[Analysis] #DRIVE Rally: An Imperfect Tribute to the Rally Classics

Reading time: 5 minutes

Release date

25/09/2024

Developer

Pixel Perfect Dude

Gender

Racing, Rally

Platforms

PC (Steam)

Our score

2.5

Are you interested?

Visit the Steam page

Table of Contents

Graphics and Visual Style
Content and Game Modes
Performance Issues
Questionable Control System
Areas of Improvement
Conclusion

Developed by Polish studio Pixel Perfect Dude,#DRIVERallyIt is presented as an ambitious attempt to recreate the magic of the rally games of the 90s. Currently inearly access on Steam, this title promises a nostalgic experience with a modern twist, but fails to fully achieve its goals.

Graphics and Visual Style

One of the strengths of #DRIVE Rally is its visual approach. Instead of resorting to low-resolution graphics to emulate retro aesthetics, the game adopts a modern style with flat shading and advanced lighting. The vehicles, although not officially licensed, are colorful tributes to rally classics. The environments, ranging from arid deserts to dense forests, are well designed and add to the game's atmosphere.

Content and Game Modes

DRIVE Rally offers an impressive amount of content. With four nations represented (Germany, USA, Finland and Vietnam) and192 tracksIn its early access version, the game does not skimp on variety. Championship mode serves as the backbone of the experience, offering linear progression through different locations and unlocking new cars and customizations.

It is also worth mentioning that, although the number of tracks is enormous, you will notice when you start playing that the vast majority of them are so similar that it feels like you are playing the same track over and over again with just a few slight modifications.

[Analysis] #DRIVE Rally: An Imperfect Tribute to the Rally Classics

Performance Issues

Unfortunately, #DRIVE Rally suffers from significant performance issues. Frame drops are common, especially in more complex scenarios or during moments of intense action. These technical issues not only affect the visual experience, but also negatively impact gameplay, making it difficult to maintain control in critical situations. It's one of the worst things that can happen to you in a racing game.

Questionable Control System

Perhaps the most problematic aspect of #DRIVE Rally is its control system. The physics of the vehicles feel unrealistic, withcars that seem to float on the track as if they were on butter. This lack of weight and grip makes precise driving a constant challenge, not because of the game's intentional difficulty, but because of the lack of consistent feedback from the controls.

The feeling of “floating” over the track takes away from the seriousness of racing and makes it difficult to feel a true connection with the vehicle. Drifting, which should be a crucial element in a rally game, feels artificial and unsatisfying. This disconnect between player and vehicle is particularly disappointing in a genre that relies on the feeling of control and mastery over the machine.

You will see that while playing you will end up many times trying to center the car, going from one side to the other in an uncontrollable way, because also, even lowering the sensitivity of the joystick to the minimum, it is too high and the car moves too much with the slightest inclination of the analog.

Areas of Improvement

In addition to the problems mentioned, there are other areas that need attention. The co-driver's notes, a crucial element in rally games, are often poorly timed or unclear, making it difficult to anticipate corners and obstacles. The user interface also has some bugs and design issues that can be confusing for players.

Oh, and the German co-pilot, it's impossible to stop thinking thatIt seems like Arnold Schwarzenegger is talking to you.

Conclusion

#DRIVE Rally shows ambition and potential, but in its current state, it is far from the definitive homage to rally classics it aspires to be. While its visual aesthetics and amount of content are commendable, fundamental problems in performance and, above all, in the control system, seriously undermine the gaming experience.

For fans of the genre looking for a nostalgic experience, #DRIVE Rally could offer some fun moments, especially if the developers address the most critical issues in future updates. However, in its current state, it is difficult to recommend the game to those looking for an authentic and satisfying rally experience.

The potential is there, but #DRIVE Rally needs significant work on its core mechanics before it can seriously compete in the crowded world of racing games.

#DRIVERally

Positive points

Its modern low-poly style graphics

It's a rally game!

The aesthetics of cars

Negative points

The control system. The car floats and becomes uncontrollable.

Your performance problems. Much heavier and more graphically advanced games run smoothly where it is difficult to maintain stable FPS.

2.5

Regular

Do you want it?

Visit the Steam page