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The Crew Motorfest

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Crew Motorfest
Item: The Crew Motorfest
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, Sports, Multiplayer, Racing, First Person Perspective

AvailableSep 14, 2023

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperUbisoft Ivory Tower

Overview

Welcome to Motorfest! Join a one-of-a-kind festival and enjoy the best experiences car culture has to offer in a beautiful Hawaiian open world.

Elsewhere

7.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Crew Motorfest shines with its vibrant Hawaiian open-world and diverse racing challenges, earning praise for gameplay and scenic landscapes. However, critics slam its weak narrative and cringeworthy dialogue, calling it derivative compared to competitors like Forza Horizon. The game excels in racing mechanics but falls short on story, leaving it feeling shallow overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

81%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

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

The reviews for The Crew Motorfest present a mixed bag of sentiments, particularly regarding its setting and gameplay mechanics. Critics like Digital Chumps and GameCritics highlight the game's vibrant open-world environment set in Hawaii, emphasizing the diverse visual language and thematic playlists that enhance the racing experience. Everyeye.it appreciates the solo challenges called Playlists, which immerse players in various aspects of global automotive culture, suggesting that while the narrative may be lacking, the gameplay offers a rich variety of activities. Additionally, Malditos Nerds and PlaySense commend the game's scenic landscapes and the multitude of racing challenges across different disciplines, suggesting that the festival atmosphere is engaging and visually appealing. However, a significant number of critics express disappointment regarding the game's narrative depth. Areajugones and COGconnected both point out the absence of a compelling story, with the latter specifically mentioning cringeworthy dialogue that detracts from the overall experience. Eurogamer and Gamer.no echo this sentiment, stating that the game lacks a significant narrative and originality, with IGN Adria noting that it feels derivative compared to competitors like Forza Horizon. The criticisms extend to the dialogue quality as well, with GamingBolt mentioning poorly written NPC dialogues, which further diminishes the immersion in the game's world. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a recognition of The Crew Motorfest's engaging racing mechanics and vibrant setting, but there is a clear and consistent critique of its narrative shortcomings. Many reviewers, including GamePro Germany and New Game Network, emphasize that while the racing events are enjoyable, the lack of a strong story and character development leaves the game feeling shallow. Critics agree that the game excels in providing a fun racing experience but fails to deliver a compelling narrative that could elevate it beyond a standard racing title.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Crew Motorfest offers a vibrant racing experience with over 600 vehicles and a structured 'Playlist' system for themed events, appealing to both casual and seasoned players. However, it struggles with bland driving mechanics, frustrating AI, and a lack of depth, leading critics to see it as more of an entry-level title rather than a serious competitor like Forza Horizon. While fun, it ultimately falls short of its potential due to these key gameplay issues.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

68%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

30%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of The Crew Motorfest has been met with a mixed reception, with many critics highlighting its strengths. Reviewers like LaPS4 and Gfinity praised the game for its extensive variety of activities, events, and challenges, as well as the impressive selection of over 600 vehicles. The introduction of a 'Playlist' system, noted by Pure Xbox and Merlin'in Kazanı, adds a structured focus to the gameplay, allowing players to engage in themed races and experiences that cater to different playstyles. Critics such as Twinfinite and Gameblog.fr appreciated the distinct handling for each vehicle and the overall fun factor of the arcade-style racing, which is designed to be accessible for both casual and seasoned players. The inclusion of boats and planes, as mentioned by critics like TechRadar Gaming and IGN, adds an extra layer of variety to the racing experience. However, the gameplay is not without its flaws, as many reviewers pointed out significant issues that detract from the overall experience. Eurogamer and Metro GameCentral criticized the driving mechanics, describing them as undemanding and bland, with a lack of nuance in vehicle handling. AI behavior has also been a common point of contention, with TRG and TechRadar Gaming noting that unsatisfying AI can lead to frustrating racing experiences. Critics like Malditos Nerds and Shacknews echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the game lacks depth in certain modes and that the handling feels less robust compared to competitors like Forza Horizon. Additionally, some reviewers, such as New Game Network and Gaming Nexus, highlighted concerns about the progression system leading to repetitive gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while The Crew Motorfest offers a fun and varied racing experience with its extensive vehicle roster and themed playlists, it is hampered by issues in vehicle handling and AI behavior. Critics like God is a Geek and GameCritics recognized the improvements in gameplay mechanics and the engaging nature of the racing, yet many still feel that the game falls short of its potential due to its arcade-like simplicity and control issues. The game seems to be positioned as an accessible entry point for new players, but it may not satisfy those seeking a more nuanced and challenging racing experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Crew Motorfest boasts stunning visuals of O'ahu, earning praise for its vibrant open world and immersive design. Critics highlight its breathtaking environments and dynamic weather, but technical flaws, such as outdated graphics and inconsistent frame rates, detract from the experience. While the game's aesthetic shines, concerns about performance and a lack of liveliness in the world hold it back from greatness. Overall, it’s a visual triumph with room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

65%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of The Crew Motorfest is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the game's stunning representation of the Hawaiian island of O'ahu. Reviewers from various outlets, such as GameSpew and God is a Geek, highlighted the breathtaking visuals, diverse biomes, and impressive weather systems, contributing to an immersive racing experience. Critics like Pure Xbox and Gfinity emphasized the vibrant and colorful open world, noting the detailed environments and the dynamic day/night cycle that enhances the visual appeal. The game's artistic direction and attention to detail were also commended, with many reviewers appreciating the beautiful lighting effects, particularly during sunrise and sunset, as noted by IGN Portugal and Gameblog.fr. However, the game is not without its criticisms. Several reviewers pointed out technical issues that detracted from the overall experience. Power Unlimited criticized the graphics as outdated, citing poor anti-aliasing and unstable frame rates, especially in busy scenes. Others, like IGN and Eurogamer, mentioned inconsistencies in frame rates and quality, which affected the gameplay experience. Critics such as Shacknews and Malditos Nerds noted that while the environment can be visually stunning, the open world sometimes feels empty and lacks liveliness, with sparse traffic and a lack of NPCs contributing to a lifeless atmosphere. In conclusion, while The Crew Motorfest has received considerable praise for its visual design, showcasing a vibrant and diverse representation of Hawaii, there are notable technical shortcomings that some critics feel hold it back from achieving its full potential. The majority of critics, including those from Gaming Nexus and Digital Chumps, agree that the game's graphics are impressive and contribute positively to the racing experience, despite some concerns about performance and world density. Overall, the consensus leans towards a favorable view of the graphics, with many reviewers appreciating the game's aesthetic achievements while acknowledging areas for improvement.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Crew Motorfest boasts a vibrant and diverse soundtrack with realistic car sounds that enhance immersion, earning praise from critics. However, it's marred by an inconsistent soundtrack, lackluster voice acting, and quirky sound effects that detract from the experience. While the game shines in some areas, there's significant room for improvement in its overall audio cohesion.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

21%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

74%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of The Crew Motorfest have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting several positive aspects that enhance the gaming experience. Many reviewers, such as Areajugones and GameCritics, commend the diverse soundtrack, which includes multiple radio stations and a fitting selection of music genres that contribute to the game's vibrant atmosphere. Critics like GamePro Germany and Gamer.no appreciate the realistic car sounds and engine noises, emphasizing that these elements significantly enhance immersion during gameplay. Additionally, Digital Chumps notes the effective use of voiced dialogue and commentary, which adds personality to the races, while IGN Italia highlights the commendable sound effects and the integration of PlayStation 5 features like haptic feedback. Despite the positive feedback, several critics have pointed out notable shortcomings in the sound design and music. COGconnected mentions that while car sounds are realistic, the soundtrack can be inconsistent, described as "hit or miss." Eurogamer Poland echoes this sentiment, stating that although the soundtrack offers variety, it lacks memorable tracks. Critics like GamesRadar+ and Impulsegamer criticize the voice acting, describing it as artificial, boring, or even annoying, detracting from the overall experience. Furthermore, Power Unlimited points out quirky sound effects during crashes that may disrupt immersion, and Worth Playing highlights excessive voice acting that can become tiresome. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that The Crew Motorfest offers an engaging sound design and music experience, but it is marred by inconsistencies and distracting elements. While many reviewers appreciate the realistic vehicle sounds and the diverse soundtrack, others express disappointment with the quality of voice acting and the memorability of the music. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and IGN emphasize the need for a more cohesive audio experience, suggesting that while the game excels in certain areas, there is room for improvement to fully realize its potential in sound design and music.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The Crew Motorfest features a mixed bag of voice acting; while some critics find charm and passion in select performances, many others slam it as cringeworthy with weak dialogue and annoying AI voices. The lack of Spanish dubbing further limits accessibility, leading to a consensus that voice work is a significant drawback that undermines the game's immersion.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

32%

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

The voice acting in The Crew Motorfest has received some positive remarks from critics, particularly regarding its ability to enhance the overall experience. For instance, Digital Chumps noted that while the voice acting can be stilted, it adds charm and personality to the playlists, which is a sentiment echoed by GameCritics, who praised the voice acting during events for conveying passion for different car types. Furthermore, IGN Italia mentioned that the English voice acting is commendable, suggesting that there are moments where the voice work does resonate well with players. Additionally, some critics, like PlaySense, have highlighted good voice acting, indicating that not all aspects of the vocal performances are lacking. On the downside, numerous critics have pointed out significant flaws in the voice acting. COGconnected described it as cringeworthy with weak dialogue, while GamingTrend echoed this sentiment by criticizing the dialogue for being lacking and at times cringey. Many reviews, such as those from God is a Geek and Metro GameCentral, expressed frustration with the AI GPS system's voice acting, calling it annoying and distracting. Furthermore, GamePro Germany noted the limited extent of voice acting, with only the AI navigation voice being a constant presence, which could detract from the immersion in the game. Critics like BaziCenter and GamingBolt also criticized the NPC voice acting for being poorly written and nonsensical, contributing to an overall negative perception. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in The Crew Motorfest is mixed but leans towards the negative. While some reviewers, such as Digital Chumps and GameCritics, found redeeming qualities in certain aspects of the voice work, many others highlighted significant issues, including poor dialogue quality and annoying character voices. The lack of Spanish dubbing, as pointed out by Areajugones and LaPS4, further complicates the experience for non-English speakers, which could hinder the game's accessibility. Ultimately, the voice acting appears to be a weak point in the game, with many critics feeling that it detracts from the overall enjoyment and immersion.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Crew Motorfest impresses with solid performance, especially on PS5 and Xbox Series X, hitting 60fps and smooth gameplay. However, issues like texture pop-ins, freezes, and a mandatory online connection mar the experience across all platforms. Critics call for polish and improvements, highlighting that while the game shows promise, it's not yet a perfect ride.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

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

The technical performance of The Crew Motorfest has received a mix of positive feedback across different gaming platforms. On the PlayStation 5, many reviewers, including Digital Chumps and Hardcore Gamer, praised the game for its solid performance, noting a consistent framerate and effective DualSense integration. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com highlighted that the game maintains a constant 60fps without sacrificing visuals, while Gamer.no and Malditos Nerds mentioned that the game performs well overall, with stable online experiences and responsive car mechanics. On the Xbox Series X, reviewers such as BaziCenter and GamingBolt echoed similar sentiments, reporting smooth performance at 60fps and minimal performance issues. The PC version also had some positive remarks, particularly from Jeuxvideo.com, which noted a stable 60fps, although it faced some criticism for lacking advanced features. However, the negatives for each platform cannot be overlooked. On the PS5, several critics, including GameGrin and Gamereactor UK, pointed out issues such as frequent texture pop-ins, occasional freezes, and visual bugs. The requirement for a constant internet connection was a recurring theme in reviews from Eurogamer and GamesRadar+, with some critics like Impulsegamer and TechRadar Gaming noting that this model could lead to crashes and instability. For the Xbox Series X, while performance was generally praised, critics like But Why Tho? and GameCrate reported noticeable frame drops and connectivity issues. The PC version also had its share of criticisms, with Gameblog.fr mentioning poor textures and non-functional rearview mirrors, alongside Player 2's comments on missing features like DLSS. Overall, the consensus among critics across all platforms indicates that The Crew Motorfest offers a solid racing experience with commendable performance, particularly on the PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, the persistent issues related to online connectivity, texture pop-ins, and occasional performance hiccups detract from the overall experience. Critics like Power Unlimited and Impulsegamer emphasized the need for further polish, especially regarding the always-online requirement, which could hinder gameplay. While the game shows promise, particularly in its technical aspects and multiplayer stability, the inconsistencies in performance and the reliance on server connectivity suggest that there is room for improvement before it reaches its full potential.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Crew Motorfest receives mixed reviews: critics praise its rich content and replayability thanks to diverse events and structured progression, but many highlight issues like repetitive gameplay and problematic microtransactions that could dampen long-term enjoyment. While some find it engaging, others see it as lacking compared to competitors like Forza Horizon 5.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

34%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of The Crew Motorfest reveal a generally positive sentiment among several critics. Many reviewers, such as IGN Italia and TheXboxHub, highlight the game's abundant content, including a diverse array of events, challenges, and a massive roster of vehicles, which contribute to a highly replayable experience. Critics like GamingTrend and Digital Chumps emphasize the enjoyment derived from the various playlists and ongoing seasonal events that keep players engaged. Additionally, the game's structured approach to gameplay progression through playlists, as noted by But Why Tho?, provides a satisfying way for players to unlock new objectives and challenges, further enhancing replayability. However, despite these positive aspects, numerous critics point out significant drawbacks that impact the overall replay value. Vgames and Metro GameCentral criticize the game for its repetitive nature and lack of engaging content, particularly in single-player modes. Many reviewers, including Impulsegamer and GamingTrend, mention that while the game offers a variety of event types, the experience can become grindy and drawn out, leading to a sense of monotony over time. Furthermore, concerns about microtransactions, as noted by Player 2 and GamingTrend, suggest that the game's monetization strategies could detract from the enjoyment and accessibility of its content. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that The Crew Motorfest has a solid foundation for replay value, driven by its diverse content and structured gameplay. However, the repetitive gameplay and issues with microtransactions and grinding are significant concerns that could hinder long-term engagement. While some critics, like IGN Italia and TheXboxHub, find the game highly replayable, others, such as Vgames and Metro GameCentral, express disappointment in its execution compared to competitors like Forza Horizon 5. This mixed reception indicates that while The Crew Motorfest has potential, it may not fully realize it for all players.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

52%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding The Crew Motorfest is a blend of appreciation for its strengths and criticism of its weaknesses. Many critics highlight the game's impressive visuals and diverse content, particularly praising its vibrant open-world setting inspired by Hawaii. For instance, IGN Adria mentions that the game shows promise and represents a step forward for Ubisoft's racing sandbox genre. Similarly, GameGrin and Hardcore Gamer commend the title for its engaging gameplay and improved car handling, with the latter calling it the best entry in the series to date. Critics like Eurogamer Poland and GamePro Germany also recognize the game as a solid arcade racing experience that competes favorably with Forza Horizon, showcasing a variety of vehicles and activities that cater to racing enthusiasts. Conversely, several reviewers express disappointment in the game's execution, particularly regarding its lack of polish and originality. Metro GameCentral's score of 5/10 encapsulates this sentiment, describing the game as a "pub band cover version" of its more successful counterpart, Forza Horizon 5. Critics like TRG and Power Unlimited point out issues such as rough vehicle handling, technical problems, and a lack of depth that prevent the game from truly standing out in the racing genre. Additionally, concerns about microtransactions and a confusing campaign structure are echoed by IGN and other reviewers, indicating that these elements detract from the overall experience. In summary, the consensus among critics is that while The Crew Motorfest offers an enjoyable and visually appealing racing experience, it ultimately falls short of its potential due to various technical and design shortcomings. Many reviewers, including LaPS4 and LevelUp, acknowledge the game's entertainment value and potential for future updates, suggesting that it could improve over time with continued support from Ubisoft. However, the overall impression remains mixed, with a significant number of critics feeling that it does not quite reach the heights of its inspirations, leaving it as a competent but flawed entry in the racing genre.

TL;DR

The Crew Motorfest garners mixed reviews: praised for its stunning visuals, expansive world, and engaging gameplay, yet criticized for lack of polish and originality. While some hail it as a strong competitor to Forza Horizon, others call it a mediocre imitation plagued by technical issues and confusing mechanics. Despite its entertainment value, many feel it doesn't fully realize its potential, though there’s hope for improvement with future updates from Ubisoft.

MONSTER

Reviews

141 reviews found

Gaming Age

PlayStation 5

Sep 26, 2023

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

The review states that The Crew Motorfest is a big step up from the prior games in the series and gives hope for additional variety in open world racers. The limited fast travel system and server timeout are mentioned as minor complaints.

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Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Sep 20, 2023

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

The Crew Motorfest excels in gameplay, graphics, and replay value, offering a diverse and engaging racing experience in the beautiful setting of Hawaii, with solid technical performance and a focus on car culture and history.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Sep 19, 2023

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

The Crew Motorfest is praised as a brilliant racer, offering a dream experience for open-world motorsport fans. It competes well with Forza Horizon and is recommended for adrenaline junkies.

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GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Sep 15, 2023

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

The review praises The Crew Motorfest as the best entry in Ubisoft's open-world racing game series yet, with stunning visuals, rewarding gameplay, and a smile-inducing experience. It is compared to Forza Horizon 5 and suggested to potentially beat it in numerous ways.

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Twinfinite

PlayStation 5

Sep 22, 2023

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

The game is described as a fun and enjoyable experience, although not groundbreaking or original. It is worth the player's time.

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SomosXbox

Xbox Series X

Sep 19, 2023

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

The Crew Motorfest surprises and exceeds expectations, serving as a spiritual successor to the TDU series. It delivers a satisfying arcade racing experience with room for improvement in certain aspects, offering a variety of races and challenges, competitive gameplay, and unique online modes.

GameGrin

PlayStation 5

Sep 21, 2023

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

The Crew Motorfest is a great arcade racer with fantastic visuals, improved car handling, and a wealth of content to keep players busy.

GameCritics

PlayStation 5

Oct 27, 2023

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

The Crew Motorfest is praised for its exceptional improvements over its predecessor, offering a top-tier racing experience with a variety of content and pitch-perfect gameplay. It sets a new standard for open-world racers and competes with the best in the genre.

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XboxEra

Xbox Series X

Sep 24, 2023

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

Exciting racing experience with some shortcomings in side activities and loot system. A delightful arcade racer that fans of the genre should try, with ongoing content updates expected from Ubisoft.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Sep 15, 2023

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

The Crew Motorfest offers an alluring alternative to other racing games, with rewarding gameplay, stunning visuals, and fantastic online play.

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