Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
The Early Access Launch
The highly anticipated Assetto Corsa EVO has finally hit the virtual track with its early access release on January 16th, 2025. Sim racing enthusiasts around the world have been eagerly awaiting this next-generation title from renowned developer Kunos Simulazioni, hoping for a worthy successor to the beloved Assetto Corsa franchise. After diving into the initial offering, it’s clear that AC EVO has the potential to become a defining racing simulator, even if this early version feels more like a tantalizing appetizer than a fully satisfying meal.
The Streamlined Interface
Firing up AC EVO for the first time, you’re greeted by a streamlined interface reminiscent of Assetto Corsa Competizione. The clean menus and intuitive navigation will feel instantly familiar to ACC veterans, allowing you to quickly jump into the driver’s seat. The garage and car setup screens maintain this design language, prioritizing function over flashy visuals. While some may yearn for a grander spectacle, the no-nonsense approach keeps the focus squarely on the driving experience.
Tracks and Cars in Early Access
At this early juncture, AC EVO provides a curated selection of five iconic circuits and twenty meticulously crafted cars. The track roster includes favorites like Brands Hatch, offering a diverse array of challenges to test your skills. Whether you’re threading the needle through Paddock Hill Bend or bravely holding the throttle down Hawthorn Hill, these virtual renditions capture the essence of their real-world counterparts. The laser-scanned accuracy and attention to detail are evident at every turn, laying a solid foundation for the game’s future expansion.
The car list, while not exhaustive, covers a broad spectrum of automotive excellence. From the plucky Abarth 595 to the sultry Ferrari 296 GTB, there’s a mount to suit every taste and skill level. Each vehicle has been lovingly recreated, with painstaking attention paid to both visual fidelity and mechanical authenticity. The artistry under the hood is matched by the glossy sheen of the bodywork, showcasing Kunos Simulazioni’s commitment to both form and function.
The Driving Experience
Sliding behind the wheel, it’s clear that AC EVO builds upon the physics pedigree of its predecessors. The simulated machinery responds to inputs with a reassuring weightiness, communicating a palpable sense of connection through the force feedback. Tires deform convincingly over kerbs, weight shifts perceptibly during cornering, and the steering communicates a nuanced narrative of grip and slip. Whilst not quite as viscerally intense as ACC, the handling model feels grounded and gimmick-free, rewarding precision and punishing overexuberance.
AI Improvements
Speaking of overexuberance, the AI opponents in AC EVO are a revelation compared to their occasionally erratic counterparts in ACC. No longer suicidal dive-bombers, these virtual racers attack and defend with a convincing semblance of self-preservation. They deftly navigate the track limits, opportunistically exploit your errors, and stoically hold their line when side-by-side. The resulting battles feel both hard-fought and fair, adding spice to the single-player experience while we await the multiplayer mode.
Graphics and Performance
Graphically, Assetto Corsa EVO marks a subtle but generational leap forward from its predecessors. The tracks pop with crisper textures, more nuanced lighting, and finer environmental details. The car models are equally impressive, boasting intricate interiors and paint that gleams convincingly beneath the simulated sun. Trackside objects have received a significant upgrade too, with vegetation, barriers, and buildings all benefiting from higher polygon counts and improved materials. However, some compromises are still evident, with low-resolution spectators somewhat marring the otherwise convincing ambiance.
All this visual splendor comes at a cost. The steep system requirements have raised eyebrows, with even powerful rigs struggling to maintain a steady 60 frames per second on maximum settings. Optimization is clearly an ongoing process, and those with more modest hardware may need to make significant visual sacrifices for the sake of smooth gameplay. Virtual reality and triple-screen support, while nominally present, seem to require further refinement before they can be considered truly viable.
The Missing Multiplayer
Of course, the elephant in the room is the lack of multiplayer at launch. Assetto Corsa thrived on its vibrant online community, with drivers of all skill levels filling the servers to race, learn, and socialize. The decision to delay multiplayer until autumn feels like a misstep, potentially dampening the game’s momentum and longevity. AC EVO’s single-player offering is engaging in its own right, but it’s the thrill of human competition that will ultimately keep sim racers coming back for more.
The Road Ahead
Despite these early access limitations, Assetto Corsa EVO brims with potential. The core driving experience is solid and satisfying, the visual presentation is a marked improvement, and the AI provides a worthy challenge in lieu of human opponents. While it may not yet be the definitive sim racing package, it’s a promising first lap for Kunos Simulazioni’s ambitious new title.
In the coming months, AC EVO will undoubtedly evolve and expand. More tracks and cars will flesh out the roster, new features and refinements will be implemented, and the physics and AI will be honed to perfection. The early access period is a time for the developers to gather feedback, squash bugs, and shape the game into the sim racing powerhouse it aspires to be.
Conclusion
For now, Assetto Corsa EVO offers a tantalizing glimpse into the franchise’s future. It’s a work in progress, but the passion and pedigree behind it are undeniable. As the journey from early access to version 1.0 unfolds, sim racers will be watching with bated breath, eager to see how this bold new contender evolves. If Kunos Simulazioni can harness the feedback, optimize performance, and deliver on their ambitious vision, Assetto Corsa EVO could be destined for pole position in the hearts and minds of virtual motorsport enthusiasts around the world. If you want to try grab yours for 20% discount on Steam until 31st of January 2025