GT7: full of micro transactions, grindy, and requires a PlayStation
Assetto Corsa: not on game pass (requires purchase). And from reading reviews, doesn’t handle well on controller and made for a wheel. Compromised on console and better on PC due to mod support. Maybe the next game will fix this but who knows
Forza horizon: no track racing. Less realistic physics. Online is a demolition derby
The Crew: Take everything with forza horizon but have it be slightly worse in every way and have Ubisoft make it
Test Drive Unlimited solar crown: Arcade game that’s a disappointing revival of a dormant series
Older Motorsport games: no longer for sale (must find a used disk and have a series x). Worse/dead online and worse physics
Project cars: Dead series
Dirt Rally/EA sports WRC: Rally games, different genre.
GRID: objectively a worse game. Edit: more arcade focused than FM. Worse physics
F1: Great but also more narrow in scope. What if you want to drive other cars?
I keep seeing this argument and I don’t really feel like this game has a viable competitor on console. On PC I can see it. But this game gets a lot of hate when I don’t think there’s much in the way of alternatives. Especially on console with a controller
I have no beef with GRID but it’s physics and driving model put it completely out of consideration for me compared to the others. It’s closer to horizon than Motorsport or GT7
As many problems and bad decision makers FM has, it is and will probably stay it’s own monopoly.
I’m now sparing money for over a year to finally be able to afford a high end PC and play games like Race Room, AMS2, LMU and hopefully soon AC Evo.
The next actual competitor on console will probably be AC Evo, but there has been no console release date yet and it will very likely be a wheel game.
I played ACC on controller and yes it is possible, but not as good as FM on controller, but yes you’re right with the right settings it should be still fun to play.
I’ve debated trying it many times but you have to buy it and the Xbox reviews are mixed, not mixed for being a bad game but mixed saying things like it’s not controller friendly, requires digging in settings, doesn’t run well, stuff like that. So cost of entry combined with console being the secondary platform and controller being the secondary input method (compared to Forza where they are considered primary) keeps me from trying it
It runs just fine on my Xbox Series S. You can easily find controller settings with a quick Google search or through SimGrid or other places. I’ve tried out lots of controller set ups on ACC so you have to find the one that works for you. I have no trouble playing it on Xbox with a controller.
I think the answer to the question comes down to what you (or anyone) is playing the game for. FM certainly has breadth of scope, and imo it’s a good game now, and keeps getting better.
The other games all have merit though, depending on physics preferences, controller vs wheel use, and desire for things like customisation, painting etc.
I’ve put decent time into many of those games, and found enjoyment in some more than others. Interestingly Grid Legends was my first Grid game, and I got a lot of enjoyment out of it.
I didn’t like Motorfest, but there’s lots of people playing it, so that’s just my experience.
Rally has a steep learning curve, but incredibly rewarding and fun. EA WRC is an awesome game.
So my message is more try them all if you have the means. Sure it depends if you have specific preferences, but there’s a lot of good fun to be had in many of the listed games.
In regards to the rally games Dirt Rally was by far the most fun to play. Used a G27 to play that. DIRT Rally 2 was okay. I don’t know if DR 1 had realistic physics compared to DR2 but i know DR2 was the less fun game to play for a variety of reasons. I do recall a ton of low speed rear end slide out which didn’t feel realistic.
I haven’t bothered with EA WRC since i lost faith in codemasters after DR2.
WRC 9 and 10 definitely felt better than DR2 with a wheel and controller.
There’s so many nuances between the rally games it’s really hard to say which is better/best. I tend to describe them as better in certain ways, like EA WRC is most rounded in every way, but I really preferred that rear end drift for RWD in DR2. WRC10 had better 4WD tarmac physics, on par with EA WRC for 4WD dirt/gravel, but the worst for RWD physics.
ACC got a lot of bad reviews initially, much like FM23, maybe look for more balanced reviews from the last 12 months? It’s up there with EA WRC and FM23 as my current most played games, but I’ll admit a couple of years ago I nearly gave up on it with all the crashes and getting booted from lobbies, stuttering etc. All that is fixed now.
Well I still sometimes breakout “Pit Stop” on my Atari 800XL but I am sure most of you would freakout over the 8-bit graphics and single button controller.
That’s a subjective opinion though, you used the word objective (and subjectively yes it’s closer to Horizon than Motorsport)
It doesn’t vibe with you, which is cool, but by your definition that doesn’t make it a worse game.
An objective factor would be number of cars and tracks (both of which are lower than Forza) or the fact that it’s not being updated anymore; things you can put on a list really.
Just arguing semantics, that’s all.
To answer the thread’s question though, here’s another question:
What are you looking for in a racing game?
If you can itemise that, then it’s easier to tick off each game to see which one is closest to your ideal experience.
I play Forza Motorsport and EA SPORTS WRC, that’s all I need to satisfy my driving interests right now. I used to play several of the games listed in the OP, but I’ve had my fill and moved on.
Like others have said, it depends on what you like. I like racing in general, i own every game mentioned here and many that weren’t. Forza Motorsport and the Gran Turismo franchise stand out because of their sheer amount of content and for most thats what makes them the go to racing games on their respective platforms.
In your case you are limited in choice as you seem to be on a single platform and use a controller. Forza Motorsport(this game) has its issues, some will be fixed but realistically most wont. If you enjoy it than play it, if you dont than play it less or play parts that you like.
But truthfully theres more quality racing games than ever to choose from. My philosophy has been to play them all and take what experience i want from each. So if i feel like racing in an f1 or rally car i play those titles. When i want a more simulation style race weekend ill play acc, automobilista 2 and even pcars 2 on occasion.
Every one of these games have their own positive and negatives, none are perfect or at least perfect for me and thats fine.
My honest opinion would be to buy a ffb wheel. I know theres an upfront cost that can be daunting for some. But it opens up a lot more options, even ones youve already played as its a different experience.
I switch between controller and wheel all the time depending on what and how i want to play, its just good to have as many options as possible.
(and subjectively yes it’s closer to Horizon than Motorsport)