Title: Assetto Corsa Competizione
Developer: Kunos Simulazioni, Publisher: 505 Games
Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox, PC
Released: 29 May 2019 PC, 23 June 2020 PS4, Xbox One
24 February 2022 PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Article Reading Time: 10 minutes
Sim Racing Experience at its best with Assetto Corsa Competizione
Stepping into “ACC” was like discovering a new world in sim racing – a blend of precision, challenge, and the pure thrill of GT racing. After logging over 200 hours, my journey through this game has been as demanding as it has been rewarding. It’s less about crossing the finish line and more about enjoying every twist and turn the tracks of this racing marvel offer.
The First Gear – Grasping the Essence of Realism
Firing up the game, I was immediately struck by its relentless commitment to authenticity. This wasn’t your average racing game; it was a gateway into the racing universe, demanding respect and skill at every corner. The game doesn’t just hand you victories; it makes you work for them.
The Selection of Steel Steeds
Picking your car in “Assetto Corsa Competizione” is like choosing a dance partner for tango on the tarmac. Each vehicle, from the Ferrari’s raw power to the McLaren’s agility, promises a unique experience. And the Porsche, what a beast! It’s challenging to master, but it’s an unparalleled drive for those in sync with its rhythm.
Mastering GT Monsters
Taming the 500-600 horsepower giants this game throws at you is no small feat. It’s a test of patience and skill. Each lap is a new lesson, a deeper dive into the car’s physics and behavior. You’re not just driving; you’re mastering the art of racing.
Building Skills, Lap by Lap
Improving your skills here is a gradual but incredibly fulfilling process. From perfecting a clean lap to handling complex multi-car races, every session pushes you further. The game’s detailed design ensures that with every lap, you’re not just improving; you’re becoming one with the essence of GT racing.
An Audiovisual Racing Heaven
The sensory experience of the game is nothing short of spectacular. Each element adds to the realism, from the perfectly crafted car models to the captivating tracks. And with my G923 wheel setup, every turn, bump, and acceleration was more than felt; it was lived. It’s not just racing; it’s a gritty sound you will like.
Mastering the Art of Precision Racing
In “Assetto Corsa Competizione,” the race track is more than a stretch of asphalt; it’s a canvas where skill and strategy create victory. Delving deeper into the game, I realized each car requires a driver and an artist at the wheel.
The Strategy Behind the Wheel
Selecting a car in this game feels like choosing a partner for a high-stakes dance. Each vehicle, whether a sleek Ferrari or a sturdy Bentley, has its own character. The Porsche, with its notorious handling challenges, demands a mix of respect and boldness. It’s not about conquering the beast but dancing in harmony with it.
The Dance with Speed and Precision
Navigating these automotive giants is a journey filled with challenges and victories. The game tests more than your reflexes; it tests your determination. Mastering the delicate balance of speed and control on tracks like Monza or Spa Francorchamps is a rewarding journey of personal growth. Every lap teaches you more about the car and yourself.
Racing Modes: The Varied Battlegrounds
Exploring the different racing modes, from the immersive Career Mode to the adrenaline-pumping online multiplayer races, each offers its own battlefield. Career Mode is more than a sequence of races; it’s the story of your evolution as a driver. Online races are where your skills are truly tested against opponents with their own strategies and unpredictability.
Attack on Senses
The game’s audiovisual fidelity elevates the experience. The roar of engines, the detailed car models, and the lifelike tracks contribute to the game’s immersive nature. Using my G923 wheel setup, the tactile feedback from each bump and turn on the track narrows the gap between simulation and reality.
The Intricacies of Gameplay and Career Mode
Navigating the robust gameplay of “Assetto Corsa Competizione” has been a path of discovery and mastery. Each session on the track is a unique mix of strategy, skill, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.
Deep Dive into Gameplay Mechanics
At the heart of “Assetto Corsa Competizione” are its intricate gameplay mechanics. The handling of each car is a nuanced dance between driver and machine. The game’s physics engine delivers a lifelike experience, where understanding each car’s quirks is vital to mastering the tracks. Every detail demands your attention, from the car’s weight to the tires’ grip.
Career Mode: A Journey of Growth
Career Mode in “Assetto Corsa Competizione” is more than just a series of races; it’s the story of my development as a driver. Starting with the basics, it leads you through various challenges, each designed to sharpen a different aspect of your racing skills. The progression feels natural yet challenging, pushing me to adapt and refine my strategies with each race.
Realism in Racing
The realism in “Assetto Corsa Competizione” is astounding. Weather changes, tire wear, and fuel management are just some aspects that add depth to the racing experience. Adapting to these dynamic conditions on tracks like Imola or Silverstone has been both a challenge and a thrill.
Feedback and Control
The force-feedback from the Logitech G923 wheel setup adds a tangible dimension to the experience, and I am not talking about DD wheels… Feeling the resistance as I navigate tight corners or the vibration as I push the car to its limits on straightaways brings a deep sense of immersion to the game. It’s not just about seeing and hearing; it’s about feeling every aspect of the race.
Online Racing and Building Skills
Venturing into online racing in “Assetto Corsa Competizione” significantly shifted my sim racing journey. The online realm tests your racing skills, your adaptability, and sportsmanship. Managing the safety rating system is crucial. It’s more than just a number; it’s a testament to your driving etiquette and respect for the racing community. Maintaining a high safety rating as I progressed became a mark of pride, signifying my dedication to clean and fair racing.
The AI competition in this game is impressively sophisticated, offering a realistic racing experience. Each AI driver mimics a human opponent, making every race unpredictable and challenging. This has been key in honing my skills, particularly in strategic overtaking and defensive driving.
The journey of skill improvement in “Assetto Corsa Competizione” is ongoing and detailed. Every session on the track is a chance to refine skills like consistency, car control, and understanding the car’s mechanics. The game’s comprehensive feedback system aids in pinpointing areas for improvement, making the learning process both informative and engaging.
Recent Updates and Community Interaction
“Assetto Corsa Competizione” has constantly evolved, and the newest addition of GT2 in January 2024 is still enhancing the gaming experience. However, my experiences with some updates have been mixed, particularly concerning server downtimes and communication from the developers. Prompt and clear communication is essential for maintaining a solid player-developer relationship.
Despite these challenges, the game has made significant strides, especially in transitioning from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5. The improvements in graphics, smoother gameplay, and increased player capacity in online races are commendable. The differences between the two console versions are notable, with PlayStation 5 offering a more refined and immersive experience.
The community around “Assetto Corsa Competizione” is vibrant and diverse. Interacting with players, exchanging tips, and participating in online races create a sense of camaraderie. The game’s emphasis on community-driven events and competitions further strengthens these bonds.
Classes and Cars of Assetto Corsa Competizione
GT3 Clas – Beginner-Friendly:
Audi R8 LMS & R8 LMS Evo
Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 & Vantage AMR GT3
BMW M6 GT3
Lexus RC F GT3
McLaren 720S GT3
More Advanced:
Audi R8 LMS Evo II
Bentley Continental GT3 (2016 & 2018)
BMW M4 GT3
Ferrari 488 GT3, 488 GT3 Evo, & 296 GT3
Honda NSX GT3 & NSX GT3 Evo
Lamborghini Huracán GT3, GT3 EVO, & GT3 EVO2
McLaren 650S GT3 & 720S GT3 EVO 2
Mercedes-AMG GT3 & GT3 EVO
Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 (2018)
Porsche 911 GT3 R (991) & 911 II GT3 R (991.II)
GT4 Class – Beginner-Friendly:
Alpine A110 GT4
BMW M4 GT4
KTM X-Bow GT4
Maserati MC GT4
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR
More Advanced:
Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4
Audi R8 LMS GT4
Chevrolet Camaro GT4R
Ginetta G55 GT4
McLaren 570S GT4
Mercedes AMG GT4
GT2 Class:
Audi R8 LMS GT2 (2020)
Brabham BT63 GT2 (2023)
KTM X-Bow GT2 (2020)
Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo GT2 (2023)
Maserati MC20 GT2 (2023)
Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport (2019)
Cup Class:
Porsche 911 II GT3 Cup (992)
Super Trofeo
Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO & EVO2
Tracks in the Game
Base Game Tracks
The “Assetto Corsa Competizione” (ACC) base game offers a mid-size variety of tracks, each presenting unique challenges and requiring specific strategies to master.
Brands Hatch: A fast, flowing British circuit characterized by elevation changes and challenging corners. Length: 3.908 km.
Circuit Paul Ricard: Known for its long straights and technical sections, this modern French track also features distinctive striped run-off areas. Length: 5.842 km.
Circuit Zolder: A historic Belgian track featuring tight chicanes and demanding corners. Length: 4.011 km.
Hungaroring: A twisting Hungarian circuit with limited overtaking opportunities, emphasizing momentum. Length: 4.381 km.
Misano World Circuit: An Italian track with fast corners and a tight final section. Length: 4.226 km.
Monza: The legendary “Temple of Speed” in Italy, featuring long straights and iconic high-speed corners like the Parabolica. Length: 5.793 km.
Mount Panorama Circuit (Bathurst): A challenging Australian street circuit known for significant elevation changes, narrow sections, and unforgiving barriers. Length: 6.213 km.
Nürburgring: This famed German circuit boasts an incredibly long layout, a vast mixture of corners, and the potential for unpredictable weather. Length: 5.148 km.
Silverstone: A historic British track with fast, sweeping corners and challenging complexes. Length: 5.891 km.
Spa-Francorchamps: A legendary Belgian circuit featuring iconic corners like Eau Rouge and Raidillon, long straights, and elevation changes. Length: 7.004 km.
Zandvoort: A revamped Dutch track with banked corners, an undulating layout, and challenging blind crests. Length: 4.259 km.
British GT Pack DLC Pack
Donington Park: This flowing British track features fast corners and the challenging Craner Curves. It is a 4.020 km circuit that combines high-speed sections and complex bends.
Oulton Park: This is a tight, undulating British circuit with significant elevation changes and limited overtaking opportunities. It stretches over 4.339 km and is renowned for its picturesque setting and challenging layout.
Snetterton: Known as a high-speed British track, Snetterton combines long straights with technical corner complexes. The track is 4.779 km long and offers a blend of fast corners and heavy braking zones, making it a test of speed and technical skill.
Intercontinental GT Pack
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit: A South African track known for its fast sweeping corners, notable elevation changes, and a demanding final sector. Length: 4.522 km.
Laguna Seca: A legendary American track with a fast downhill run and the iconic Corkscrew Corner. Length: 3.602 km.
Suzuka: is a Japanese circuit famous for demanding high-speed corners and a unique figure-eight layout. Length: 5.807 km.
Imola: is a classic Italian track with technical chicanes, a fast back section, and iconic corners like Tamburello. Length: 4.909 km.
Final Thoughts and Personal Rating
Reflecting on my time with “Assetto Corsa Competizione,” I’ve developed a deep appreciation for this gem in sim racing. The game captures the essence of GT racing, melding technical sophistication with an engaging racing experience. Its focus on realism, from the car handling to the dynamic racing environments, sets it apart in the genre.
My rating of the game is exceptionally high. The learning curve is steep but immensely rewarding. The sense of accomplishment in mastering the game’s various aspects, from car control to strategic racing, is unmatched. “Assetto Corsa Competizione” is more than a game; it’s a tribute to the spirit of racing.
“Assetto Corsa Competizione” offers a rich and genuine experience for sim racing enthusiasts. It’s a game that demands commitment and skill but, in return, provides an unmatched level of immersion and satisfaction. Whether you’re an experienced racer or new to sim racing, this game has something to offer everyone who loves the excitement of racing and has patience and consistency in wheel, pedals, and most importantly – mind.
