Behind the wheel of a fast automobile – Grid Autosport

Grid Autosport was on sale the other day and it was too tempting a deal to pass up. I’ve got Grid and Grid 2 from Steam as well as Dirt 2, 3 and Showdown and they’re all a hell of a lot of fun to play. Grid Autosport seemed to cause a divide though. Was it too arcade or was it too much simulation?

I found it to be wildly entertaining! It is far less arcade style than the previous Grid games and is more closely aligned with the experience you get in F1 2013 or F1 2013. I spent almost all of my time in the Touring discipline and it’s quite challenging. It’s not easy to get and hold a high position in a race. Small mistakes will cost you a ton of time and wildly slinging the car with complete disregard for damage won’t get you anywhere. I saw my chance for an overtake in a tight turn and used my car like a battering ram. I ricocheted off my competitors and shoved my way into an open slot. A lap later the right front wheel was shot to hell and the steering was ruined. The car so out of alignment I couldn’t finish.

Seems you have to use a bit of skill, timing, strategy and some luck in order to gain positions in this one. My battering ram approach didn’t work out so well. Let me rephrase, it did work out, just not over the long term. Looks like I’ll need to improve my driving skills.

The graphics are excellent as is the sound. It’s a very good experience and oddly I think this is more along the lines of what Assetto Corsa is trying to put together. Except this game can brake in the turns correctly. It definitely needs a more refined touch in order to race effectively. It’s a great deal of fun, but far more challenging than the other titles. Going through a Season of racing should have you on the edge of your seat looking for an opportunity to make up some ground and throwing your hands in the air when a minor mistake costs you several positions. Nitrous won’t help you recover lost ground from a poorly timed turn.

I’m not a huge fan of all the "Power Packs" and add-ons available for Grid Autosport. This is far too much like the nickel and dime mentality of Electronic Arts and no one should follow that model. That didn’t stop me from enjoying this game, I just think it’s a terrible model to follow.

If you just want go get behind the wheel and tear up the track you’ll be frustrated with Grid Autosport. You’d be better off with Dirt 2, Dirt Showdown or Next Car Game. However, if you want to race through seasons where timing and strategy can win a race, then Grid Autosport will make you happy. I got this on sale and am very satisfied with the purchase.