GRID Legends

The story mode of GRID Legends, titled Driven to Glory, receives mixed but occasionally positive feedback, with several critics highlighting its ambitious attempt to blend racing gameplay with a narrative-driven experience. Reviewers like GameGrin praise the 36-chapter structure and engaging cutscenes that enhance player connection to characters, particularly antagonist Nathan McKane, while IGN Portugal notes a "big final revelation" that adds intrigue despite uneven performances. Checkpoint Gaming appreciates the documentary-style FMV with "charming and believable performances," and CGMagazine highlights solid acting from a notable cast. Additionally, TheXboxHub acknowledges the mode’s inspiration from Drive to Survive, framing it as a context-rich addition that ties races to a broader narrative. These positives suggest the story mode has moments of charm and creativity, even if they are occasionally overshadowed by its flaws. However, the majority of critics panned Driven to Glory for its lack of originality, shallow characters, and unengaging storytelling. GamingBolt and XboxAddict criticize the mock-umentary style as "disconnected" and "cheesy," while Multiplayer.it and Digital Trends describe it as overly linear and cliché-ridden. The Games Machine compares it to Drive to Survive but calls it "uninteresting," and TrueAchievements and LevelUp dismiss the narrative as "forgettable" and "uninspiring." Issues like inconsistent acting (GameSpew), predictable plots (CD-Action, GAMES.CH), and a lack of emotional depth (SECTOR.sk, Push Square) further undermine its impact. Even Cubed3 and Eurogamer Italy note the story’s "awkward execution" and "short, predetermined path," suggesting it fails to fully immerse players despite its cinematic aspirations. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Driven to Glory is a flawed but occasionally entertaining attempt at narrative-driven racing. While some praise its documentary-style presentation and occasional moments of engagement (e.g., GameGrin, IGN Portugal, Checkpoint Gaming), the majority view it as a generic underdog story with unmemorable characters and a lack of innovation. The mode’s reliance on clichés, forced drama, and disconnect from gameplay mechanics (GAMES.CH, Eurogamer Italy) limits its appeal, though its ambition is acknowledged by outlets like TheXboxHub and IGN. Ultimately, GRID Legends’ story mode serves as a decent companion to its racing mechanics but falls short of delivering a truly compelling or original narrative experience.

The gameplay of GRID Legends is widely praised for its accessibility, variety, and engaging arcade-style mechanics. Many reviewers highlight its balance between simulation and fun, with COGconnected noting that the driving model prioritizes enjoyment over realism, while Wccftech appreciates the return of the Nemesis system, which adds depth to rivalries. The game’s diverse race types, including elimination modes and multiclass events, are frequently cited as strengths, with Digital Trends and IGN praising its entertainment value and dynamic AI interactions. Additionally, the handling model is lauded for being responsive and adaptable, as noted by GameGrin and GameSpew, who emphasize its appeal in both single-player and multiplayer settings. The inclusion of a wide array of vehicles and tracks also contributes to its replayability, with Eurogamer Italy and Jeuxvideo.com acknowledging the game’s varied content. However, several critics point to shortcomings in the career mode and progression systems. Checkpoint Gaming and CD-Action criticize the lack of direction and repetitive vehicle grinding, while Eurogamer Italy and Digital Trends argue that the gameplay feels unambitious and lacks innovation compared to other racing titles. The AI’s unpredictability is a double-edged sword: while Gamepressure and Vandal appreciate its intensity, others like Gameblog.fr find it inconsistent or too easy for seasoned players. Additionally, some reviewers, such as XboxAddict and New Game Network, note that the career mode’s artificial progression and shallow team management aspects detract from the experience. The game’s reliance on recycled content from GRID 2019, as mentioned by ZTGD, further fuels perceptions of stagnation. Overall, critics agree that GRID Legends succeeds as an accessible, arcade-style racing game with a strong focus on fun and variety, but its ambition and depth are seen as lacking. While the Nemesis system, diverse race types, and balanced handling earn praise from outlets like IGN and VGC, the career mode’s flaws and repetitive elements are consistent criticisms. The consensus leans toward it being a solid entry in the genre for casual players, though veterans may find it underwhelming compared to more simulation-heavy titles. As GameGrin and Xbox Achievements note, the game excels in delivering enjoyable, chaotic racing action but struggles to innovate beyond its established formula.

The graphics and visual design of GRID Legends received generally positive feedback from multiple reviewers, with several highlighting its strengths in weather effects, car modeling, and track variety. Critics like IGN praised the game’s mixed-reality presentation and live-action segments, while Jeuxvideo.com noted impressive night-time meteorological effects and superior visuals compared to DiRT 5. The game’s vehicle designs were frequently lauded for their detail, with Cubed3 and TheXboxHub commending the crisp, clean look of cars and tracks. Additionally, NME emphasized the game’s 4K visuals and smooth 60fps performance on PS5, while God is a Geek highlighted the “gorgeous” attention to detail in vehicles and tracks. The weather systems, particularly rain and lighting effects, were a standout feature for several reviewers, including WellPlayed and Checkpoint Gaming, who noted how these elements enhanced immersion during races. However, critics also pointed out significant shortcomings in visual polish and originality. Many felt the game lacked the graphical ambition of its competitors, with TheXboxHub and Games.cz criticizing the reliance on recycled tracks from previous GRID titles and sterile environments. CD-Action and New Game Network highlighted inconsistent textures and outdated visuals in certain areas, while Gamer.nl described the graphics as “not visually stunning” compared to other racing games. Issues like abrupt shadow generation (LevelUp), frame rate drops during intense moments (The Loadout), and soft resolution quality (ZTGD) further underscored technical limitations. Additionally, Multiplayer.it noted that car interiors lacked detail, and PlaySense criticized the dull color tone and subpar lighting in some scenarios. These critiques suggest a game that, while functional, fails to fully leverage next-gen hardware capabilities. Overall, the consensus among critics is that GRID Legends offers a visually competent experience with notable improvements over its predecessors but falls short of setting new benchmarks in the racing genre. While CGMagazine and Xbox Achievements acknowledged graphical advancements and “jaw-dropping” visuals on high-end hardware, many felt the game lacked the polish and innovation seen in titles like Forza Horizon 5 or DiRT 5. The mixed reception reflects a balance between technical execution and creative ambition—reviewers like GamesRadar+ and Gamer.no appreciated the well-designed tracks and smooth performance, while others, such as Hardcore Gamer and VGC, noted missed opportunities to push graphical boundaries. Ultimately, GRID Legends is seen as a solid entry in the racing genre but one that prioritizes accessibility and gameplay over cutting-edge visual innovation.

The sound design of GRID Legends receives generally positive feedback, particularly for its immersive engine sounds and dynamic audio effects. Critics like GameCritics and Hobby Consolas highlight the distinct car sounds and realistic engine noises that adapt to racing conditions, enhancing immersion. XGN praises the robust engine sounds that respond to in-game scenarios, while Hardcore Gamer commends the exceptional 3D audio on PS5 for its spatial effects. The soundtrack also earns praise for its nostalgic vibes (GamersRD) and epic, action-driven themes (GamingBolt, IGN Italia), with some critics noting how music complements the racing experience. Additionally, PlaySense and TheSixthAxis appreciate the satisfying audio feedback during crashes and tire explosions, adding to the game’s intensity. However, several critics point out shortcomings in the music and overall audio implementation. Checkpoint Gaming and Push Square criticize the mid-race soundtrack for lacking depth and being repetitive, while Vandal notes that the epic music fails to deliver memorable tracks. The absence of a consistent soundtrack in career modes and custom races is another recurring issue, with GamingBolt and CGMagazine expressing disappointment. XboxAddict and Eurogamer Italy describe the music as unremarkable or even annoying in certain contexts, while Games.cz and Jeuxvideo.com mention trivial commentary that detracts from immersion. Additionally, COGconnected points out that the game doesn’t fully leverage PS5’s 3D audio capabilities, and XboxAchievements notes that the audio experience feels “satisfactory” but unimpressive overall. Overall, the consensus leans toward a mixed reception, with critics acknowledging strong technical aspects of sound design while critiquing the music’s consistency and depth. The engine sounds and immersive effects are widely praised as standout features, particularly by GameCritics, Hobby Consolas, and XGN, but the soundtrack’s repetition, absence in key modes, and lack of innovation remain significant drawbacks. While some reviewers like GamingBolt and IGN Italia highlight the music’s ability to elevate the racing experience, others such as Push Square and Eurogamer Italy argue that it falls short of expectations. Ultimately, GRID Legends delivers a solid audio foundation but struggles to balance its technical strengths with a cohesive musical identity across all game modes.

The voice acting in GRID Legends receives a generally positive reception from several critics, with many praising its charm, believability, and contribution to the narrative experience. Checkpoint Gaming highlights the "charming and believable" performances in the story mode, while COGconnected notes that the actors deliver "good and believable" performances. Cubed3 describes the documentary-style cutscenes as "brilliant," despite acknowledging their over-the-top nature, and Gamer.no emphasizes that the voice acting adds "engaging performances" with charm. Games.cz acknowledges that the voice acting "adds to the narrative," even if some dialogues feel clichéd, while IGN Adria finds the live-action performances "convincing enough" to support the story. Additionally, CGMagazine and Digital Trends commend the "solid and believable" performances, particularly praising Ncuti Gatwa’s work, which adds depth to the narrative. However, several critics express concerns about the voice acting’s consistency and quality. Gamer.nl criticizes it as "overdone and lacking believability," while MGG Spain calls it "overacted" and mismatched with the game’s tone. Jeuxvideo.com (French version) specifically critiques the voice-over for its lack of immersion, and GameSpew notes "inconsistent" live-action performances. GamesRadar+ and Wccftech describe the acting as "hit and miss" or "not great," respectively, while TrueAchievements and XboxAddict label it "poor," undermining engagement with the story. Critics like WellPlayed find the acting "average," and XGN points to inconsistent commentary during races. The mockumentary style, while praised by Cubed3, is seen as a drawback by others, such as NME, who finds the story hard to take seriously due to its exaggerated tone. Overall, the reception of GRID Legends’ voice acting is mixed, with praise for its charm and occasional standout performances offset by criticisms of inconsistency, overacting, and lack of depth. While many reviewers appreciate the effort put into the narrative-driven cutscenes—particularly those highlighting character engagement (e.g., Gamer.no, CGMagazine)—others feel it falls short in delivering a cohesive or immersive experience. The documentary-style approach polarizes opinions: some see it as creative and effective (Cubed3), while others find it detracts from believability (Gamer.nl, MGG Spain). Despite these divides, the consensus leans toward acknowledging the voice acting as a functional but uneven element of the game’s storytelling, with its impact varying based on individual interpretations of tone and character development.

The technical performance of GRID Legends receives generally positive feedback across all platforms, with notable strengths in stability, frame rates, and optimization. On PS5, critics like COGconnected, Gamer.nl, and GamesRadar+ praise its solid frame rate, smooth gameplay, and quick load times, while GameSpew highlights the 120fps mode and decent DualSense support. For Xbox Series X/S, Generación Xbox and IGN note strong optimization, with stable 60 FPS and options for higher frame rates, though some reviewers like The Loadout mention frame drops on specific tracks. On PC, Cubed3, SECTOR.sk, and SpazioGames commend the game’s performance on midrange hardware, citing high frame rates and minimal issues, while Eurogamer Italy acknowledges fast load times. PS4 receives a brief positive mention from PlayStation Universe, which highlights stable frame rates and no pop-in. Despite these positives, several technical concerns emerge across platforms. On PS5, Checkpoint Gaming and GamingBolt point to optimization issues with racing wheel setups and a grayed-out 120Hz mode, while Hobby Consolas notes minor slowdowns during intense moments. For Xbox Series X/S, Everyeye.it reports performance inconsistencies compared to PS5, and The Loadout identifies stuttering and frame drops on Xbox Series S, though these may vary by console. On PC, Gameblog.fr criticizes multiplayer bugs, while Digital Chumps mentions screen cutoff issues with the rewind feature. Additionally, some reviewers like XGN note technical glitches such as incorrect progress indicators, which are expected to be patched. Overall, the consensus among critics is that GRID Legends delivers a technically sound experience on most platforms, with minor issues that don’t detract significantly from gameplay. The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions are particularly praised for their stability and optimization, while PC performance varies based on hardware but remains largely smooth. While some platform-specific quirks exist—such as Xbox Series S frame drops or PC multiplayer bugs—the majority of reviews highlight the game’s solid technical foundation, with most issues being minor or context-dependent. Critics like GamesRadar+ and IGN emphasize that the core experience is stable and enjoyable, even if certain features (like DualSense support) fall short of expectations.

The replay value of GRID Legends is highlighted by several positive aspects that cater to diverse player preferences. Critics like Screen Rant and GamesRadar+ emphasize the Race Creator as a standout feature, allowing players to design custom races and events, which significantly enhances long-term engagement. The game’s career mode also receives praise for its extensive content, with COGconnected noting over 250 career events and 130 tracks, while God is a Geek and GameSpew highlight progression systems that reward players with vehicle unlocks and upgrades. Additionally, multiplayer options are frequently cited as a draw, with TheXboxHub and GameGrin pointing to drop-in multiplayer and custom race creation as key factors in sustaining interest. The variety of cars, tracks, and challenges—such as the 100+ vehicles mentioned by GamesRadar+—further contributes to a sense of depth, making the game appealing to racing enthusiasts seeking flexibility. However, several critics point to notable drawbacks that temper the game’s replayability. The career mode, while content-rich, is often criticized for being repetitive or tedious. VGC and The Loadout argue that the story mode lacks appeal for replays, while Cubed3 and CD-Action highlight grinding mechanics that may deter players from revisiting the game. SpazioGames and LevelUp note a lack of depth in gameplay, with some finding the core racing experience unengaging over time. Additionally, Checkpoint Gaming and CGMagazine mention awkward gameplay mechanics or limited innovation, which can lead to monotony. The multiplayer aspect, while present, is seen as rudimentary by some, such as Xbox Achievements, and Jeuxvideo.com (PC) acknowledges that the game’s variety may not match competitors like Forza Horizon 5. These issues suggest that while there is content, it may not fully satisfy players seeking unique or deeply immersive experiences. Overall, the critics present a mixed consensus on GRID Legends’ replay value. While many acknowledge its variety of modes, customization tools, and multiplayer features as strong positives—particularly the Race Creator and career progression—others argue that these elements are undermined by repetitive design, lack of innovation, and grindy mechanics. IGN and Multiplayer.it note that the game offers enough content for casual players, but The Loadout and Xbox Achievements suggest it falls short compared to rivals. The general sentiment leans toward GRID Legends being a solid entry in the racing genre with sufficient replayability for fans of its mechanics, but not a standout title that will keep all players engaged long-term. As GamesRadar+ and COGconnected observe, the game’s appeal hinges on whether players prioritize quantity over quality in their racing experiences.