The Crew series, developed by Ubisoft, has taken a significant pivot with its latest installment—Motorfest. Known for its compressed, open-world maps, The Crew's new direction clearly draws inspiration from the highly successful Forza Horizon series. However, does Motorfest manage to establish its own identity while borrowing elements from its competitor? This article offers an in-depth examination of various aspects of the game to answer this question.
Core Gameplay: Echoes of Forza Horizon
Image: Ubisoft
Motorfest employs a gameplay concept that may feel familiar to fans of the racing genre—a large-scale motoring festival set in a vibrant host location. The resemblance to the Forza Horizon series is uncanny, right down to the introductory sequences that showcase different racing disciplines. Set on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu, Motorfest utilizes the island's natural beauty to offer a variety of terrains, not dissimilar to Forza Horizon 5's Mexican setting.
Avatar and Race Customization
Image: Ubusoft
Upon starting the game, players are prompted to choose an avatar from a list of new arrivals to the festival. Customization options are available to modify the avatar's appearance. Once the customization is complete, players dive into their first race, initiating their Motorfest journey.