience.


iRacing sets the bar high in the racing simulator world, uncontested by any other name. Yet, the company’s portfolio extends beyond realistic racing simulations. They are currently developing projects like dirt racing games, arcade titles, an authorized NASCAR game, and a sci-fi themed rally-inspired racing experience called ExoCross.

Orontes Games, now part of iRacing since 2021, has created ExoCross using a uniquely crafted engine they’ve perfected over time. Enhanced with advanced AI and tire models from iRacing, ExoCross offers a comprehensive racing experience that might surprise you upon first glance.

In this game, you’ll find various modes to choose from, such as Championship, Time Trials, and Quick Races, among others. The Championship Mode is essentially the game’s narrative, setting the scene for why you’re racing on a distant planet instead of Earth. It’s important to note that the action in this game unfolds 100 years from now, an era where the use of fossil fuels and conventional vehicles has been outlawed on Earth.

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As a gamer, I can tell you that there are three awesome vehicles to pick from in this game, each one offering its unique challenges. For instance, the Vulcan is more forgiving with its lower horsepower and bulkier build, making it a great choice for beginners. On the other hand, the nimble Titan may be trickier to handle due to its lighter weight, higher power output, top speed, and tendency to slide around the track. Both cars have their learning curves, but they never feel too overwhelming, even when playing without any driving aids whatsoever.

As a gamer, I find myself disappointed when it comes to personalizing my virtual ride. Unlike in real life where we can enhance our cars with better engines or sleeker designs, in this game, the only customizations available are rather limited. All I can do is choose my car number, add some decals, and select colors for my vehicle. It’s a letdown for someone who enjoys the immersive experience of games, where the freedom to express creativity through customization is key.

ExoCross Preview – A New Gamble On Racing

While racing, I’ll be able to utilize a boost that regenerates as I drive. If I find myself in the slipstream of an opponent, my boost meter will fill up more rapidly than when racing alone. This adds an exciting layer of strategy to the race, particularly when someone is tailing me. To keep them at bay and maintain my lead, it’s essential to break their draft and create some distance between us.

I’ve had my fair share of experiences with remote-controlled giant metal cars, and let me tell you, they may be big metal machines, but they’re not invincible. Driving them recklessly can lead to some serious consequences. You might veer off the track or even lose a tire. So, please exercise caution while operating these vehicles, no matter how much fun it might seem at first. Trust me, the last thing you want is to deal with the aftermath of an avoidable mishap.

Regarding the AI opponent in racing games, the challenges you encounter, particularly when advancing to higher levels, are just as enjoyable for me as they get. The thrill of racing shoulder-to-shoulder and jostling for position while maintaining control is some of the most exhilarating racing experiences I’ve had recently.

In terms of simulation versus arcade gameplay, ExoCross offers an appealing blend. The shift between road surfaces like moving from asphalt to gravel and vice versa feels authentic and demands careful handling to prevent losing control and skidding. The experience of mastering drifts during turns is both thrilling and rewarding, making you eager to employ the handbrake more frequently than not.

The game can be played using both a controller and a wheel. While creating the game, the controller was given more attention, resulting in a satisfactory experience. However, some adjustments are necessary when utilizing a wheel to achieve optimal performance. Therefore, I’ll withhold my final judgment on how well the wheel racing functions until after the official launch.

ExoCross Preview – A New Gamble On Racing

As a gamer, I’m blown away by the visual appeal of ExoCross. The design of the vehicles and tracks is simply stunning, and the overall atmosphere is out of this world. Racing with Saturn as the backdrop adds an extra layer of breathtaking beauty that leaves me in awe. It can be quite distracting at first, as I find myself stopping to take it all in. That’s why having a replay feature would come in handy – I could focus on the race during the initial playthrough and then go back to appreciate the graphics in all their glory.

In summary, ExoCross is an enjoyable racing game built on a robust platform. The cars offer a satisfying driving experience with a balance of accessibility and depth. The single-player Championship mode and additional offline features serve as a great introduction to the game’s tracks and vehicles, enabling players to master the skills needed for online competition. The game itself is filled with fun and lays the groundwork for potential future expansions.

My primary issue with ExoCross lies in its replay value, as it heavily relies on online multiplayer. Unfortunately, there’s no cross-platform functionality, meaning Xbox and PlayStation players cannot compete with one another. Even if you’re using a PC, your competition is limited to the PC player base.

It’s clear that we need to observe the public response to the game and the number of people who purchase it before forming an opinion. However, based on what the game provides during gameplay, it appears to be quite promising.

I’m thrilled to share that ExoCross is finally making its official debut on July 23 for PlayStation, PC, and Xbox! I can’t wait to dive in and experience this new game. TopMob’s comprehensive review will follow shortly after, once we’ve had a chance to thoroughly test the multiplayer features and the game has been fully released with all necessary bug fixes.

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2024-07-15 17:18