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Pacific Drive

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Pacific Drive
Item: Pacific Drive
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Simulation, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableFeb 21, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperIronwood Studios

Overview

Pacific Drive is a run-based, first-person driving survival game. Your car is your only companion as you navigate a surreal and anomaly-filled reimagining of the Pacific Northwest. Structured as a “road-like”, each excursion into the wilderness brings unique and strange challenges, as you restore and upgrade your car from an abandoned garage that acts as your home base. With the car as your lifeline, you’ll unravel a long-forgotten mystery as you make your way to the heart of the Olympic Exclusion Zone.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Pacific Drive impresses critics with its unique narrative and atmospheric tension in an alternative reality filled with mysteries. Reviewers praise its engaging story, deep themes of legacy and identity, and immersive setting in the eerie Olympic Peninsula. However, some note pacing issues from repetitive gameplay and inconsistencies in lore that may confuse players. Despite these flaws, the consensus is that the game offers a captivating narrative experience, making it a must-play for fans of immersive storytelling in post-apocalyptic worlds.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

80%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

20%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Pacific Drive has garnered a predominantly positive reception from critics, with many praising its unique narrative structure and immersive atmosphere. Reviewers such as GamePro Germany and IGN Italia highlight the game's setting in an alternative reality filled with mysterious anomalies, which effectively contributes to a sense of unease and tension. Critics like KeenGamer and Cultured Vultures commend the engaging storyline that intertwines elements of survival and exploration, with an emphasis on uncovering secrets within the eerie Olympic Peninsula. The emotional depth of the narrative is also noted, particularly by Cultured Vultures, who appreciates the themes of legacy and identity, supported by various narrative devices like journal entries and audio logs. However, some critics have pointed out certain weaknesses in the storytelling. Metro GameCentral mentions that the pacing is affected by repetitive roguelike elements, which may detract from the overall narrative experience. Additionally, while many critics like GamingTrend acknowledge the expansive lore, some inconsistencies in storytelling are noted, which could lead to confusion among players. TechRadar Gaming also remarks that specific narrative details are not emphasized, suggesting that while the overarching story is compelling, the execution may leave some gaps that could impact player engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Pacific Drive presents a strong and engaging story that captivates players through its unique blend of survival, exploration, and atmospheric tension. Many reviewers, including New Game Network and PCGamesN, appreciate the depth of the narrative and its ability to draw players into its mysterious world. Despite some criticisms regarding pacing and narrative clarity, the majority of critics agree that the story is a significant strength of the game, making it an intriguing experience for those who enjoy immersive storytelling in a post-apocalyptic setting.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Pacific Drive impresses with its unique driving, survival, and crafting blend, earning praise for vehicle upgrades and immersive exploration. Critics highlight its strategic depth but also note pacing issues, repetitive gameplay, and a steep learning curve that could frustrate newcomers. While it offers an ambitious and innovative experience, players may need patience to navigate its challenges.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

60%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Pacific Drive has garnered a generally positive reception from critics, particularly for its unique blend of driving mechanics, survival elements, and crafting systems. Reviewers like GamePro Germany and IGN Italia highlight the rewarding nature of upgrading vehicles and the engaging exploration aspects, which involve scavenging for resources and solving puzzles. The game’s focus on maintaining a supernatural car in a post-apocalyptic environment, as noted by Jeuxvideo.com and Meristation, adds depth to the gameplay experience. Critics such as Push Square and TechRadar Gaming appreciate the strategic planning required for navigating the procedurally generated maps and the thrill of dealing with unpredictable anomalies, which contribute to a sense of immersion and tension. However, several critics have pointed out significant drawbacks in the gameplay experience. Metro GameCentral and PC Invasion mention that the gameplay loop can become slow and repetitive, particularly due to tedious looting and exploration mechanics. The high difficulty level, as noted by GamingTrend, can be overwhelming for newcomers, with some reviewers like COGconnected and Everyeye.it expressing frustration with the controls and the steep learning curve. Additionally, IGN Italia and MeuPlayStation mention that while the crafting system is well-developed, the resource gathering can feel tedious and detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Pacific Drive offers a compelling and innovative gameplay experience, albeit with some notable challenges. While the game excels in creating a unique atmosphere and engaging mechanics, it also suffers from pacing issues and a steep learning curve that may alienate some players. Critics like GameSpot and New Game Network encapsulate this sentiment by acknowledging the depth and challenge present in the gameplay while also recognizing the potential for frustration. Ultimately, Pacific Drive stands out for its ambitious design, but it may require patience and perseverance from players to fully appreciate its offerings.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Pacific Drive impresses with its atmospheric graphics and immersive environments, winning praise for its ability to blend cozy and horror elements. Critics laud the PS5's technical prowess, but some highlight flaws like a lack of world diversity, dark visuals, and frame rate issues that hinder the experience. While the game successfully evokes unease, its visual design is marred by technical shortcomings. Overall, it captivates with stunning landscapes but has room for refinement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

52%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Pacific Drive have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's atmospheric qualities and immersive environments. Reviewers such as IGN Spain emphasized the impressive graphics, particularly noting how atmospheric elements like fog and rain enhance the overall experience. MeuPlayStation praised the technical excellence and detailed environments that leverage the PS5 hardware to create an immersive gameplay experience. Critics like Cultured Vultures and But Why Tho? also commended the game for its ability to create a mysterious and dread-filled environment, with beautiful vistas and a unique atmosphere that blends cozy and horror elements, further contributing to the game's appeal. However, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the visual design. GamePro Germany remarked on the lack of a diverse and engaging world to explore, which detracts from the overall experience despite the effective atmosphere. Jeuxvideo.com mentioned that the overly dark visuals could require adjustments, a sentiment echoed by other reviewers who noted technical issues such as unstable frame rates and crude interiors. Push Square highlighted struggles with frame rate on the PS5, impacting the visual performance, while PlaySense noted that while the visual presentation is decent, it lacks detailed textures, suggesting that the game could benefit from further refinement in its visual fidelity. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Pacific Drive successfully creates a captivating atmosphere through its graphics and visual design, despite some technical flaws. The game's ability to evoke feelings of unease and tension, as noted by GamePro Germany and Metro GameCentral, is a strong point, though the lack of diversity in the world and occasional visual bugs prevent it from reaching its full potential. Critics like KeenGamer and TechRadar Gaming appreciated the visual style and stunning landscapes, indicating that while there are areas for improvement, the game's artistic direction and immersive qualities leave a lasting impression on players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Pacific Drive dazzles critics with its immersive sound design and atmospheric music, lauded for enhancing gameplay through a diverse soundtrack and engaging radio interactions. While praised for evoking a sense of paranoia and depth, some miss character voice acting and note gameplay mechanics could improve. Overall, the audio elements are key highlights that elevate the game, despite minor critiques.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Pacific Drive have garnered widespread acclaim from critics, with many highlighting the immersive and atmospheric qualities that significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Reviewers from IGN Spain and KeenGamer praised the soundtrack for its ability to complement the gameplay, with a mix of ambient and contrasting music that adds depth to the overall atmosphere. The game features an impressive selection of over 20 licensed tracks, as noted by Jeuxvideo.com and GameSpot, which contribute to the game's emotional impact and sense of mystery. The incorporation of radio voices, as discussed by Meristation and MeuPlayStation, further enriches the narrative experience, allowing players to feel a connection with the game world. Critics like Cultured Vultures and But Why Tho? emphasized the eerie and atmospheric sound design, which builds tension and enhances immersion, making the exploration feel engaging and unpredictable. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are some criticisms regarding the sound design and music in Pacific Drive. Impulsegamer pointed out the lack of voice acting for the player character as a missed opportunity, which could have added another layer of depth to the storytelling. Additionally, while many critics praised the immersive soundscape, some noted that the automatic save system could detract from the experience, as highlighted by Everyeye.it. This suggests that while the audio elements are strong, there are aspects of the gameplay mechanics that could be improved to enhance the overall experience further. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Pacific Drive excels in its sound design and music, creating an engaging and immersive atmosphere that enhances the gameplay. The combination of a diverse soundtrack, effective use of radio interactions, and atmospheric sound effects has left a positive impression on reviewers across platforms. Critics like Metro GameCentral and PCGamesN encapsulated the general sentiment, praising the game's ability to evoke a sense of paranoia and immersion through its audio design. While there are minor critiques regarding character voice acting and gameplay mechanics, the majority of reviewers agree that the sound design and music are standout features that significantly contribute to the game's success.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics praise Pacific Drive's voice acting for enhancing the game's atmosphere and storytelling, highlighting strong performances from characters like Tobias and Oggy. However, some note the limited scope of voice interactions, with radio characters providing guidance but lacking depth. Overall, while the voice acting is impactful, it may not be as central to the narrative as players might expect.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

54%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Pacific Drive has received a generally positive reception from critics, highlighting its contribution to the game's overall experience. IGN Spain praised the English voice acting for maintaining a high standard, while KeenGamer commended the performances of characters like Tobias, Francis, and Oggy, noting that their interactions add depth to the narrative. Similarly, GamingBolt and Movies Games and Tech emphasized the natural banter and emotional performances, which resonate well with players and enhance the storytelling. The presence of radio characters, such as Oppy, who guides players through the game, has been recognized by several reviewers, including Push Square and SpazioGames, as a significant element that contributes to the immersive experience. However, there are some criticisms regarding the limited scope of voice acting in Pacific Drive. Critics like Impulsegamer and Jeuxvideo.com pointed out that there is minimal emphasis on voice acting performances, suggesting that while the radio characters provide some interaction, they do not dominate the narrative. This sentiment is echoed by But Why Tho?, which notes that the guides are primarily radio signals, implying a lack of depth in character voices beyond their informative roles. Such observations indicate that while the voice acting is commendable, it may not be as central to the game as some players might hope. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a favorable view of the voice acting in Pacific Drive, with many acknowledging its effectiveness in enhancing the game’s atmosphere and storytelling. While there are mentions of limitations in the scope of voice performances, as noted by Impulsegamer and Jeuxvideo.com, the majority of reviews highlight the quality of the voice acting, particularly in terms of emotional depth and character engagement. Critics like KeenGamer and GamingBolt underscore the commendable nature of the performances, suggesting that the voice acting, while perhaps not extensive, is nonetheless impactful and well-executed.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Pacific Drive has a mixed technical performance. The PS5 version offers commendable accessibility and optimization but is plagued by inconsistent frame rates, long loading times, and numerous bugs that disrupt the gameplay experience. Meanwhile, the PC version runs smoothly at 60 FPS but still suffers from frame rate instability and a clunky UI. Overall, both platforms reveal significant technical shortcomings that need addressing for a better player experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

92%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of Pacific Drive has garnered a mixed reception across different gaming platforms, particularly on the PS5 and PC. On the PS5, some critics noted positive aspects such as the extensive accessibility settings highlighted by GamePro Germany, which offers 27 parameters to enhance player comfort. MeuPlayStation praised the game's optimization and technical excellence, suggesting that there are elements of the game that are well-executed. Additionally, adjustable settings were mentioned by Jeuxvideo.com as a means to improve the overall experience, indicating that there are ways for players to tailor the game to their preferences. However, the PS5 version is marred by several technical issues that detract from the gameplay experience. Critics like Push Square pointed out inconsistent frame rates and long loading times, which can disrupt immersion. Meristation and PlaySense echoed these sentiments, mentioning visual and gameplay bugs as well as control responsiveness issues, such as excessive oversteering and complex UI, which complicate the user experience. This collection of feedback suggests that while there are some commendable features, the PS5 version suffers from significant technical drawbacks. On the PC front, the overall sentiment is somewhat more positive, with GameGrin noting that the game runs smoothly at 60 FPS with reasonable loading times. However, critics like Everyeye.it and New Game Network highlighted persistent issues such as unstable frame rates and graphical problems that can impact gameplay. The UI was also criticized for being clunky, as noted by Cultured Vultures, which adds to the frustrations experienced by players. Despite some solid performance reports, the consensus across both platforms indicates that Pacific Drive has notable technical shortcomings, particularly on the PS5, where critics unanimously agree that these issues hinder the overall experience. The game shows promise, but it is clear that further optimization and bug fixes are needed to elevate its performance.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Pacific Drive boasts solid replay value with its crafting, upgrades, and roguelike elements, enticing exploration and unique playthroughs. However, critics highlight repetitive gameplay, tedious resource management, and punishing difficulty spikes as major drawbacks that could hinder long-term engagement. Overall, while it has potential, execution issues leave its replayability in question.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of Pacific Drive highlight several positive aspects that contribute to its appeal among players. Many critics appreciate the game's crafting and upgrading systems, which encourage players to invest time in exploration and resource gathering. For instance, GamePro Germany noted the unlockable car upgrades as a significant draw, while Push Square emphasized the deep survival mechanics and narrative that enhance replayability for those willing to delve into the game’s systems. Critics like Cultured Vultures and New Game Network pointed out the roguelike elements and randomized environments that offer unpredictable experiences, making each playthrough feel unique. The ability to adjust difficulty levels, as mentioned by IGN Italia and COGconnected, also allows players to tailor their experience, further enhancing replay value. Conversely, several critics pointed out notable drawbacks that may hinder the game's replayability. A common concern is the repetitive nature of gameplay, with critics like Metro GameCentral and Meristation highlighting the monotonous gameplay loop and unsatisfying exploration. The tedium associated with resource gathering and car maintenance was mentioned by Impulsegamer and GameGrin, indicating that these mechanics could detract from the overall experience. Additionally, some reviewers, such as GamingTrend and PC Invasion, noted that the game's difficulty spikes and slow progression could deter players from wanting to replay it multiple times, suggesting a potential barrier to sustained engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Pacific Drive offers a foundation for replay value through its crafting, upgrading systems, and roguelike mechanics, significant issues such as repetitive gameplay and resource management tedium may limit its appeal. Critics like GamePro Germany and Meristation reflect a broader sentiment that, despite the potential for engaging gameplay, the experience can feel slow and punishing at times. Therefore, while there are many elements that could draw players back, the execution of these features appears to leave room for improvement, indicating a mixed reception regarding the game's replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

Pacific Drive has garnered a mix of praise from critics, highlighting its unique atmosphere, engaging gameplay, and innovative mechanics. Reviewers like KeenGamer and New Game Network commend the game for its compelling storytelling and immersive sound design, with KeenGamer noting its impressive visuals and strong voice acting. The game’s blend of driving, scavenging, and crafting elements in a supernatural setting has been described as thrilling, particularly by SpazioGames, who emphasized its ability to keep players engaged and on edge. Critics such as Push Square and TechRadar Gaming also recognize the game as an ambitious survival action title, with Push Square pointing out the rewarding nature of its core gameplay loop, making it a standout experience in the survival genre. However, despite its strengths, Pacific Drive is not without its drawbacks. Several reviewers, including GamePro Germany and Impulsegamer, mention the repetitive nature of gameplay and the lack of varied missions and level design, which can lead to a monotonous experience. Critics like Metro GameCentral also express concern about the game's overreliance on roguelike elements, which may detract from the overall enjoyment. Technical issues and frustrating controls are noted by COGconnected, while GamingTrend highlights the steep difficulty curve as a potential barrier for less experienced players. These criticisms suggest that while the game has a solid foundation, it struggles with execution in certain areas. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Pacific Drive is a unique and ambitious title that offers a captivating experience, particularly for players who appreciate survival mechanics and atmospheric storytelling. While some reviewers, like IGN Spain, laud the game for its originality and dedication from a small studio, others caution potential players about its repetitive elements and technical shortcomings. Ultimately, Pacific Drive appears to be a compelling journey that may resonate well with dedicated gamers willing to embrace its quirks, as noted by critics like GameSpot and PCGamesN, who see the potential for it to be a memorable entry in the survival genre.

TL;DR

Pacific Drive impresses with its unique atmosphere, engaging gameplay, and innovative mechanics, earning praise for its storytelling and immersive sound. However, it suffers from repetitive gameplay, technical issues, and a steep difficulty curve that may deter some players. Critics view it as an ambitious survival title with potential, best suited for dedicated gamers who can overlook its flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

108 reviews found

PCGamesN

Feb 21, 2024