The Crew Motorfest (Switch 2) Review – A Roadblock to Greatness

The Crew Motorfest

Although the Nintendo Switch 2 has some incredible kart racers, there are no strong contenders that stand out as a straight-up driving game. Ready to take that spot and drift into pole position is The Crew Motorfest. Boasting a range of vehicles and race types, the game aims to be the complete package, offering something for every racing aficionado. Will this speed past its competition to take the chequered flag, or will it lose control and skid off the track?

Originally released in 2023, The Crew Motorfest is the third entry in the franchise, which aims to rival titles such as Forza Horizon. Shifting from mainland America to Hawaii, you get to drive around the beautiful island, taking part in a variety of races. The environment is brimming with personality, showcasing the rich heritage and diverse terrain of the state. From volcanic beaches to stunning coastal roads, it’s a picturesque setting, which is a thrill to explore from behind the wheel.

A Celebration of Motors

Your road trip is structured in the form of playlists, each themed to offer distinct challenges. The sheer variety is incredible. Events range from skidding through muddy off-road terrain to speeding along modern highways in high-octane races in high-performance cars. Each form of driving feels unique, ensuring that every playlist offers a fresh experience. This also bleeds into vehicle types, as the traction on each surface affects the handling, providing new challenges at each turn.

In addition to the playlist, there are smaller challenges baked within the world. For example, you’ll come across Slalom gates that require you to veer from each side of the road to earn points. These add variety, adding an element of unpredictability as you venture from one side of the map to the other. The completion of tasks grants you new cars and even more challenges, giving you more reason to stay in the beautiful world.

This is not a hardcore simulator like Gran Turismo or Motorsport; instead, it opts for that fine line between arcade and sim where Horizon lives. Due to this, you can put the pedal to the metal to speed down courses without the worry of losing control; however, you’ll still need to pay attention to the track and follow your driving line to maximise your speed and shave precious seconds off your lap times. Handling is solid, with cars responding naturally to the terrain, forcing you to react to the ever-changing tracks. Although a little slippery at times, it’s forgiving with a rewind feature, which adds to the accessible nature of the game.

Top Gear

Fun is at the forefront. With a nitro boost to send you flying ahead and driving physics that borders on arcade, the game delivers an exhilarating experience that prioritises speed and spectacle over realism. Jumps are dotted throughout, allowing you to take to the air and pull off spectacular stunts. You can also use planes and boats, adding further variety and giving you plenty to do outside of objectives.

Multiplayer options flesh out the experience, allowing you to drive with friends and compete in a range of modes. From huge 28-player races to crew-based competitive demolition matches, there’s absolutely tons to do. However, the main concern is the fact that the game requires a constant online connection. Although this isn’t an issue when playing in the comfort of your own home, it becomes problematic when taking the game out and about. Without an internet connection, you can’t play, forcing you to rely on a mobile hotspot. However, any disruption to the connection will kick you out of the game, creating an inconsistent and frustrating experience on the go.

The Switch 2 edition plays at a strong 30 frames per second. While there are odd dips, it’s pretty consistent, leading to an excellent driving experience whether playing handheld or docked. Cross-saves and progression are also available; however, no premium content purchased on other consoles will carry over.

Fast, Fun but With a Major Speed Bump

The Crew Motorfest is the best traditional driving game available on the Nintendo Switch 2. Packed with content, its playlist campaigns make it a joy to pick up and play. The variety on offer is excellent, catering to almost every driving preference. Unfortunately, there’s a huge caveat: the need for a continuous online connection hinders the experience, forcing you to jump through hoops to play on the go. For a console that thrives on its hybrid nature, it’s a shame Ubisoft didn’t make the necessary adjustments to accommodate this. Regardless, fans of the genre will find a quality racer that delivers an exhilarating driving experience.

***A Nintendo Switch 2 code was provided for this review***