Project Motor Racing has been out for week and we have been testing the tracks and cars. Is the SIM worth your hard earned cash, or does this one need some more pit time?
Read on to find out.
Project Motor Racing burst onto the scene recently promising to reignite the spirit of classic sim racers like Project CARS 2 with its focus on authentic motorsport across 70 iconic cars and 27 global tracks. Developed by Straight4 Studios and published by GIANTS Software, it aims to deliver benchmark physics, dynamic weather via True2Track technology, and cross-platform mod support, all wrapped in a career mode and ranked online racing. The hype was real, positioning it as a must-play for enthusiasts craving that pure racing thrill.
However, the launch has been rocky, with players and critics alike noting it feels more like an ambitious early access title than a polished release. Patches like 1.5.0.1 have started addressing some issues, but the core experience still grapples with inconsistencies that temper its potential. It’s a game of highs and lows, where moments of brilliance shine through bugs and unfulfilled promises.
Gameplay and Handling
At its best, Project Motor Racing’s physics engine captures the sensory overload of pro motorsport, with nuanced tire grip, weight transfer, and low-speed cornering that demands precision. Cars like the Mazda MX-5 or Porsche GT1 feel alive, rewarding setup tweaks and smooth inputs, especially with a wheel. The force feedback conveys road texture and aero load effectively in select vehicles, making hot laps addictive.
Yet, inconsistency plagues the handling across the roster; some cars snap unpredictably, while AI opponents follow rigid lines, plowing into you without reaction. Braking feels off in multiclass scenarios, and tire wear or fuel management often lacks depth, turning races into arcade-like sprints rather than endurance tests. It’s promising but needs tuning to match its sim aspirations.
Graphics and Audio
Visually, the game leverages detailed cockpits and True2Track for evolving surfaces, with adaptive weather adding realism to puddles and rubber laydown. Tracks like Bathurst or Lime Rock shine under dynamic lighting, and the 28 layouts offer variety from GT to prototypes. On high-end setups, it can look sharp, though distant textures blur.
Audio is a mixed bag—engine notes recycle older assets, lacking the visceral punch of rivals, while tire squeals and impacts feel flat. Cockpit vibes immerse with vibrations, but the overall soundscape misses the intensity of exhaust bellows or crowd roar, pulling you out of the moment despite solid positional cues.
Career Mode and Multiplayer
Career mode starts strong with progression across eras and classes, unlocking rides through events that blend quick races and championships. The 10+ definitive classes provide diversity, from MX-5 specs to LMDh prototypes, and mod support lets you expand content from day one. It’s a solid foundation for grinding your way to legend status.
Multiplayer shines in ranked lobbies with cross-play, where clean racing against humans feels tense and fair. However, server stability wavers, and the 16-car limit hampers true multiclass grids. Online lacks depth in leaderboards or teams, making it fun for casual sessions but shallow for competitive scenes.
Console Version vs PC Version
On consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, Project Motor Racing delivers stable 60fps performance in quality mode, with quick load times and seamless DualSense/Xbox controller haptics that mimic road feel effectively. Force feedback on a Thrustmaster T150 gives the game a real road feel. Graphics hold up at dynamic 4K, though pop-in and aliasing persist; it’s plug-and-play friendly for couch racers, with modding via the GIANTS editor adding replayability without a mouse.
PC elevates visuals to 4K/120fps+ on beefy rigs, unlocking telemetry for apps like Crew Chief and broader wheel support, like Turtle Beach’s KD3, including direct drive finesse. However, it’s CPU-heavy with stutters and optimization woes, demanding tweaks for smooth play. Modding thrives here with easier tools, but the baseline experience mirrors consoles—buggy AI and physics quirks affect both equally, making PC the choice for tinkerers willing to patch the rough edges.
Final Verdict
Project Motor Racing boasts an enviable car lineup, mod potential, and flashes of handling brilliance that hint at greatness, especially post-patch. Cross-platform play and era-spanning content give it legs for longevity, appealing to sim fans tired of iRacing’s grind or ACC’s laser focus.
Ultimately, it’s a flawed launch overshadowed by unpolished AI, inconsistent physics, and missing depth, earning a cautious 7/10. Wait for more updates if you’re on the fence—its foundation could evolve into a contender, but right now, veterans might stick to proven titles while newcomers test the demo.
7
Project Motor Racing review codes provided by publisher and reviewed on a PS5 using Thrustmaster peripherals and on the PC using Turtle Beach’s KD3. For more information on scoring, please read What our review scores really mean.
