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CRITIK

The Crew

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

2014

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Crime, Open World, Simulation, RPG, Vehicular, Single Player, Multiplayer, Racing, First Person Perspective

AvailableDec 1, 2014

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One

DeveloperUbisoft Reflections, Ivory Tower

Overview

Get behind the wheel of this revolutionary action-driving game. The Crew delivers a massive open-world United States, full of highways, alleyways, dirt roads and more. Join up with others to take on challenges, or go solo and explore the countryside in a game populated by other real players.

Elsewhere

6.8

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

45%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of The Crew are quite varied. Some critics, such as Attack of the Fanboy and Digital Spy, find the story to be solid and enjoyable. Attack of the Fanboy praises the game for its solid story where the main character is framed for murder and teams up with the FBI to clear his name. On the other hand, Digital Spy criticizes the story for feeling unnecessary in a racing genre where only the slightest bit of context is needed. They describe the story as knockoff Need for Speed with bland, clichéd characters, boring cutscenes, and predictable plot twists. Other critics, like Critical Hit and Game Revolution, have a more negative opinion of the story. Critical Hit finds the story lackluster and lacking character progression for the protagonist. They describe it as a revenge plot with stereotypical characters. Game Revolution describes the story as oversimplified yet convoluted, with short cutscenes that lack character development. They consider it to be a weak aspect of the game. There are also critics who have mixed opinions about the story. Destructoid finds the story surprisingly gripping and relates to it, despite acknowledging its clichéd nature. Eurogamer Portugal criticizes the story for being unoriginal and similar to other racing games, with the player being an undercover FBI agent infiltrating a criminal gang. Game Informer mentions that while the story involves avenging the death of the protagonist's brother, it is cliched. However, following the main path provides some motivation. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of The Crew is generally lacking and clichéd. Critics like Guardian, GamingTrend, and We Got This Covered consider the story to be unengaging, poorly developed, and even terrible. They criticize it for its predictable plot, uninteresting characters, and cheesy dialogue. However, there are a few critics, such as Destructoid and ZTGD, who enjoyed the story and found it gripping or enjoyable. Ultimately, it seems that the story is a divisive aspect of the game, with some critics finding it solid and others considering it weak or forgettable.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on the story of The Crew. Some praise it for its solid narrative about a framed protagonist teaming up with the FBI, while others criticize it for being unnecessary in a racing game, featuring clichéd characters and predictable plot twists. Overall, the consensus is that the story is lacking and clichéd, with some finding it engaging while others consider it weak and forgettable.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

17%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of The Crew are quite diverse. Some critics, like Digital Spy and GamesRadar++, find the gameplay to be enjoyable, with feisty driving mechanics and the option to switch off driving assists. They appreciate the single-player missions and the variety of objectives and tuning options available. Game Informer also praises the satisfying loop of earning car parts, leveling up, and buying different car kits. They find completing skills challenges, story missions, PvP races, and other tests to be rewarding. These positive aspects highlight the potential for an engaging and enjoyable gameplay experience. However, there are also several criticisms regarding the gameplay of The Crew. Critics such as Attack of the Fanboy, Critical Hit, Eurogamer Portugal, Game Revolution, GameTrailers, GamingTrend, Guardian, and Official Xbox Magazine UK express disappointment with the driving mechanics and handling. They mention issues such as inconsistent reactions, unpolished mechanics, floaty handling, spotty collision physics, and a slight latency issue that makes handling frustrating. Some critics, like GamingTrend and PC Gamer, feel that the gameplay feels dated and lacks certain features that have become staples in the genre. The reliance on grinding and frustrating missions are also mentioned as negative aspects by critics like Gameplanet and We Got This Covered. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the enjoyable aspects of the gameplay, others find it lacking and frustrating. The positive aspects mentioned by critics like Digital Spy and GamesRadar++ are countered by the negative opinions expressed by critics such as Attack of the Fanboy, Critical Hit, and GameTrailers. The gameplay of The Crew seems to have potential, but it falls short in terms of satisfying driving mechanics, handling, and mission execution. The lack of variety, unrefined mechanics, and reliance on grinding also hinder the overall experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

The Crew's gameplay receives mixed reviews: Some critics praise its enjoyable driving mechanics and missions, while others criticize its unpolished handling and frustrating missions. Positive feedback highlights engaging features like car customization and progression, but negative opinions point out issues with dated gameplay and lack of essential features. Overall, opinions on The Crew's gameplay vary, with potential overshadowed by shortcomings in mechanics, handling, and mission design.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

15%

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 are quite varied. Some critics praise the game for its arresting vistas, beautiful set pieces, and impressive open-world depiction of America. Gameplanet, for example, commends the game for its graphics and visual design, highlighting the "arresting vistas and beautiful set pieces." Eurogamer also applauds the game's world design, describing it as hand-crafted with appropriate architecture, distinctive buildings, and local flora and fauna. They mention magical moments like descending from the mountains and glimpsing Las Vegas for the first time. Impulsegamer adds that the game has decent graphics with great car models, realistic lighting and weather effects, and a well-replicated US map. However, there are several criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of The Crew. Some critics mention that the game sacrifices visual fidelity for the expansive world and suffers from tardy textures, lack of detail, and poor image quality. Digital Spy suggests that Ubisoft may have bitten off more than it could chew, as the game sacrifices visual fidelity to fit the huge and diverse environment. GamingTrend criticizes the graphics for being generic, repetitive, and devoid of personality, with a map design that is described as lazy and misleading. They point out large areas of empty space and generic towns that don't differentiate themselves. Softpedia notes that the visuals are plagued by jagged edges, low-resolution textures, and object pop-in, making the overall visuals unimpressive. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the game's visuals and open-world design, others criticize it for lacking detail, sacrificing visual fidelity, and having generic and repetitive graphics. The game's representation of America and its sprawling landmass are often praised, but the execution falls short in terms of graphical quality and consistency. The game's graphics are described as a mixed bag, with some elements feeling last-gen while others are visually appealing. The Crew's graphics and visual design seem to be a point of contention among critics, with some finding them impressive and others finding them lacking.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on The Crew's graphics and visual design. Some praise the game for its stunning vistas and open-world depiction of America, while others criticize it for sacrificing visual fidelity, tardy textures, and generic graphics. The game's representation of America is lauded, but its execution falls short in terms of consistency and detail. Overall, The Crew's graphics are a mixed bag, with some elements feeling last-gen and others visually appealing, sparking debate among critics.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

14%

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 are varied. Some critics have praised certain aspects of the sound design and music, while others have pointed out some shortcomings. GamesRadar++ commends the strong voice acting in the game, although they note that minor characters sometimes emphasize the wrong words. Impulsegamer also appreciates the voice acting, stating that the main character's voice works well enough. They also mention that the sound effects are good, although they can be tinny at times. Xbox Achievements highlights the good car sounds in the game, which adds to the immersive experience. ZTGD praises the well thought out soundtrack and stylish GPS presentation. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Crew. Guardian criticizes the poor audio mix, stating that it fails to convey a powerful engine note. They also express disappointment in the limited selection of radio tracks. Official Xbox Magazine UK finds the overall sound design underwhelming, despite praising the current soundtrack. Overall, the critics have mixed opinions about the Sound Design and Music of The Crew. While there are positive aspects such as strong voice acting, good sound effects, and a well thought out soundtrack, there are also criticisms of poor audio mixing, limited radio tracks, and underwhelming sound design. Softpedia mentions that the environmental sounds are not great and many cars sound the same. Taking into account the various opinions, it can be concluded that the sound design and music in The Crew have both strengths and weaknesses, resulting in a mixed consensus among the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on The Crew's Sound Design and Music. Positive aspects include strong voice acting and a well thought out soundtrack, but there are criticisms of poor audio mixing and limited radio tracks. While some praised the car sounds and sound effects, others found the overall sound design underwhelming. The consensus is that The Crew's sound design and music have both strengths and weaknesses.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

55%

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

The voice acting in The Crew has received mixed reviews from critics. One positive aspect that stands out is the inclusion of Troy Baker, a popular voice actor known for his solid performances. Attack of the Fanboy and Impulsegamer both mention that Baker lends his voice to the main character, providing a strong performance. This adds credibility to the overall voice acting in the game. However, there are several negative opinions regarding the voice acting in The Crew. Gameplanet criticizes the voice acting for not being able to elevate the dialogue above its "dudebro trappings," suggesting that it lacks depth and nuance. Guardian goes further to say that the dialogue feels uninspired and lacks engagement, comparing it to a rejected script from The Fast & The Furious. Official Xbox Magazine UK also indicates that the voices can be muted and cutscenes can be skipped, implying that the voice acting is not well-received by players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in The Crew is a mixed bag. While Troy Baker's performance is praised, the dialogue and script are often criticized for being mediocre and unimpressive. GamesRadar++ acknowledges that the voice acting is strong, but it is let down by the quality of the script. NowGamer points out that the repetitive and annoying dialogue from other characters in the game hampers the overall experience. Xbox Achievements suggests that, apart from Baker, the voice acting feels phoned-in. Despite some positive aspects, the general sentiment is that the voice acting in The Crew does not reach its full potential and fails to fully engage players.

TL;DR

voice acting

TLDR: The voice acting in The Crew has divided critics, with praise for Troy Baker's performance but criticism for lackluster dialogue and uninspired script, leading to a mixed bag of opinions and an overall sense of unfulfilled potential and disengagement for players.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

42%

Negative (0-49)

47%

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

The technical performance of The Crew on the PS4 platform has received mixed reviews from critics. Some critics, such as Critical Hit and Digital Spy, have highlighted the game's heavy reliance on online integration, which can be problematic when servers go down or there are connection issues. This can make multiplayer gameplay difficult or even impossible. Additionally, GameTrailers mentioned intermittent performance issues, constant pop-in, and bugs like getting stuck on loading screens. These technical issues can detract from the overall experience of the game. However, PlayStation Universe noted that despite a shaky launch, the game has become fairly solid online with few issues. This suggests that some of the initial technical problems have been addressed through patches and updates. On the PC platform, the technical performance of The Crew has also faced criticism. PC Gamer mentioned initial connection losses and crashes, but noted that these issues have cleared up after the turbulent launch week. The absence of loading times across the enormous map is impressive, but the overall fidelity of the game is lacking. PC Games also highlighted technical shortcomings and frustrating driving physics. These negative aspects can impact the gameplay experience for PC players. On the Xbox One platform, the technical performance of The Crew has received both positive and negative feedback. God is a Geek described the technical performance as technically brilliant, with no loading screens and only a momentary pause when fast traveling. This positive aspect of the game enhances the immersion and fluidity of the gameplay. However, Softpedia mentioned online errors, surprise maintenance periods, and endless loading as major technical issues. Xbox Achievements also noted flaws in physics and AI, as well as an annoying GPS-nav line. These negative aspects can hinder the overall enjoyment of the game for Xbox One players. Overall, the critics' consensus on the technical performance of The Crew is that it has had its fair share of issues across all gaming platforms. While some technical problems have been addressed through patches and updates, there are still lingering issues such as connection problems, long load times, and occasional disconnections from servers. The game's heavy reliance on online integration has also been a point of criticism, as it can make multiplayer gameplay difficult or even unplayable. However, there are positive aspects, such as the absence of loading screens on the Xbox One platform and the solid online performance mentioned by PlayStation Universe. Ultimately, players should be aware of the potential technical issues when considering playing The Crew.

TL;DR

technical performance

The Crew's technical performance on PS4, PC, and Xbox One platforms has faced mixed reviews. Critics highlighted issues like online integration problems, performance issues, bugs, and connection troubles. While some problems have been fixed through updates, lingering issues remain. Positive aspects include no loading screens on Xbox One and improved online play on PS4. Players should be cautious of potential technical issues before diving into the game.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

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 The Crew are quite varied. Some critics, such as Attack of the Fanboy and Destructoid, highlight the game's vast open world and the abundance of missions and races available, which provide plenty of content and activities to engage with. The opportunity to form crews and participate in multiplayer events also adds to the replay value, according to Destructoid. Additionally, Impulsegamer mentions that playing with friends can provide a fresh experience each time, while Softpedia praises the game for its huge world, challenges, and content. On the other hand, there are critics who express concerns about the replay value of The Crew. Digital Spy criticizes the online element as redundant, while GameTrailers mentions lackluster MMO mechanics that limit the game's replay value. NowGamer points out that driving long distances can become dull, and Official Xbox Magazine UK highlights the poor economy and shoddy car handling as factors that make it difficult to have a desire to play for extended periods of time. Gameplanet also criticizes the reliance on grinding and locked content behind level requirements, which can hinder the replayability of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Crew offers a vast open world with a variety of missions, races, and challenges, providing a significant amount of content to engage with. The game's leveling system, customization options, and the ability to play with friends or form crews are mentioned as positive aspects that contribute to the replay value. However, there are concerns about certain aspects of the game, such as the lackluster MMO mechanics, dull long-distance driving, and the reliance on grinding and locked content. Despite these criticisms, the majority of critics acknowledge that The Crew does provide a substantial racing experience and offers enough content to keep players engaged for a significant amount of time.

TL;DR

replay value

The Crew offers a vast open world with missions and races, providing plenty of content and activities for replay value. Critics praise multiplayer events and playing with friends for fresh experiences. However, concerns include lackluster MMO mechanics, dull driving, and grinding hindering replayability. Overall, the game offers a significant racing experience with some flaws.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

84%

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 are varied. Some critics, such as Destructoid and Digital Spy, found the game to be enjoyable despite its shortcomings. They praised the vast open-world and enjoyable gameplay, which made up for its flaws. Additionally, Eurogamer Portugal and Eurogamer commended the game's ambitious scope and authentic game world, although they acknowledged its lack of polish and missed opportunities. PlayStation Universe also highlighted the solid open-world racing experience, impressive graphics, and good replay value. However, there were several negative aspects of The Crew that critics pointed out. Attack of the Fanboy and Critical Hit both criticized the game for its frustrating missions, punishing AI, and reliance on online connectivity. They felt that the game fell short of its ambitions and failed to deliver a satisfying racing experience. Game Revolution mentioned that the game was let down by bloated content, MMO elements, and a weak story. GamingTrend criticized the handling, map design, and co-op mode, describing the game as feeling stuck in the past and in need of an overhaul. Softpedia also mentioned lackluster story, unimpressive visuals, and technical issues as flaws in the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Crew is a game with ambitious ideas and potential, but it falls short in various aspects. While some critics found enjoyment in the game's open-world and gameplay, others felt that it failed to deliver a satisfying experience. The game's reliance on online connectivity, lackluster story, and technical issues were commonly mentioned as drawbacks. However, the vast and varied open-world play area, density of content, and potential for a unique social racing experience were aspects that some critics appreciated. Ultimately, the opinions of the critics indicate that The Crew is a game that may appeal to certain players, particularly those interested in exploring a large open-world with friends, but it may not be recommended for everyone.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on The Crew. Some praised its vast open-world and enjoyable gameplay, while others criticized its frustrating missions and technical issues. The game's ambitious scope and solid racing experience were highlighted, but its reliance on online connectivity and lackluster story were drawbacks. Overall, The Crew offers potential for a unique social racing experience but falls short in delivering a satisfying gameplay experience for all players.

CRITIK

Reviews

112 reviews found

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Dec 15, 2014