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MONSTER

Assetto Corsa Competizione

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Assetto Corsa Competizione
Item: Assetto Corsa Competizione
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2019

GenresSimulation, Sports, Single Player, Multiplayer, Racing, First Person Perspective

AvailableMay 29, 2019

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

Developer

Overview

Assetto Corsa Competizione, the official GT World Challenge videogame. Thanks to the extraordinary quality of simulation, you will experience the atmosphere of the GT3 championship. Compete against official drivers, teams, cars and official circuits reproduced to the highest quality ever seen.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Assetto Corsa Competizione delivers hyper-realistic GT3 racing with precise physics, immersive simulation, and authentic track detail—praised for its depth and challenge—but suffers from limited content, AI inconsistencies, and a steep learning curve, appealing mainly to hardcore sim fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

82%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

18%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Assetto Corsa Competizione has been widely praised by critics for its realism, depth, and immersive racing experience. Many reviewers highlighted its exceptional simulation of GT3 racing, with a focus on precise handling, detailed vehicle physics, and authentic track recreation. COGconnected emphasized the "strong core gameplay" and satisfying force feedback, while God is a Geek noted the "tough but rewarding" handling and exciting AI races. IGN and others celebrated the game’s laser-like focus on endurance racing, praising its variety of racing opportunities and distinct car handling characteristics. TheSixthAxis and PlayStation Universe commended the simulation model, which demands speed, precision, and consistency, while Vandal and Jeuxvideo.com highlighted impeccable physics, tire behavior, and aerodynamics. Several critics, including GameSpace and Eurogamer Italy, noted the game’s push for realism, requiring players to master car setups and driving techniques. The inclusion of features like pit stops, damage management, and weather effects further enhanced the authenticity, with many agreeing that a racing wheel is essential for optimal performance. Despite these strengths, several critics pointed out notable drawbacks. Meristation and 3DJuegos criticized the limited content variety, citing a lack of cars and tracks compared to other simulators. COGconnected and Everyeye.it mentioned issues with AI behavior and the career mode’s lack of depth, while Xbox Tavern and GameByte found controller responsiveness frustrating, particularly on PS5. Multiplayer.it and Vandal noted inconsistent AI performance and sparse single-player content, though some acknowledged that assists and tutorials made the game accessible to newcomers. SpazioGames and TheXboxHub emphasized the steep learning curve, with the latter calling the difficulty "brutal" even on beginner settings. Additionally, while many praised the game’s focus on endurance racing, some felt that multiplayer experiences were mixed, with SpazioGames and Multiplayer.it noting uneven online dynamics. These critiques, though varied, underscored the game’s niche appeal for hardcore sim fans rather than casual players. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Assetto Corsa Competizione delivers a top-tier racing simulation. IGN, COGconnected, and TheSixthAxis praised its realistic physics, detailed car customization, and immersive gameplay, while PlayStation Universe highlighted improved performance on PS5. Despite criticisms about content variety and AI quirks, the game’s dedication to authenticity and challenge resonated with reviewers. As Vandal noted, it caters to "virtual drivers" seeking depth, and Eurogamer Italy called it a significant improvement over its predecessor. While not without flaws, the game’s strengths in simulation, consistency, and realism solidified its reputation as a standout title for racing enthusiasts, even if it requires patience and dedication to master.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

PC version of Assetto Corsa Competizione dazzles with photorealistic visuals, meticulous detail, and Unreal Engine 4 brilliance, setting a racing simulation benchmark—while consoles lag with messy textures, frame rate issues, and compromised realism, despite minor next-gen upgrades. A split verdict: PC is a graphical triumph, console versions are clunky relics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

39%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Assetto Corsa Competizione receive widespread acclaim, particularly on PC, where critics highlight its photorealistic rendering, meticulous attention to detail, and immersive environments. Reviewers like 3DJuegos praise the game’s "impressive realistic track recreation," while GameSpace notes the "photorealistic rendering" of car models and weather effects. The use of Unreal Engine 4 is frequently cited as a key strength, with SpazioGames and Everyeye.it emphasizing high-quality textures, dynamic lighting, and detailed environments. Features such as day-night cycles, rain effects, and laser-tracked circuits (as noted by MondoXbox) further enhance the realism. On PC, the game is often described as a benchmark for racing simulations, with COGconnected calling it "the best-looking racing simulation on PC" and Eurogamer Italy applauding its "significant leap in visual fidelity." However, console versions face significant criticism regarding optimization, graphical fidelity, and technical shortcomings. Reviewers like Gamer.nl and LevelUp describe the PS4/Xbox One visuals as "messy," "poor quality," and plagued by texture issues and glitches. Gameblog.fr points to aliasing and lack of precision, while Xbox Tavern notes that the game lacks the realism of Forza Motorsport. Console-specific problems include locked frame rates (often 30fps), which critics like Vandal and IGN argue hinder fluidity, and technical issues such as "frame rate drops" (BaziCenter) and "visual glitches" (Softpedia). While next-gen consoles like the PS5 see improvements—Multiplayer.it mentions "enhanced graphics" and PlayStation Universe highlights "natural trackside detail"—many agree that console versions still fall short of PC's polish, with Cubed3 noting they lack the "wow factor" of the PC version. The overall consensus is that Assetto Corsa Competizione excels as a visually rich racing simulation on PC, offering unparalleled detail and realism, but struggles to translate this fidelity to consoles without compromises. While critics like Eurogamer Italy and Screen Rant laud its "photorealism" and "stunning graphics," others such as IGN Spain and Vandal emphasize the technical limitations on consoles, including performance issues and graphical downgrades. Despite these flaws, many acknowledge that the game’s visual design remains a standout feature, with The Games Machine praising its "highly curated and realistic gaming experience" and GamingBolt noting improved textures on next-gen systems. The divide between PC and console versions underscores a broader tension between graphical ambition and technical feasibility, leaving the game as a mixed but ultimately impressive achievement in racing simulation visuals.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics raved over Assetto Corsa Competizione's hyper-realistic sound design, hailing its engine roars, tire screeches, and layered audio as a benchmark for racing sims—every rev and crunch felt authentic, immersing players in GT-style thunder. Minor gripes about audio quirks or lackluster menu music faded against the overwhelming praise, with outlets like IGN and Jeuxvideo.com calling it "exceptional" and "immersive." The game’s auditory finesse turned racing into a visceral, almost tangible experience—proof that sound can make or break a sim, and here, it soared.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

90%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

10%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design of Assetto Corsa Competizione has been overwhelmingly praised by critics for its realism, immersion, and attention to detail. Multiple reviewers highlighted the authenticity of engine sounds, exhaust noises, and tire effects, with GameOver.gr noting that the "authenticity" of these elements enhances the driving experience. IGN and IGN Italia lauded the "excellent" sound design and engine sounds, while Jeuxvideo.com described the audio as "exceptional," emphasizing detailed car sounds and even the subtle crunch of rubber on tracks. The Games Machine and PlayStation Country praised the layered audio that helps players anticipate racing challenges, and TheSixthAxis noted the "loud sound design" capturing the "thunderous vehicles" of GT racing. Critics across platforms—PS5, PS4, PC, and Xbox One—agreed that the game’s audio immerses players in a realistic racing environment, with Cubed3 calling it an "immersive experience" and Gaming Nexus declaring it the "best and most varied sounds" ever experienced in a racing sim. While the majority of reviews celebrated the sound design, some critiques pointed to minor issues. The Games Machine mentioned audio inconsistencies when switching between internal and external views, while Gamer.nl noted "noticeable differences in engine sounds" and a lack of "solid force feedback." XboxAddict critiqued the main menu music as "average," and Vandal (PC) highlighted translation issues despite the game’s "impressive" layered sound system. Additionally, some reviewers, like Xbox Tavern, felt the crew chief’s voice was functional but lacked dynamism. However, these criticisms were relatively few compared to the widespread acclaim, with most acknowledging that technical flaws or minor imperfections did not detract from the overall excellence of the audio design. The consensus among critics is that Assetto Corsa Competizione delivers a standout sound design that sets a new benchmark for racing simulations. Overwhelmingly, reviewers praised its realism, with Gameblog.fr calling it a "reference for all simulations" and Eurogamer Italy noting "exceptional" detailed audio effects. While some critiques existed—primarily around specific technical aspects or minor omissions—the majority of critics, including IGN, Jeuxvideo.com, and SpazioGames, emphasized that the game’s sound design significantly enhances immersion and authenticity. The lack of focus on music in most reviews (save for XboxAddict’s comment) did not diminish the overall praise, as the auditory elements of racing—engine roars, tire screeches, and environmental details—were universally celebrated. This collective acclaim underscores the game’s success in creating a visceral, immersive experience through its meticulous sound design.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Next-gen platforms shine with smooth performance and stability, while older hardware struggles with frame drops, lag, and glitches—though updates may fix flaws over time.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

16%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Assetto Corsa Competizione varies across platforms, with notable positives for newer hardware. On PS5, critics like GameByte praised its "smooth gameplay and no frame drops," while COGconnected highlighted stable 60 FPS and reliable multiplayer connections. Multiplayer.it noted improved loading times on SSD-equipped consoles, and PlayStation Universe commended reduced load times despite minor replay glitches. For Xbox Series X|S, GamingBolt reported consistent 60 FPS, and some reviews acknowledged better optimization compared to older consoles. On PC, while issues like VR support and force feedback were criticized (COGconnected, Vandal), high-end systems saw stable performance with occasional frame drops. The PS5’s DualSense controller integration was a standout positive for CD-Action, showcasing the platform’s unique advantages. However, technical shortcomings plagued older and less optimized platforms. PS4 faced widespread criticism: COGconnected noted a 30 FPS cap and input lag, while Cubed3 called the framerate "unstable" and Gamer.nl cited crashes and glitches. IGN Spain highlighted issues with VR compatibility and multiplayer, and Vandal criticized the lack of frame rate flexibility. On Xbox One, GameSpew described 30fps drops, and SomosXbox pointed to dynamic resolution issues and underwhelming next-gen upgrades. PC also had its struggles, with Multiplayer.it citing multiplayer instability and SpazioGames noting crashes despite patches. Even the PS5 wasn’t immune, as Vandal and PlayStation Universe mentioned frame rate hiccups during replays and minor graphical flaws. Overall, critics agreed that Assetto Corsa Competizione is best experienced on next-gen hardware like the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, where performance is more stable and optimized. However, older platforms like PS4 and Xbox One faced significant limitations, including frame rate caps, input lag, and graphical compromises. While PC offered high-end potential, it struggled with VR and multi-monitor support. Despite these issues, many reviewers acknowledged the game’s realistic driving mechanics and ongoing improvements through updates. Vandal and Multiplayer.it emphasized that technical flaws are likely to be addressed over time, suggesting a cautiously optimistic outlook for the game’s long-term viability across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Next-gen platforms shine with smooth performance and stability, while older hardware struggles with frame drops, lag, and glitches—though updates may fix flaws over time.

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Assetto Corsa Competizione delivers deep GT racing simulation with stellar multiplayer and customization, but its replayability hinges on niche appeal, DLC dependencies, and technical flaws that limit accessibility for broader audiences.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

34%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The replay value of Assetto Corsa Competizione is generally praised for its diverse gameplay modes, customization options, and focus on skill development. Critics like GameByte highlight the game’s variety of championships, single races, endurance events, and career mode, which they argue are engaging enough to encourage repeated playthroughs. Multiplayer.it emphasizes the robust multiplayer support, including up to 30 players per race and private lobbies, while Vandal notes that added features like car counts and private rooms enhance online engagement. The game’s emphasis on mastering tracks and vehicles, as mentioned by The Games Machine, also contributes to its longevity. Additionally, Eurogamer Italy and GameSpace praise the career progression and customizable challenges, suggesting that players can spend significant time refining their skills across different racing conditions. For enthusiasts of GT racing, the game’s authenticity and depth in simulation mechanics provide a compelling reason to return. However, several critics point out limitations that hinder replay value. CD-Action criticizes the lack of content beyond multiplayer and a short campaign, while Cubed3 and IGN Spain note the reliance on DLC for expanded content, which may frustrate players seeking immediate variety. Technical issues also surface as a concern: GamingBolt and LevelUp mention poor optimization and a lack of incentives for improvement, while Meristation and SpazioGames highlight multiplayer system flaws and limited car/track diversity. Vandal and 3DJuegos point out that the focus on GT3 cars and Blancpain Series may narrow appeal, and IGN notes issues with accessing quick races and custom lobbies. These critiques suggest that while the game has strong foundations, its replayability is constrained by content gaps and technical shortcomings. Overall, critics agree that Assetto Corsa Competizione offers solid replay value for dedicated racing fans, particularly those drawn to its simulation depth and multiplayer focus. GameByte and Multiplayer.it emphasize the game’s flexibility and community-driven updates, while XboxAddict and TheXboxHub highlight its customization and progression systems. However, the consensus leans toward a balanced view: while the game excels in niche appeal and technical precision, its replayability is somewhat limited by content scarcity, DLC dependencies, and platform-specific issues. As noted by Jeuxvideo.com and IGN, the game’s ability to keep players engaged depends heavily on their interest in GT racing and willingness to invest time in mastering its systems. For many, it remains a strong but niche experience with significant potential for long-term play, albeit with room for improvement in accessibility and content diversity.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

45%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall reception of Assetto Corsa Competizione highlights its strengths as a hyper-realistic racing simulator that excels in physics, graphics, and immersion. Critics like IGN Italia praised its "impressive graphics, sound design, and gameplay," while The Games Machine (PS5) noted the game's "technical improvements on next-gen consoles" and "authentic simulation experience." Vandal and Eurogamer Italy emphasized its focus on realism, with the latter calling it a "significant advancement in racing simulation" despite minor flaws. The game’s attention to detail in handling, track design, and car dynamics resonates strongly with hardcore sim fans, as highlighted by PlayStation Universe, which described it as a "pedal-to-the-metal racing simulation experience." Many reviewers also acknowledged its potential for growth, such as COGconnected noting the promise of future cross-platform support and DLC. However, several critics pointed to significant shortcomings, particularly in console optimization and accessibility. LevelUp (XBOX Series X) criticized the "console versions fall short of expectations set by PC," while Cubed3 and Hobby Consolas noted that PS4/PS5 versions lack polish and depth compared to their PC counterparts. Issues like technical bugs, inconsistent AI, and a steep learning curve were frequently mentioned. Gaming Nexus (PC) called the 1.0 version "not recommended for purchase due to fundamental problems," while Xbox Tavern and GameSpew highlighted the game’s incompatibility with controllers and its unforgiving nature for newcomers. Multiplayer.it and TheSixthAxis also pointed to content gaps, such as a lackluster career mode and limited multiplayer features, which detract from the overall experience despite the simulation’s quality. Despite these critiques, there is a broad consensus that Assetto Corsa Competizione is a standout entry in the racing simulator genre, albeit with niche appeal. The Games Machine (PC) called it a "new standard for realism," while PlayStation Universe (PS5) deemed it the "definitive version" for hardcore fans. Critics like Gamer.nl and Everyeye.it acknowledged its technical flaws but emphasized its value as the "most realistic racing experience on PlayStation 4/Xbox One." While console versions face challenges in performance and accessibility, the PC iteration remains the benchmark, with PCGamesN praising its "polished, precise, and satisfying" gameplay. Ultimately, the game is seen as a must-have for sim racing enthusiasts but one that requires patience and dedication, as noted by TheXboxHub and GameOver.gr, who described it as a "challenging and rewarding experience" despite its imperfections.

TL;DR

Assetto Corsa Competizione is a hyper-realistic racing simulator praised for its immersive physics, stunning graphics, and authentic car dynamics, setting a new benchmark for realism—yet its console versions lag in optimization, plagued by bugs, steep learning curves, and sparse content. While PC remains the polished pinnacle, fans of hardcore sim racing will find it rewarding despite flaws, but newcomers may find it unforgiving and incomplete.

MONSTER

Reviews

101 reviews found

COGconnected

PlayStation 5

Mar 4, 2022