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MONSTER

The Crew 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Crew 2
Item: The Crew 2
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2018

GenresAction, Third Person Perspective, Open World, Simulation, Sports, Vehicular, Single Player, Multiplayer, Racing

AvailableJun 26, 2018

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One

DeveloperUbisoft Ivory Tower

Overview

The newest iteration in the revolutionary franchise, The Crew 2 captures the thrill of the American motorsports spirit in one of the most exhilarating open worlds ever created. Welcome to Motornation, a huge, varied, action-packed, and beautiful playground built for motorsports throughout the entire US of A. Enjoy unrestrained exploration on ground, sea, and sky. From coast to coast, street and pro racers, off-road explorers, and freestylers gather and compete in all kinds of disciplines. Join them in high-octane contests and share every glorious moment with the world.

Elsewhere

6.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

39%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of The Crew 2 are quite varied. Some critics appreciate the shift in tone and structure from the previous game, such as AusGamers and GamingTrend, who find the new focus on becoming a social media racer or gaining popularity and prestige to be a positive change. They believe that this new direction aligns better with the arcade racing style of the game. Additionally, Game Over Online and TheXboxHub mention that the storyline is simple and not overdone, allowing players to focus on their path to greatness as part of a group of racers. On the other hand, many critics express disappointment in the story of The Crew 2. Softpedia, Cheat Code Central, TrueAchievements, Xbox Achievements, and Digital Chumps all criticize the lack of a compelling or well-executed narrative. They mention that the story is minimal, forgettable, inconsequential, and lacking in depth. The voice acting is also criticized, with Impulsegamer even calling it the worst. Critics like Destructoid, DualShockers, and Press Start Australia find the characters and dialogue to be bland, cringe-inducing, and abhorrent. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of The Crew 2 is lacking. While some appreciate the shift in tone and the simplicity of the storyline, the majority of reviewers express disappointment in the lack of a compelling narrative, attachment to the characters, and meaningful connection to the gameplay. Critics like Game Informer, Hardcore Gamer, and Trusted Reviews highlight the minimalism and lack of choice moments in the story. The general sentiment is that the story is forgettable, shallow, and fails to be compelling.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed feelings about the story of The Crew 2. Some appreciate the new focus on social media racing and simplicity, while others criticize the lack of a compelling narrative, character depth, and meaningful connection to gameplay. Overall, the consensus is that the story falls short of expectations, with most reviewers finding it forgettable and lacking in depth.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of The Crew 2 are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. Several critics, such as Game Debate and BaziCenter, praise the handling improvements in the game, making the gameplay more enjoyable. The ability to switch between different vehicles, including cars, planes, and boats, is also appreciated by critics like AusGamers and TheXboxHub. The variety of gameplay modes and activities, such as street racing, pro racing, freestyle mode, and off-road racing, is mentioned positively by GameSpace. The sense of exploration and the ability to race with friends are also mentioned as positive aspects of the gameplay by Stevivor and Xbox Tavern. On the other hand, there are some negative opinions regarding the gameplay of The Crew 2. Softpedia criticizes the introduction of loot boxes as a core mechanic and the unrealistic physics engine. DualShockers mentions that the driving mechanics do not meet the standards of modern racing games, with courses that do not flow well and shortcuts that do not provide an advantage. Gamer.nl criticizes the imprecise controls, mediocre circuits, and limited sound design. Rubberbanding AI and lack of immersion are also mentioned as negative aspects by Hardcore Gamer. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive aspects of the gameplay, such as the variety of vehicles and disciplines, improved handling, and the ability to switch between vehicles, there are also negative aspects, such as the inclusion of loot boxes, unrealistic physics, and imprecise controls. Some critics, like Game Informer, mention limited gameplay and lack of compelling content as a downside. However, many critics still find enjoyment in the gameplay experience, with critics like GameSpew and Gamers Heroes mentioning the variety of racing events and the fun of controlling vehicles. The overall sentiment suggests that while The Crew 2 offers an enjoyable gameplay experience, it falls short in certain areas, resulting in a mixed reception among critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on The Crew 2 gameplay. Positive aspects include improved handling, variety of vehicles, and gameplay modes like street racing and exploration. However, negative feedback includes issues like loot boxes, unrealistic physics, and imprecise controls. Overall, the game offers an enjoyable experience but falls short in certain areas, leading to a divided reception among critics.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

31%

Mixed (50-79)

66%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Crew 2 are quite varied. However, there are several positive aspects that stand out. Critics such as AusGamers, TheXboxHub, and Hardcore Gamer praise the game for its wonderful visuals, vibrant and colorful presentation, and impressive track design. The graphics are considered impressive overall, with improved texture work on vehicles and environments compared to the original game. The lighting and car models are particularly highlighted as superb. The game also features stunning detail in its depiction of various areas of the United States, capturing the spirit and atmosphere of major cities. The open world is graphically one of the best in a racing title, with detailed environments and moments of visual spectacle. On the other hand, there are some negative aspects mentioned by critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Crew 2. Critics such as Softpedia, GamingTrend, and DualShockers criticize the game for its bland textures, empty open world, and lack of appropriate markings and misplaced checkpoints in level design. Some areas are described as looking flat, repetitive, or merged in strange ways. The city environments and buildings are particularly criticized for looking crummy compared to other environments, with noticeable texture pop-in and draw distance issues. The human character models are also mentioned as lacking in detail and outdated. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Crew 2 has impressive graphics and visual design, but with some shortcomings. The game offers a stunning and diverse world to explore, with moments of visual spectacle and a vast open-world map of the United States. The vehicle models, lighting, and environments stand out as superb. However, there are areas that feel less lively, repetitive, or lacking in detail, particularly in city environments. The lack of a refined or sophisticated visual design is also mentioned. Despite these criticisms, the game's graphics are generally praised for their improvement over the original and their overall appeal.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on The Crew 2's graphics. Positive feedback highlights its vibrant visuals, impressive track design, and detailed depiction of the US. However, there are criticisms of bland textures, empty open world, and lack of detailing in certain areas. Overall, the game offers impressive graphics with some shortcomings, like repetitive environments and outdated character models.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

44%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Crew 2 are quite varied. Some critics, such as BaziCenter and Stevivor, praise the sound design and effects in the game. Stevivor specifically mentions the exhaust cackle as a standout sound effect that adds to the overall experience. This positive feedback indicates that the game has successfully captured the realistic sounds of vehicles, which can enhance the immersion for players. However, other critics, like Game Over Online and Xbox Achievements, have mixed opinions about the sound design and music. Game Over Online mentions that while the sound design for vehicles is good, other aspects like in-game acting and music are average. Xbox Achievements criticizes the voice acting as woeful and highlights the lack of variety in the soundtrack, resulting in repetition. These criticisms suggest that the game falls short in terms of delivering a fully immersive audio experience, particularly in terms of voice acting and music selection. On the negative side, critics like GamingTrend and Hardcore Gamer are more critical of the sound design and music in The Crew 2. GamingTrend describes the dialogue and voice acting as subpar, creating a cringe-worthy overall presentation. Hardcore Gamer further adds that the soundtrack fails to create the desired racing mood and that the audio detail is lacking. These negative opinions indicate that the game's sound design and music may not meet the expectations of some players, potentially detracting from their overall enjoyment. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while The Crew 2 has some positive aspects in terms of sound design, such as realistic vehicle sounds, it falls short in other areas. The voice acting is frequently criticized as subpar and even rotten by critics like GamingTrend and Impulsegamer. Additionally, the limited variety and repetition in the soundtrack, as mentioned by Xbox Achievements, is another point of contention. These mixed opinions suggest that the sound design and music in The Crew 2 may not be consistently satisfying, leaving room for improvement in future iterations of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of The Crew 2. While some praise the realistic vehicle sounds, others criticize aspects like voice acting and soundtrack variety. Overall, the game struggles to deliver a fully immersive audio experience, with some labeling the dialogue and music as subpar. Room for improvement is evident in addressing these shortcomings for future versions.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

73%

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

The voice acting in The Crew 2 has received overwhelmingly negative reviews from multiple critics. Game Over Online and TheXboxHub both describe the voice work as average and poorly done, lacking any real feeling. GameSpew goes even further, stating that the few story scenes in the game have awful voice acting. This sentiment is echoed by TrueAchievements, who mentions that the voice acting grows tiresome and the skip button is often used. Xbox Achievements and Trusted Reviews both describe the voice acting as woeful and terrible, respectively. These critics highlight the lack of quality and immersion in the voice performances, indicating a clear consensus that the voice acting in The Crew 2 is subpar and detracts from the overall experience. The negative opinions regarding the voice acting in The Crew 2 are further emphasized by the criticisms from GamingTrend, TheSixthAxis, and Impulsegamer. GamingTrend states that the voice acting is often subpar, contributing to the overall poor presentation of the game. TheSixthAxis goes as far as calling the voice acting annoying, suggesting that it is not only lacking in quality but also irritating to listen to. Impulsegamer describes the voice acting as the worst, with stilted and forced delivery. These criticisms highlight the lack of skill and authenticity in the voice performances, further supporting the overall negative sentiment towards the voice acting in the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in The Crew 2 is severely lacking. Multiple reviewers, such as DualShockers and Hardcore Gamer, express their disappointment with the bad voice acting, with Hardcore Gamer specifically mentioning that it hurts the audio experience. The dialogue is described as cringe-inducing by DualShockers, with some of the most cringe-inducing lines heard in a video game. These negative comments from various critics indicate a widespread agreement that the voice acting in The Crew 2 is of poor quality and fails to meet the standards expected in a modern video game.

TL;DR

voice acting

The voice acting in The Crew 2 is unanimously panned by critics for being subpar, cringe-inducing, and irritating. Reviews from multiple sources describe the voice work as lacking feeling, with some calling it the worst they've heard in a video game. Overall, the consensus is that the voice acting detracts from the game's immersion and quality, disappointing players and failing to meet modern standards.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

79%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Technical Performance of The Crew 2 vary across different gaming platforms. On the positive side, Softpedia states that the game is well optimized for PC and runs decently even on older hardware. This suggests that players on PC can enjoy a smooth gameplay experience without encountering significant technical issues. Additionally, Critical Hit mentions that the game is stable on the PS4, with no reported issues regarding technical performance or stability. This indicates that players on the PS4 can also expect a smooth and reliable gaming experience. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics regarding the Technical Performance on certain gaming platforms. Game Debate reports stutter/lag issues and connectivity problems when alt-tabbing out of the game on PC. This suggests that PC players may encounter occasional technical hiccups that can disrupt their gameplay experience. Stevivor mentions issues with being kicked out of the game when turning off the console on Xbox One, as well as inconvenient map navigation. These technical issues can be frustrating for Xbox One players and may impact their overall enjoyment of the game. DualShockers also notes texture pop-in and draw distance issues in city environments on the PS4, which can detract from the visual experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Crew 2 has mixed technical performance across different gaming platforms. While the game is well optimized for PC and runs smoothly on older hardware, there are occasional stutter/lag issues and connectivity problems reported. Xbox One players may experience issues with graphics and world detail, but these could potentially be addressed in future patches. On the PS4, there are occasional technical hiccups such as texture pop-in and draw distance issues, as well as some issues with signposting and tricks not registering. Additionally, the game's requirement for a constant online connection and the presence of microtransactions may also impact the overall experience for players on all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed opinions on The Crew 2's technical performance. PC and PS4 offer smooth gameplay, but PC may have occasional lag and connectivity issues. Xbox One faces problems with graphics and world detail. PS4 experiences texture pop-in and draw distance issues. Overall, technical issues vary across platforms, impacting the overall gaming experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

30%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of The Crew 2 are varied, with some positive aspects highlighted. Game Debate praises the game for its decent spread of different races and disciplines, as well as the inclusion of a season pass and regular updates from Ubisoft, which adds to the replay value. GameSpace also mentions that the game offers a variety of missions and races to unlock, increasing replay value. AusGamers commends the game for offering a lot of different types of vehicles and events, allowing players to sink many hours into it without getting bored. Xbox Tavern also appreciates the robust and entertaining racing experience with a wide variety of vehicles and customization options, which contributes to the replay value. Trusted Reviews notes that the game offers plenty of depth and options for replayability. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the replay value of The Crew 2. Game Informer, BaziCenter, and Slant Magazine all mention the lack of compelling content as a drawback, which diminishes the replay value. Cheat Code Central criticizes the game for relying on grinding and loot boxes to progress, which can make the gameplay repetitive. GamingTrend mentions that the lack of PvP multiplayer experiences and inconsistent mechanics limit the replay value. DualShockers notes that while the open-world map is large, there is not much to do within it, and there is no substantial benefit to exploring. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed regarding the replay value of The Crew 2. While some critics appreciate the variety of races, disciplines, and vehicles, as well as the regular updates and customization options, others criticize the lack of compelling content and the reliance on grinding and loot boxes. The absence of functional competitive multiplayer and the limited benefits of exploration are also mentioned as drawbacks. However, it is worth noting that some critics find the game to be a fun diversion and commend its depth and options for replayability. Ultimately, individual preferences and priorities may influence how players perceive the replay value of The Crew 2.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on The Crew 2's replay value. Some praise its variety of races, vehicles, and updates, enhancing replayability. However, others criticize its lack of compelling content, reliance on grinding, and absence of competitive multiplayer. The game's open-world map is vast but lacks engaging activities. Overall, opinions vary, with some finding it a fun diversion while others see room for improvement.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

19%

Mixed (50-79)

79%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the overall verdict of The Crew 2 are varied. Many critics highlight the positive aspects of the game, such as its handling improvements, variety of disciplines, and open-world freedom. Game Debate recommends the game for motorsport and racing fans, praising its fun experience. GameSpace also praises the game for its open-world feel, variety of gameplay, and enjoyable experience. The reviewer from GameSpew loves the game despite its minor issues, finding it an adrenaline-pumping experience with a wide variety of activities. They recommend the game for those who want a varied dose of arcade racing and a wide open world to explore. Xbox Tavern describes The Crew 2 as much bigger and better than its predecessor, offering a well-rounded and entertaining racing experience. They also mention that it is accessible to players. However, there are also critics who express negative opinions about the game. Game Informer, on multiple occasions, states that The Crew 2 falls short in delivering an engaging experience. They highlight the lackluster presentation and disappointing ambition of the game. Softpedia describes the game as a soulless racing game that doesn't excel at anything but also doesn't fail in any significant way. They imply that it lacks a standout quality. Cheat Code Central states that the game lacks purpose and balance, making it difficult to enjoy. They suggest that the game needs improvement in these areas. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the improvements and enjoyable aspects of The Crew 2, others criticize its shortcomings and lack of standout qualities. AusGamers suggests that if the game could improve its shortcomings and provide a real reason to explore the open-world, it could become something special. GamingTrend mentions that the game is ambitious but suffers from odd game design choices and a lack of PvP. CGMagazine states that the game has potential but falls short due to mediocre driving, poor progression systems, and lack of multiplayer options. The opinions of the critics highlight both the positive and negative aspects of The Crew 2, ultimately leaving the overall verdict of the game up to individual preferences.

TL;DR

Critics are divided on The Crew 2. Some praise its handling improvements and open-world freedom, recommending it for racing fans. Others criticize its lackluster presentation and lack of standout qualities, suggesting it needs improvement. Overall, opinions vary on whether the game delivers an engaging experience or falls short, making the final verdict subjective.

MONSTER

Reviews

166 reviews found

TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Jul 4, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Crew 2 is a big step forward for the series and offers an enjoyable experience with deep progression and rewarding gameplay.

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Digital Chumps

PlayStation 4

Jun 28, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Crew 2 is a beautiful follow-up to the first game, with a lot of content and friendly gameplay. It is a fun and simple racing game that can be enjoyed for a long time.

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Game Debate

Jun 30, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Crew 2 is recommended for motorsport and racing fans. The handling improvements, variety of disciplines, and open-world freedom make it a fun experience. The downsides include the progression system and a slight drop in visual quality.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox One

Jul 1, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Crew 2 is much bigger and better than its predecessor, offering a well-rounded and entertaining racing experience. Despite some issues with map engagement and AI, it ticks many boxes and is accessible to players.

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GameSpew

Xbox One

Jul 2, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer loves the game despite its minor issues and finds it an adrenaline-pumping experience with a wide variety of activities. The game is recommended for those who want a varied dose of arcade racing and a wide open world to explore.

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Game Over Online

Xbox One

Jul 3, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Crew 2 is a notable improvement over the first game in some ways, but also feels like a step back in others. It is a fun time and fans of many kinds of racing will find something to enjoy.

GameSpace

Jul 12, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised for its open world feel, variety of gameplay, and enjoyable experience.

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Critical Hit

PlayStation 4

Jul 2, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Crew 2 is not a bad game, but it requires a considerable investment from its fans. It is a game for the patient and for those who enjoy the scenic side of life. While it has an incredible sense of joy when exploring North America with a garage full of boats, cars, and airplanes, the passion for petrol feels unbalanced and hollow at times.

Stevivor

Xbox One

Jul 2, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Crew 2 adds fun and variety to the racing genre, making it worth checking out even for non-hardcore racing fans.

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AusGamers

Xbox One

Jul 3, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Crew 2 is described as a fun and scrappy arcade racer, but not essential. It is suggested that if the game could improve its shortcomings and provide a real reason to explore the open-world, it could become something special.

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