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CRITIK

GRID Legends

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of GRID Legends
Item: GRID Legends
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresSimulation, Sports, Vehicular, Single Player, Multiplayer, Racing

AvailableFeb 25, 2022

PlatformXbox Series X, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

DeveloperCodemasters

Overview

What does it take to become a racing legend? Welcome to Grid Legends: a high-stakes driving experience that combines thrilling unpredictable motorsport, incredible race variety, and an immersive driving story that puts you at the heart of the action.

Elsewhere

7.0

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

86%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of GRID Legends are quite varied. Some critics, such as Cubed3 and IGN Portugal, appreciate the addition of a story mode and find it enjoyable and intriguing. They mention that the live-action scenes and documentary-style format add depth and context to the races. IGN Portugal also highlights a big final revelation that adds intrigue to the story. Additionally, GameSpew mentions that the story mode, titled "Driven to Glory," is a welcome addition with live-action story scenes. However, there are several critics who have a more negative view of the story mode in GRID Legends. COGconnected mentions that while the story mode adds emotional drama, the overall story does not fully work. Game Over Online states that the story mode falls short from a storytelling perspective, and Gamer.nl finds the story mode to be weak and the acting overdone. Metro GameCentral even goes as far as saying that the addition of plot and characters ruins the sense of progression in the game. Furthermore, critics like Push Square and GameSkinny find the story forgettable, with one-dimensional characters and lackluster writing. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story mode in GRID Legends has its strengths and weaknesses. While some critics appreciate the effort to incorporate a narrative-driven campaign and find it enjoyable and intriguing, others feel that it falls short in terms of storytelling, character development, and its connection to the gameplay. Critics such as ZTGD and GameCritics mention that the story mode goes on too long and lacks a strong connection to the overall experience. Despite the mixed opinions, there is a general acknowledgment that the story mode in GRID Legends adds an additional layer of context and engagement to the races, even if it doesn't fully succeed in delivering a compelling and immersive narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on the story mode in GRID Legends. Some praise the addition of a narrative-driven campaign with live-action scenes, while others criticize it for weak storytelling and one-dimensional characters. While some find it enjoyable and intriguing, others feel it falls short in terms of connecting to the gameplay and character development. Overall, opinions are mixed on whether the story mode successfully enhances the racing experience in GRID Legends.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of GRID Legends, with many highlighting its enjoyable and consistent driving mechanics. COGconnected commends the game for its tuned driving model that prioritizes fun over realism, while GameCritics finds the racing to be approachable and enjoyable, with accessible controls and a variety of event types. TheSixthAxis mentions the high-octane spectacle of the gameplay, with mixed class races and optional boost gates and ramps adding to the excitement. Additionally, Gamer.nl appreciates the points system that rewards drifting and the Nemesis system that adds drama and rivalries lasting for multiple events. These positive aspects of the gameplay contribute to a thrilling and enjoyable racing experience. However, there were a few critics who expressed some concerns about the gameplay. Gamer.nl found the driving mechanics to be disappointing and lacking authenticity, with a focus on causing and avoiding collisions rather than realistic racing. Screen Rant mentions that certain categories, like 4X4 racing, were not as satisfying as others. CGMagazine points out that incurring costs for causing damage to other vehicles takes away some of the fun. Despite these criticisms, they are relatively minor in comparison to the overall positive sentiment towards the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the gameplay of GRID Legends is very good. The driving mechanics are consistently praised for striking a balance between arcade and simulation, offering an accessible and enjoyable experience. The wide variety of vehicles, tracks, and event types, as noted by GamesRadar++ and Metro GameCentral, further enhance the gameplay's appeal. The Nemesis system, mentioned by multiple critics including Cubed3 and Dexerto, adds thrill and challenge to races by creating aggressive AI opponents and fostering rivalries. While there are some minor drawbacks, such as the lack of authenticity in the driving mechanics mentioned by Gamer.nl, the positive aspects of the gameplay outweigh the negatives. Overall, GRID Legends delivers a solid and enjoyable racing experience that satisfies both arcade and simulation racing fans.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

GRID Legends received widespread praise for its enjoyable and consistent driving mechanics that prioritize fun over realism. Critics highlighted the accessible controls, variety of event types, and high-octane spectacle of mixed-class races with boost gates and ramps. Positive aspects like the points system and Nemesis feature contribute to a thrilling racing experience. While some critics found driving mechanics lacking authenticity and certain categories less satisfying, these concerns were minor compared to the overall positive sentiment. In conclusion, GRID Legends offers a very good gameplay experience blending arcade and simulation elements, with a wide variety of vehicles, tracks, and event types enhancing its appeal.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of GRID Legends, it is evident that the majority of critics were impressed with the game's visuals. COGconnected, GameCritics, God is a Geek, NME, Softpedia, TheSixthAxis, Wccftech, WellPlayed, CGMagazine, GameSkinny, VGC, Xbox Achievements, and Digital Chumps all expressed positive sentiments towards the game's graphics and visual design. They praised the attention to detail, impressive car models, stunning tracks, and the utilization of next-gen console technology. The visuals were described as gorgeous, stunning, superb, and visually impactful. Critics also highlighted specific elements such as the detailed car sounds, realistic damage effects, impressive weather system, lighting, and HDR lighting effects. The mix of real and fictional tracks was also commended for its well-designed variety. However, there were a few critics who had some reservations or minor criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of GRID Legends. Cubed3 mentioned that while the tracks were beautifully recreated, the variety was somewhat hampered by filler in the form of reverse tracks. Game Over Online felt that the game didn't fully utilize newer technology, and Metro GameCentral pointed out that cars looked floaty and detached from the track in the rearview mirror. Pure Xbox mentioned that the game could benefit from more visual variety and event variety. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of GRID Legends are very good. The game was praised for its solid frame rate, visually impactful graphics, and notable graphical improvements over its predecessor. The majority of critics were impressed with the attention to detail, stunning tracks, and utilization of next-gen console technology. While there were some minor criticisms regarding track variety, utilization of newer technology, and occasional graphical hiccups, the overall sentiment leans towards the positive side. Critics such as GameCritics, God is a Geek, and Xbox Achievements specifically highlighted the impressive detail and stunning visuals of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about the stunning visuals and graphics in GRID Legends, praising the attention to detail, impressive car models, and next-gen tech. Despite some minor criticisms about track variety and graphical glitches, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with most critics impressed by the game's solid frame rate and notable improvements over its predecessor.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

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 GRID Legends are quite varied. Some critics, such as COGconnected and GameCritics, praise the sound design, highlighting the great engine sounds and distinct audio experience when switching between perspectives. TheSixthAxis also mentions the inclusion of immersive sound effects like cars smashing together and exploding tires, which adds to the overall experience. Additionally, Wccftech and WellPlayed appreciate the solid soundtrack, with the former even describing it as surprisingly good and intense at times. These positive opinions indicate that the sound design and music in GRID Legends have successfully captured the essence of racing and contribute to the overall enjoyment of the game. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the sound design and music in GRID Legends. Gamer.nl criticizes the audiovisual effects, deeming them excessive and repetitive. Push Square finds the music underwhelming and repetitive, which can be disappointing for players who expect more from a racing game's soundtrack. ZTGD expresses frustration with the audio during the story mode, finding it frustratingly quiet. CGMagazine also points out the lack of music in career mode, which may disappoint players who prefer soundtracks in racing games. These negative opinions suggest that the sound design and music in GRID Legends may not fully meet the expectations of all players, particularly in terms of variety and consistency. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of GRID Legends is mixed. While some critics appreciate the solid sound design, great engine noises, and immersive sound effects, others find the audiovisual effects excessive and repetitive, and the music underwhelming and lacking variety. The positive opinions from COGconnected, GameCritics, TheSixthAxis, Wccftech, and WellPlayed indicate that the sound design and music contribute positively to the racing experience. However, the negative opinions from Gamer.nl, Push Square, ZTGD, and CGMagazine highlight areas where the sound design and music could be improved to better satisfy players' expectations. Ultimately, the overall sentiment leans towards a satisfactory audio experience, but with room for improvement.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on the Sound Design and Music of GRID Legends. Some praise the great engine sounds and solid soundtrack, while others criticize the excessive audiovisual effects and repetitive music. Positive feedback highlights immersive sound effects and intense tracks, but negative feedback points out issues like quiet audio in story mode and lack of music in career mode. Overall, while some aspects enhance the racing experience, improvements could be made for better player satisfaction.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

80%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in GRID Legends are varied. Some critics, such as COGconnected and CGMagazine, praise the actors and describe their performances as solid, believable, and good enough to immerse the players in the narrative. The voice acting in the live-action cutscenes is also commended by Metro GameCentral, who states that the cutscenes are well-acted. These positive opinions suggest that the voice actors in GRID Legends were able to bring the characters to life effectively and create an engaging experience for the players. However, not all critics share the same sentiment. Cubed3 describes the acting in the story mode cutscenes as absurd and over the top, albeit brilliant. Gamer.nl and GamesRadar++ criticize the acting in the story mode, with Gamer.nl stating that it is overdone and lacks believability, and GamesRadar++ describing it as hit and miss. Wccftech also expresses disappointment in the live actors' performances, stating that they are not great. These negative opinions highlight issues with the voice acting, such as inconsistency, overacting, and lack of believability, which may detract from the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the performances of the voice actors and find them believable and engaging, others criticize the overacting, lack of consistency, and overall quality of the voice acting. TheSixthAxis mentions occasional hammy moments in the voice acting performances, while Dexerto points out that the main character lacks depth. The opinions of Pure Xbox and NME also suggest that while the voice acting may not be award-winning, it adds to the overall experience. Considering the varied opinions, it can be concluded that the voice acting in GRID Legends is a subjective aspect that may appeal to some players while leaving others less impressed.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in GRID Legends. Some praise it for being solid and immersive, while others criticize it for being over-the-top and lacking believability. Overall, the voice acting adds to the experience for some, but falls short for others, making it a subjective aspect of the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of the Technical Performance of GRID Legends, the majority of critics had positive opinions across all gaming platforms. On the PlayStation 5, COGconnected praised the solid frame rate and the impressive weather effects. GameSpew highlighted flawless performance, quick loading times, and decent DualSense support, with the added bonus of a 120fps mode for compatible TVs. Gamer.nl, GamesRadar++, NME, Push Square, Wccftech, and WellPlayed all mentioned smooth gameplay and stable frame rates on the PS5, with only minor hiccups and occasional stuttering mentioned by Push Square. These positive remarks from multiple critics indicate that the technical performance on the PS5 is generally commendable. Moving on to the Xbox Series X, AusGamers mentioned occasional frame-rate issues and pop-in on some tracks, but overall, the game ran smoothly. GameSkinny had no major performance issues to report on the Xbox Series X, suggesting a satisfactory technical performance on this platform. Pure Xbox praised the performance of GRID Legends on the Xbox Series X, highlighting the option for a 120hz mode and stating that there was little difference visually between 60hz and 120hz. These reviews indicate that while there may be some minor issues on the Xbox Series X, the overall technical performance is still considered good. On the PC platform, Digital Chumps reported some framerate and graphics hiccups, as well as an issue with the screen getting cut off when using the 'rewind' feature. However, these issues did not ruin the overall experience. Although there were some technical drawbacks mentioned, the fact that they didn't significantly impact the gameplay suggests that the technical performance on PC is generally satisfactory. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the technical performance of GRID Legends is very good across all gaming platforms. The positive remarks from critics such as GameSpew, NME, and Wccftech on the PS5, as well as the generally smooth performance mentioned by AusGamers and Pure Xbox on the Xbox Series X, support this conclusion. While there were some minor issues mentioned by Push Square and Digital Chumps, they did not outweigh the positive feedback from the majority of critics. Therefore, it can be concluded that the technical performance of GRID Legends is highly regarded by the critics.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise the technical performance of GRID Legends on all platforms, with solid frame rates, impressive weather effects on PS5, and smooth gameplay on Xbox Series X. Minor hiccups noted on PC, but overall, the performance is considered very good across the board.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of GRID Legends are generally positive. Many critics highlight the various features and content that contribute to the game's replayability. COGconnected praises the game for offering over 250 career events, 130 possible courses, and a Race Creator mode for creating custom tracks. Game Over Online mentions that the game provides a sense of purpose and keeps players engaged with a "one more race" mentality. GamesRadar++ emphasizes the over 100 cars to unlock and upgrade, as well as the race creator that allows for customization of tracks, events, and car classes. Xbox Achievements also commends the game for its replayability through the Career mode and Race Creator, which offer countless hours of gameplay. However, there are some criticisms regarding the replay value of GRID Legends. GameCritics points out the lack of tracks in both the campaign and race creator mode, which can be seen as a drawback. Screen Rant mentions that while the Race Creator feature provides replayability, the car customization options are not as expansive as other games. Wccftech suggests that the game may become repetitive for some players, and Dexerto states that GRID Legends lacks the longevity and variety compared to its competitors. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that GRID Legends offers a good amount of replay value. The game's career mode, with its numerous events and progression system, is highlighted as a positive aspect by several critics such as Gamer.nl and Push Square. The inclusion of a Race Creator mode and multiplayer options also adds to the game's replayability, as mentioned by Cubed3 and TheSixthAxis. Despite some criticisms regarding the lack of tracks and potential repetitiveness, the majority of critics agree that GRID Legends provides a substantial amount of content and features to keep players engaged and coming back for more.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise GRID Legends for its high replay value, citing features like over 250 career events, 130 courses, and a Race Creator mode. The game's variety of cars, customization options, and engaging gameplay keep players hooked with its "one more race" mentality. While some critics note drawbacks like limited tracks and repetitive gameplay, overall, GRID Legends offers a satisfying amount of content and features to keep players entertained and coming back for more.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

59%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of GRID Legends, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. Let's begin with the positives. Critics such as GameCritics, GamesRadar++, God is a Geek, and Digital Chumps all praised the gameplay experience of GRID Legends. They highlighted its enjoyable racing mechanics, thrilling action, and accessibility for both newcomers and genre fans. The inclusion of a narrative-driven story mode, as mentioned by Xbox Achievements and Digital Chumps, was also seen as a positive aspect, offering an engaging and intriguing experience. Additionally, the graphics and technical performance of the game were commended by GamesRadar++ and Dexerto, who found them to be well-designed, visually stunning, and smooth. On the other hand, there were some criticisms raised by reviewers. The lack of depth in the story and track variety was mentioned by GameCritics, while Gamer.nl and Wccftech felt that GRID Legends did not stand out in the racing genre and failed to offer anything innovative. The integration between the story and gameplay was seen as a weakness by GAMES.CH, and Metro GameCentral found that the addition of plot and characters did not quite work. Furthermore, IGN Portugal and Pure Xbox expressed that the game lacked standout features and personality, respectively. Dexerto also mentioned that GRID Legends fell short compared to its competitors in terms of graphics, longevity, and variety. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that GRID Legends is an enjoyable racing game with solid gameplay mechanics, impressive visuals, and an engaging story mode. The positive aspects, such as the thrilling racing action, accessibility, and technical performance, were widely appreciated. However, there were some criticisms regarding the lack of innovation, depth in certain aspects, and the game's ability to stand out among its competitors. While some reviewers found GRID Legends to be a highly enjoyable racing game, others felt that it fell short in certain areas. Ultimately, it seems that GRID Legends offers a fun and entertaining racing experience, but may not reach the heights of being a standout title in the genre.

TL;DR

GRID Legends impresses with thrilling racing action, engaging story mode, and solid gameplay mechanics, earning praise for its visuals and accessibility. Critics appreciate its enjoyable experience but note shortcomings in innovation, depth, and standing out in the genre. Overall, it's seen as a fun racing game that falls short of being a standout title in the competitive field.

CRITIK

Reviews

110 reviews found

Game Over Online

PlayStation 5

Mar 15, 2022

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

An outstanding racing game that fans of the genre should pick up.

Softpedia

PlayStation 5

Feb 28, 2022

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

GRID Legends is a more refined version of its predecessor and offers an engaging racing experience as an arcade title.

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IGN Portugal

PlayStation 5

Mar 9, 2022

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

Based on the positive comments about the story mode and FMV cutscenes, the overall verdict for Grid Legends seems to be positive.

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Digital Chumps

Feb 28, 2022

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

'GRID Legends' is a damn fun simcade racing game worth your time and money. It has a solid gameplay experience, visually stunning graphics, and a fun and intriguing story.

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Xbox Achievements

Xbox Series X

Feb 24, 2022

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

GRID Legends is a strong offering with a narrative-driven story mode, accessible gameplay, stunning visuals, and good replay value. The achievements require some grinding, but overall, it is an exciting and moreish racing game.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Feb 24, 2022

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

GRID Legends is a wonderful racer that dials down the simulation elements, making it accessible to everyone. It features a fair amount of modes, stunning visuals, and a wide range of cars to choose from.

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GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Feb 25, 2022

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

GRID Legends is a generous and inclusive racing game with impressive moment-to-moment action. However, the career mode and limited multiplayer offerings prevent it from being spectacular.

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PSX Brasil

PlayStation 4

May 7, 2022

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

GRID Legends doesn't do anything particularly new or ambitious, but it adds more content compared to its predecessor. It is still an excellent racing game.

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GameCritics

PlayStation 5

Mar 24, 2022

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

Grid Legends is a winner in terms of gameplay and presentation, but lacks depth in its story and track variety.

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GamesRadar+

PlayStation 5

Feb 24, 2022

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

Grid Legends is a brilliant racer that strikes a balance between realism and accessibility. It offers a variety of vehicles, tracks, and events, and the Nemesis system adds a flavor of danger to each race. The story mode has a disconnect between scripted action and player accomplishments, but it provides an excellent tour of the game. The graphics are well-designed and the technical performance is smooth. Overall, Grid Legends is a highly enjoyable racing game.

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